discomfort

Introduction: The number 9 is a symbol of completeness of God and also a symbol of finality,
and it is used 49 times in the Bible. The Bible uses the word “adoration” 49 times as it
describes the perfect Gift of Christ. The Bible uses the expression “good news” 49 times.
What does this all mean? It means that God is a 49ers fan and He is pleased that they we’ll be
winning the Super Bowl.

Something to Consider?

Does God’s Word ever cause you discomfort?

When you read the Bible, does what you read make you feel uneasy?

Do you find when you listen to a sermon, that they seem to be aimed directly at you?

Well, if that answer is yes, there is a reason for it. The reason is you are experiencing the reality that the WORD of GOD is alive and can read your thoughts and judge your intentions.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:12

“For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any
double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and
marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.”

When God Speaks to you, it is Always for a Purpose

God knows your heart and knows what you need to do to bring your life into conformity to Christ. We need to allow the WORD of GOD to conform and shape our lifestyle. WE DO NOT shape and conform our lifestyle to the WORD of God.

Listen, it is either all or nothing.

God knows what you need before you even ask….

When He knows we struggle with “sinful talk or communication,” we may hear or receive a
message on the tongue—The Book of James.

When we have a problem with showing forgiveness, the Word of God may confront you on the “standards” of Forgiveness….

When we struggle with Anger or Pride, we may hear a message from God’s Word on
humility…

BUT—Whatever we have in our lives that seems to be a struggle for us, or perhaps a word of
rebuke, or reproof, or a correction or an instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16), you can
be sure you will either hear or read a message about it.

I saw this saying the other day and it really spoke to me:

So how does one escape this uncomfortable feeling? IT’S SIMPLE, AVOID HEARING THE WORD OF GOD.

This is usually done by avoiding going to church and even neglecting to spend time in God’s Word. It can be done by a family member (wife) or a brother in the Lord. It can be done while driving and hearing a message on the radio-or better yet, that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit. But whatever it is, if you are a follower of Christ, you can be sure you will be confronted.

GOD DOES THIS THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT AND IT LOOKS LIKE
CONDEMNATION BUT IT REALLY IS CONVICTION—

Conviction is one of the first visible signs of the Gospel at work in someone’s life.

For a person to see his or her need for a Savior, conviction of this truth must happen so that the action of repentance can take place.

God gave us the Bible, His Word, so that we may hear from Him. So that we can be challenged.
So that we can be encouraged. So that we can be changed. Hebrews 4:12 is one of several
passages in the Bible that explains the power of God’s Word:

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and
piercing as far as the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge
the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Are you listening?