Sunday, July 23, 2017 pm
SERMONS FROM SONGS
Wonderful Words of Life
#13, Sacred Selections
Tonight we want to examine another song that we sing from time to time.
We do this quarterly as way to remind us that our songs are one
way that we teach and admonish one another.
This is one of many songs written by Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876).
He was a very prolific song writer, having written hundreds of
hymns. He was born in 1838
in Pennsylvania and died in a train accident on December 29, 1876 at the
age of 38. He was
talented and for many of his songs wrote both the tune and words.
Several of the songs we sing are attributed to him including:
Almost Persuaded; Hallelujah, What a Savior; Jesus Loves Even Me, Hold
the Fort; Let the Lower Lights Be Burning, The Light of the World is
Jesus, Whosoever Will, etc.
He also put to music the songs, “I Gave My Life for Thee” and “It is
Well with My Soul.”
This song was published in 1874, just 2 years before his death.
It was published for the first issue of a religious paper
entitled, “Words of Life” in New York City.
While we do not have any more background to the actual hymn, it
was descriptive of Bliss’s life work in writing, composing and singing
songs.
This song is only 3 verses and reminds us of how each of us can use the
wonder word of God.
a.
Truly the word of God is
wonderful –
meaning, “full of wonder”. We ought to be reminded that God’s word is to
be held in awe (reverence).
Psalm 119:129, Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them.
Romans 11:33, while not using the word describes this same idea,
Oh, the depth of the riches both
of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments
and His ways past finding out!
This song continually reminds us of just how wonderful His words
are.
Especially when you consider what they can accomplish – Romans 1:16,
Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.
b.
They are beautiful words
– the word means proper or pleasant.
When we think of beauty, we see that which is pleasing to the
senses. Certainly that ought to describe God’s word to us.
David said Psalm119:97, “O how I
love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.”
Psalm 1:1 speaks of the one who walks in God’s way and meditates upon
his law day and night. This
would describe someone that cherishes His words for their beauty.
Psalm 147:1, Praise the Lord! For
it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant, and praise is
beautiful. This reminds us that when we are PROPERLY praising God
(in word) it is beautiful to Him (cf. Hebrews 13:15-16).
Romans 10:15 reminds us how beautiful are the feet of those who preach
the gospel of peace (taken from Isaiah 52:7).
We note it is not the outward appearance of one’s feet, but what
he is doing – preaching the beautiful words of life.
c.
They are words of life – the word of God gives us hope and life.
It is through His word that we learn what we must do to receive life.
Jesus in John 5:39-40 noted that they searched the scriptures, “for
in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which
testify of Me. But you are
not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”
in John 6:63 said, It is the
Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak
to you are spirit, and they are life.
John 6:68, after a discouraging time in the life of Jesus, with many of
His disciples leaving Him, he asks His apostles if they want to leave
also. Peter replies,
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Philippians 2:16 describes us, as we shine as lights in this crooked and
perverse generation, we are
holding fast the word of life…
d.
Let us keep these
thoughts in mind as we sing through this hymn.
a.
As Christians,
considering the above verses and thoughts, we ought to treasure His
words.
Matthew 13:45-46 – Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as a merchant
who finds “the pearl of great price” and sells all to obtain it.
That is what we as Christians ought to do with God’s word.
Solomon said, “Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and
instruction and understanding.” (Proverbs 23:23)
b.
Sing them over again to
me – we
need to be continually studying God’s word.
We cannot read it once or twice and know it all.
It calls for diligent study (2 Timothy 2:15).
Many principles in scripture are repeated over and over.
Similarly, we need to do that!
(cf. Romans 15:15,
Philippians 3:1 – Paul reminded them for their safety; 2 Peter 1:12-13,
3:1-2 – Peter wrote to remind them).
As we sing, we sing songs over and over.
Rather than letting them become “vain repetition”, let us
carefully determine that we are going to focus on the message and let it
REMIND us of what we are and what we need to be doing.
c.
Let me more of their beauty see
– the more you study, the deeper your comprehension of
His word becomes. The more
beautiful it is! Think of
the mature Christian who is able to “rightly divide the word of truth (2
Timothy 2:15); who is able with God’s word to digest the meat (Heb.
5:14).
His love is abounding more and more in knowledge and all discernment
(Philippians 1:9)
d.
