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  THE WORD IS CENTRAL
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: The Word of God is central to the believer's witness, providing
the foundation for right living and effective communication of the
Gospel.

Topics: "The Word of God", "Witnessing"
Scripture References: Psalm 19:7, Psalm 119:9-16, Romans 10:17, Philippians 2:15-16, Hebrews 4:12

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in a
believer's life and witness, urging Christians to study, apply, and live
out the Scriptures in a world that often strays from truth. He
highlights that the Word is powerful and transformative, capable of
penetrating the deepest parts of our being and shaping our thoughts and
intentions. Epp asserts that for others to come to faith in Christ, they
must first hear and understand God's Word, which is essential for
spiritual growth and right relationships with God. He reminds believers
that they must first internalize the Word before effectively sharing it
with others, as it is through the Word that faith is birthed.

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CONTENT
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Philippians 2:15,16; Psalm 119:9-16

Never forget the centrality of the Word of God to the believer's
witness. The Christian is to study the Word, apply it to himself and
then translate it into daily living before a crooked and perverse world.
And every believer may be assured that as God's Word is held forth it
will have an effect on those who hear it. Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the
word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,
and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints
and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart"
(NASB).

There is no substitute for holding forth God's Word, for if people are
to come into right relationship with Jesus Christ, they must know what
God's Word says. Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes from hearing, and
hearing by the word of Christ" (NASB). So if those we witness to are to
be able to have faith in Christ, they must have the Word of God
presented to them.

We must first benefit from the Word ourselves before we become concerned
about passing it on to others. We cannot do the work of God or have the
right attitudes (as urged in the previous verses) unless God's Word is
doing its work within us. The Word of God goes to the deepest parts of
our nature. It exposes, sifts, analyzes and judges even our thoughts
(see Heb. 4:12).

"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of
the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/the-word-is-central/
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