The Rules of Engagement Part I: Thrive by the Word

Pastor Dan's sermon from 5/11/2008
Scripture Reference: Acts 17:1-5
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The new series has begun and I am very excited about sharing what God is teaching me through his Word. We are back in Acts as we follow Paul and his team on their second and third missionary journeys. This sermon, Thrive by the Word, takes a look at Acts 17:1-9 as Paul preaches the gospel to a newly planted church in Thessalonica. Paul relied on the Word of God as the primary means of teaching people about Jesus Christ. We should be following in the early church's footsteps and make sure that we are literate in the knowledge of the Bible.


This past week I ended with a question. What now? You may have been convicted about your own dedication to God's Word by the end of the sermon. I wasn't able to offer too many ideas from the pulpit due to time. But I would like to share a few with you now. How do you start "thriving by the Word".

First off, you have to set a part the time to study the Word--especially if you are either sporadic or non-practicing. Early morning, afternoon, night time? Any time will work. The point is set a part the time and get alone with the Lord. Be still and know that our God is God.

Second, decide where to start. Instead of trying to pick out particular verses that you think "help you", approach the Word of God with the determination to let God speak to you and teach you. The best way to do this is by studying one book at a time. You will learn the themes, the reason why it was written, how it ties to God's covenant with his people, how it points to Jesus Christ as the Messiah. You will also learn many practical truths by studying one book at a time.

Third, write about what you learn. Don't just think about it. Write about it so that you can see your thoughts and knowledge are concrete. I often used to study out loud and I still read my prepared notes out loud when I prepare for a sermon. It is good to hear your thoughts with your own ears. It is good to see what God is teaching you on paper. In the future you will be able to look back to see how God has used his word to transform you.

Fourth, pray. Use the Psalms and pray through them. Yes, you can open your eyes. Take a Psalm each day and pray through them by reading the words and applying them on the spot to your own life.

For instance Psalm 1:1 says, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. For his delight is in the Law of the Lord and on it he meditates day and night." You could pray by reading these words out loud and than applying them to your own situation by offering up to the Lord, "Lord, I pray for your blessing this day, enable me to recognize and flee from those who would counsel me in sin, help me to stay away from my sinful ways and desires, give me the strength to be a strong witness rather than the source of mockery. Lord, I am convicted that I do not always delight in your Word. Speak to me through your Word and help me to delight in it day and night."

If we are to engage the world and engage the trials the Lord has given us we must be standing fast in His Word. His Word is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training us to stand in righteousness so that we might be prepared and equipped for every good work he has prepared for us.

Reading God's Word will not make you any more a son of the Living God than you already are if you placed your faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation. But these times will bless you and draw YOU closer to the Lord as you learn more about his redemptive story. You will be ready to engage what the Lord has prepared for you.