Elmer Baptist Church

Elmer Baptist Church Samuel H. (Art) Tarver, III, Pastor

09/06/2026

Laboring for the Lord
The Importance, Blessings, and Rewards of Faithful Service
Hebrews 6:10–12 (CSB)
10 For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them. 11 Now we desire each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, 12 so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.

Introduction
There are seasons when serving the Lord can feel unnoticed. A believer teaches a class, prays for someone, visits the sick, gives faithfully, raises children in the Lord, encourages the discouraged, or serves quietly behind the scenes—and then wonders, Does any of this really matter?
Hebrews 6:10 answers with great encouragement: God is not unjust, and He will not forget the work and love shown for His name through service to His people. What others overlook, God sees. What others forget, God remembers.
The Christian life is not a call to sit on the sidelines. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works; yet those saved by grace are created in Christ Jesus for good works. Good works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation.

I. God Sees Our Labor
Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that God sees the work, love, and service of His people. Human beings forget sacrifices, kindnesses, prayers, and acts of service. But God never forgets faithful labor performed for His glory. Nothing is hidden from His watchful gaze.
Consider a building that is completed. Much of the most important work in a building is hidden. Foundations and reinforcements are rarely admired, but the building depends upon them. Much Christian service is like that: a parent praying, a teacher preparing, a church member encouraging, or a believer giving quietly. God sees the foundation being laid.
God also sees the motive behind the labor. Hebrews connects our work with love demonstrated for His name. Christian service is not primarily about admiration, recognition, or repayment. It is about love for the Lord and a desire for His name to be honored. Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.” That means ordinary service matters. The teacher, nursery worker, encourager, prayer warrior, greeter, giver, witness, and servant behind the scenes are serving Christ when they serve others in His name.

II. Saved by Grace, Created for Good Works
This point must be held in biblical balance. Scripture is clear that we are not saved by works. Ephesians 2:8–9 teaches, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.” Other passages teach the same truth: sinners are saved by God’s mercy, not by their own righteousness.
We cannot work our way into heaven. Our good deeds cannot erase sin. Church attendance, giving, baptism, and morality cannot make us righteous before a holy God. Salvation is God’s gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ.
Yet Ephesians 2:10 immediately adds, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” A healthy tree does not produce fruit in order to become alive; it produces fruit because it is alive. In the same way, good works do not cause salvation, but they give evidence of new life.
James says faith without works is dead. Paul explains how sinners are justified before God—by faith, not works. James explains what genuine faith looks like—a living faith produces works. These truths fit together: we are not saved by works, but saved people work.

III. Our Labor Glorifies God and Blesses Others
The purpose of Christian service is not to make ourselves look good, but to make God’s glory visible. Jesus talking about the purpose of light said in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” They see the works, but the glory belongs to God.
Take for an example the moon. The moon has no light of its own; it reflects the light of the sun. Christians are called to reflect the glory of Christ. When we love, forgive, serve, give, remain faithful, and live holy lives, we point beyond ourselves to the grace of God.
Faithful labor also blesses people. Our presence may encourage the weary. Our prayer may strengthen the hurting. Our testimony may give courage to the tempted. Our generosity may meet a need. Our words may keep someone from giving up.

IV. Our Labor Is Not in Vain
Scripture repeatedly teaches that God rewards faithful service. This does not mean earthly comfort, popularity, wealth, or immediate success. Some of God’s most faithful servants suffered greatly. The ultimate reward is eternal.
First Corinthians 15:58 gives strong encouragement: “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Not one prayer, sacrifice, act of obedience, word of encouragement, gospel conversation, gift, lesson, visit, or act of love done in Jesus’ name is wasted.
Jesus taught us to store up treasures in heaven, and in Revelation 22:12 we have His promise that He is coming soon and His reward is with Him to repay each one according to his work. Faithful labor may be hidden now, but it will not be forgotten then.

V. Keep Going with Faith and Perseverance
Hebrews 6:11–12 moves from encouragement to exhortation. The writer calls believers to diligence to the very end, warning against spiritual laziness and urging us to imitate those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. Starting well is good, but finishing well is better.
The Christian life is not a sprint; it is a marathon. The question is not who looked impressive at mile five, but who endured to the finish. There will be difficult seasons, weariness, criticism, and unseen results. But faith says, “God is faithful,” and perseverance says, “Therefore, I will keep going.”

