May 16, 2021

Heart Surgery

Pastor: Jeff Bedwell Series: The Journey of Faith Topic: heart, faith Scripture: Hebrews 4:12–13

Series: The Journey of Faith 
Message: Heart Surgery 
Scripture: Hebrews 4:12-13

Unfortunately, there is no human medication that can cure a hardened heart!

Jesus is able and willing to perform a “heart transplant” in our lives

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh,” (Ezekiel 11:19, ESV)

As a skilled surgeon, God uses a precision instrument – the Word of God

Uses Of “The Word Of God”

  1. Written word recorded in Scripture

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20–21, ESV)

  1. Jesus as the incarnate and final Word of God

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1 & 14, ESV)

  1. The message of God that is Proclaimed

And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, ESV)

In the broadest sense, the Word of God is anything that communicates God’s Revealed Truth

Characteristics of The Word Of God

  1. It is Personal

A living Person is revealed in it

“When we encounter the word of God, we encounter God … His word, indeed, is his personal presence. Whenever God’s word is spoken, read, or heard, God himself is there.”   John Frame

  1. It is Powerful

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11, ESV)

  1. It is Penetrating

The Word of God Reveals what is too often Concealed to us

The Word of God not only tells us who God is, but helps us to see Who We Are

“As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgement upon our character and conduct.” Jerry Bridges

What Do I Do With The Word Of God?

  1. Value the gift of Scripture

Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97, ESV)

Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111, ESV)

  1. Immerse myself in the Scriptures

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2, ESV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8, ESV)

Hear – Read – Study – Memorize – Meditate - Apply

  1. Obey the Scriptures

Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,” (Psalm 119:2, ESV)

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15, ESV)

Key Question: What will I do to live this out?

“Those who desire spiritual health should never fear the Word of God or the God of the Word who applies it to our lives.”  Chuck Swindoll

  1. Share the Scriptures

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'” (Romans 10:13–15, ESV)

I will respond to the Word of God with a Surrendered heart or a Stubborn heart

My response will determine the direction and quality of my life now and for all eternity! 

Making it Personal

  • How would you describe the posture of your heart as you respond to the Word of God? What evidence do you look toward to support your description?
  • How are you immersing yourself in God’s Word? How does that practically show up in your daily life?
  • When was the last time you changed something in your life in light of the truth you discovered in God’s Word?
  • How are you sharing God’s Word with others?
  • What is your next step in response to these truths?
  • Who can you share these truths with?

other sermons in this series