A Man’s Word

Psalm 15:1-5; John 1:1-18 / 2 Peter 1:16-21

 

I. A Man’s Word Matters

 

          A. The psalmist connected the integrity of a man’s word with his place in God’s house. A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? (Psalm 15:1)

 

          B. The godly person speaks the truth from the heart.  He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. (Psalm 15:2)

 

          C. The godly person will not let his work hurt another person.  He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. (Psalm 15:3)

 

          D. The godly person cares more about his promise than about what it may cost him to keep that promise.  In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. (Psalm 15:4)

 

          E. The godly person’s word anchors life.  He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15:5)

 

          F. A believer’s faithfulness calls to mind God’s faithfulness.   Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

 

II. Jesus Is God’s Word

 

          A. St. John the Evangelist used the term Word to explain God.  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.  And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:1-5)

 

          B. St. John the Baptist made the same testimony.  There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.  The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.  He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (John 1:6-8) John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. (John 1:15)

 

          C. Just as a man’s word reflects the unity, depth, and integrity of his heart, Jesus reflects the center of God.  Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:  In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:  Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: (Colossians 1:12-15)

                                                                               

          D. Jesus understood personally what it cost to remain faithful to a commitment.  And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39) He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (Matthew 26:42)                       

 

          E. To be like Jesus one must have a fixed and steady purpose to be of one mind about the things of God.    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:8)

 

III. Take God’s Word on God’s Terms

                                                                     

          A. God gave His word to His people.  We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:  Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (2 Peter 1:19-20)

 

          B. The wonderful promises of Scripture focus on Jesus and He illustrates the reliability of God to keep His Word.   Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:1-6)

                                                           

          C. A believer’s word means more to a believer who understands what God’s word means to God.  Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)

 

LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?  In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. (Psalm 15:1,4)