VI. Faithful Labor Begins Where God Has Placed You
Faithful labor is not limited to preaching, teaching, or holding a formal church position. It includes the ordinary places where God has already placed us: the home, the church, the community, and the prayer closet.
In the home, parents and grandparents do kingdom work when they teach God’s truth, pray faithfully, model repentance, and point children toward Christ. In the church, believers serve through teaching, encouraging, giving, praying, welcoming, discipling, and meeting practical needs.
In the community, the workplace, neighborhood, school, and daily conversation become opportunities to represent Christ with honesty, compassion, integrity, and gospel witness. Through prayer, even those who cannot do what they once did physically can still participate in powerful spiritual work.

VII. Do Not Let Discouragement Steal Your Faithfulness
Discouragement whispers, “What is the point? Nobody appreciates me. Nothing is changing. I have worked so hard, and I do not see results.” But our responsibility is not to control outcomes. Our responsibility is to be faithful. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
A farmer cannot make a seed germinate, manufacture sunshine, or command rain. His work is to prepare the soil, plant the seed, cultivate the field, and trust God for the increase. Christian service is similar. We sow the Word, show Christ’s love, pray, teach, encourage, witness, serve, and trust God with the harvest.

VIII. The Greatest Reward Is Christ Himself
Although Scripture teaches that God rewards faithful service, the greatest treasure is not merely the reward. The greatest treasure is Christ. We serve Him because He is worthy. He loved us when we were sinners, bore our punishment, purchased our redemption, rose from the grave, gave us new life, adopted us into God’s family, gave us His Spirit, promises never to leave us, and is coming again.
Imagine a servant rescued from slavery and death by a great king, then adopted into the king’s own family. When the king asks him to serve, he does not say, “What is in it for me?” He says, “After all my king has done for me, how could I not serve him?” That should be the heart of every Christian.

Conclusion: Keep Laboring for the Lord
Hebrews 6:10–12 gives believers a steady encouragement: God sees, God remembers, and God rewards faithful labor. Even when people do not notice, God sees. Even when people forget, God remembers. Even when results are hidden, labor in the Lord is not in vain.
So keep serving. Keep praying. Keep witnessing. Keep teaching. Keep giving. Keep encouraging. Keep loving. Keep obeying. Keep trusting. Do not quit because you are tired, unappreciated, criticized, unnoticed, or unable to see immediate results. Keep your eyes on Jesus.
We do not labor to earn heaven; heaven has been secured for us through Christ. We do not serve to earn God’s love; we serve because we already have God’s love. We do not work for human applause; we work for the glory of God.

Final Challenge
• Am I actively laboring for the Lord, or sitting on the sidelines?
• Am I serving for God’s glory or for human recognition?
• Have I become weary in doing good?
• Where has God placed me to serve Him right now?
• Am I persevering faithfully to the end?
One day our earthly race will be finished. One day our opportunities to serve will be over. One day we will stand before our Lord. May we hear those precious words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Until that day, keep laboring for the Lord. The work may be difficult, the results may be unseen, and the recognition may be absent—but the Master is watching, and labor done for Him is never in vain.

Invitation
Is your labor in vain? It will not be if you know the Lord and are serving for His glory. If you do not have a personal relationship with Him, the Good News is that you can have one! Trust Jesus now as your Savior and Lord. Admit that you are a sinner. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day. Confess that with your mouth to Him and to others. Call upon the name of the Lord in faith, through prayer, asking and trusting Him to save you from your sins. Romans 10:9-10,13 says, “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. ….For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Believer, remember that the Christian life is like a marathon, not a sprint. Commit to not just having a good start, but desire to finish well. Let us pursue as our goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. God is faithful. Worship Him today….won’t you?

Blessing
2 Corinthians 13:13 (CSB)
13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.,

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08/30/2026

Let Him Who Boasts, Boast in the Lord
Jeremiah 9:23–24 (CSB)
“ ‘This is what the Lord says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me— that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things. This is the Lord’s declaration.”

