Sermon 256

SERMON 256 — READING GOD’S WORD AND KEEPING IT

Text: Revelation 1:1–3
Approx. Date: Early 1950s
Preacher: G. S. Kok

INTRODUCTION

Revelation begins by emphasizing the origin, purpose, and urgency of the prophecy.The Lord pronounces a special blessing upon those who read, hear, and keep the words of this book.This passage teaches us the importance of Scripture in the life of the believer and the life of the church.

SUBJECT: READING GOD’S WORD AND KEEPING IT

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF READING GOD’S WORD

A. God gave this revelation for His servants
1.It comes from Jesus Christ, through the angel, to John.
2.It concerns things that must shortly come to pass.
3.It is given for the instruction and comfort of believers.

B. A blessing is pronounced upon the reader
1.In early churches Scripture was read aloud to the congregation.
2.The public reader is specially encouraged — a difficult book requires courage and clarity.
3.God promises that reading His Word is profitable and spiritually rewarding.

C. This applies to all Scripture
1.All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
2.All of it is profitable — doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction.
3.Revelation simply highlights this truth with a direct promise.

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF HEARING GOD’S WORD

A. Hearing requires attention and reverence
1.Many hear sounds without receiving truth.
2.Christ repeatedly says, He that hath an ear, let him hear.
3.The blessing falls upon those who truly take the message to heart.

B. Hearing with faith
1.Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
2.The Holy Spirit uses the preached Word to open hearts.
3.The early Christians listened with eagerness and expectation.

C. Hearing involves responsibility
1.To ignore the message increases guilt.
2.To misuse or twist Scripture invites judgment.
3.To receive it humbly brings blessing.

III. THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING GOD’S WORD

A. Not hearers only, but doers
1.The blessing is for those who keep the things written.
2.Keeping means believing, obeying, applying, and living according to the teaching.

B. This book contains warnings and promises
1.Warnings against unbelief, apostasy, compromise, worldliness.
2.Promises of comfort, victory, and eternal hope.

C. The time is at hand
1.This gives urgency to obedience.
2.The events foretold begin immediately and continue until Christ returns.
3.Every generation must be ready.

CONCLUSION

What a blessing and what a responsibility to have God’s Word.Read it with reverence.Hear it with faith.Keep it with obedience.Then the promise of Revelation 1:3 becomes yours: Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.