A Compelling Testimony: Maintaining a Disciplined Walk, Christlike Character, and Godly Relationships as God's Servant

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A Compe l l i ng Tes t imony

fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers (cf. Prov. 2.1-5).

C. The Corporate Dimensions: the Word of God in the Church is one of the primary ways God speaks to us today.

1. The Church is the custodian of the Word of God to the world, and, as such, must always strive to keep the written Word prominent to make the Living Word plain.

a. Deut. 4.7-8 – For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? [8] And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today? b. 1 Tim. 3.15-16 – If I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. [16] Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

2. The Word of God is read, preached, and taught in the Church for our edification.

a. 1 Tim. 4.13 – Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

b. Deut. 17.19 – And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them.