Words of life and
beauty, teach me faith and duty
– understanding His
word ought to increase our faith in Him – Romans 10:17 tells us that
faith comes by hearing the word of God. Earlier in vs. 8, Paul described
as “the word of faith which we
preach”
Romans 1:16-17 – in God’s word, His righteousness is revealed “from
faith to faith”.
It will also move us to not just learn His will, but to obey it –
the idea of duty is a moral or
legal obligation. Something
we are expected to do. Isn’t
that why we study the word of God?
Titus 2:11-12 – God’s grace has appeared teaching us to deny ungodliness
and worldly lusts and to live soberly.
Matthew 7:24-27 – Jesus concluded the sermon on the mount with the
parable of two builders. The
one who DOES what he learns is building upon a solid foundation and will
stand.
a.
Christ, the blessed one
gives to all
– Jesus came for the salvation of all mankind.
Romans 5:6-8 – He died for us (all of us).
John 3:16 – it is available to whoever believes in Him.
Again note John 6:63 – He said the word He speaks are spirit and life.
b.
Sinner list to the
loving call
– the archaic meaning of
list includes – listen and
choose. Both of these could
apply to what is said here.
Listen to (heed) the call of our Savior, AND choose His call.
Matthew 11:28-30 – He invites all to come and receive rest.
Revelation 22:17 – the Spirit and Bride say “Come!”
Let him who hears says, “Come!”.
Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
The words of life must
be accepted. That means
obeying the gospel.
This begins with hearing the word – Romans 10:17.
But, as we have continually noted, this faith is an inclusive
word that believes God and responds to Him.
With our belief we must repent (Acts 2:38, 3:19), confess Him (Romans
10:9-10) and be baptized (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, etc.)
c.
All so freely given – Titus 2:11 tells us that the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men.
We have addressed the subject of grace extensively - Ephesians
2:4-9. We CANNOT ever earn
our salvation. It is the
free gift of God. HOWEVER,
we must accept it (receive it) – which means do what He bids us do to be
saved.
God’s requirements, while high, are based upon what you CAN do.
We can all obey the gospel!
It doesn’t take a million dollars or some other task that is
impossible for some to achieve.
In humble submission, we surrender to Him and accept His gift of
salvation.
d.
Wooing us to heaven –
the eternal reward that awaits.
Titus 3:4-7 speaks of having been justified by His grace we
become heirs of eternal life.
Titus 2:11-14 points the grace that leads to salvation to looking
for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus.
There is a reward to obeying the gospel.
Eternal life awaits those who by patient continuance in doing
good seek for glory, honor and immorality. (Romans 2:7)
a.
Sweetly echo the gospel
call – we
must tell it to others. Mark
16:15-16, Matthew 28:19-20.
Do you view the words of God wonderful enough that you want to share
them with others?
Think of Paul who was willing to become “all
things to all men” that he might by all means save some (1
Corinthians 9:22). Consider
Acts 17:22-23 – Paul wants to introduce “the unknown God” to them.
b.
Offer pardon and peace
to all –
ALL need salvation. Do not
pick and choose who YOU think is worthy.
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 notes that we will all stand before Him in
judgment. Therefore, we
ought to persuade men. Vs.
14-15 – we are reminded again that Jesus died for all, and THAT ought to
compel us to reach out to others.
What are we doing to make the gospel attractive to others?
What are we doing to REACH others?
c.
Jesus, only Savior – He is the ONLY way. John 14:6. We live in times where many
think there are many ways to heaven.
But we know better.
Acts 4:12 tells us there is no other name but Jesus by which we
must be saved.
Our task is to let this be known.
d.
Sanctify forever
–
Hebrews 10:10 notes that we have been sanctified by the offering of
Christ “once for all” (NKJV).
There will NOT be another way introduced later.
2 Thess. 2:13-14 – we thank God because of what He has done to give us a
way to be saved and sanctified us.
The word sanctify means to set apart or consecrated to Him.
Hebrews 13:12, Jesus suffered “outside the gate” that He might sanctify
the people with His own blood. Contextually,
Jesus died outside the walls of Jerusalem to set us apart to God.
Christians belong to God and we need live like it.
Let us make sure as we teach others that they understand this.
John 17:17 – when Jesus prayed, He prayed, “Sanctify them by Your truth.
Your word is truth.”