Introduction
Every person has something they can point to with a measure of satisfaction—family, career, education, accomplishments, possessions, abilities, or reputation. There is nothing inherently wrong with appreciating God’s blessings or being thankful for what He has allowed us to accomplish. The danger comes when the blessing becomes the boast. There is a difference between saying, “God has blessed me with this,” and saying, “Look what I have accomplished.” One gives glory to God; the other quietly takes glory for ourselves.
That is the issue God addresses through Jeremiah: “This is what the LORD says: The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong person should not boast in his strength; the wealthy person should not boast in his wealth” (Jeremiah 9:23, CSB). God then tells us what we should boast about: “But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me...” (Jeremiah 9:24, CSB). God is not saying that wisdom, strength, or wealth are necessarily evil. He is saying that none of them are worthy of being our ultimate confidence or source of glory.
The question is, “Who gets the glory for what I have been blessed with?”

I. We Must Not Boast in Our Own Wisdom
Jeremiah first says that the wise person should not boast in his wisdom. Human wisdom can be impressive. We live in a world of computers, medical knowledge, engineering achievements, scientific discoveries, and technological advances our ancestors could scarcely imagine. Yet Scripture reminds us that human wisdom has limits. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). True wisdom begins when we recognize that God knows what we do not know.
We can know many facts without possessing biblical wisdom. We can have degrees without discernment. We can be highly educated and still make foolish spiritual decisions. Knowledge tells us what is; wisdom tells us what to do with what we know. Imagine driving somewhere unfamiliar with the wrong destination entered into the GPS. You may know how to drive, have a powerful vehicle, and be experienced behind the wheel, but all your ability will only get you to the wrong place faster. Biblical wisdom begins with God, and James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously (James 1:5).
So when God gives us wisdom, we should not boast, “Look how smart I am.” We should say, “Thank You, Lord, for teaching me what I could never discover on my own.” Paul asks, “For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7, CSB). Whatever wisdom we possess ultimately traces back to God. Our wisdom should become a reason to worship, not a reason to boast.

II. We Must Not Boast in Our Own Strength
Jeremiah continues, “The strong person should not boast in his strength” (Jeremiah 9:23, CSB). Strength can take many forms: physical strength, financial strength, political strength, emotional resilience, professional influence, social connections, military power, and even spiritual maturity. But every human strength is limited. Our strength can disappear in a moment. A person can be healthy today and sick tomorrow. A successful business can collapse. A secure investment can lose value. A powerful position can be taken away. Even the strongest among us cannot control tomorrow.
When David faced Goliath, the contrast could hardly have been greater. Goliath trusted his size, armor, weapons, and experience. David came with something entirely different. He declared, “The battle is the LORD’s” (1 Samuel 17:47, CSB). David understood that the outcome did not ultimately depend upon David’s strength but upon God’s power. David still stepped onto the battlefield, picked up the sling, and released the stone, but he knew the victory belonged to God.
That distinction matters. God does not tell us to sit down and do nothing because He is powerful. He calls us to faithfully use the abilities He has given us while recognizing that the strength behind those abilities ultimately comes from Him. Paul said, “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, CSB). Notice where the strength comes from: Christ. When God gives us strength to accomplish something, our response should not be, “Look what I did,” but “Look what the Lord enabled me to do.”

III. We Must Not Boast in Our Wealth
Jeremiah also says, “The wealthy person should not boast in his wealth” (Jeremiah 9:23, CSB). The Bible does not teach that possessing money is inherently sinful. Abraham was wealthy. Job was wealthy. David possessed great wealth. Solomon was extraordinarily wealthy. The issue is not simply having possessions; the issue is allowing possessions to have us. Paul writes, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil...” (1 Timothy 6:10, CSB). Money is a tool that can be used for good or evil, but it becomes dangerous when we begin to trust it instead of God.
Jesus illustrated this danger through the story of a rich man whose crops produced an enormous harvest. The man decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones, telling himself he had plenty stored away and could relax and enjoy life. But God said his life would be demanded of him that very night. His problem was not that he had a large harvest. His problem was that he had made his harvest his security. He planned for retirement but failed to prepare for eternity. He invested in barns but not in his soul. Jesus concluded, “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:21, CSB).
It is possible to be financially rich and spiritually poor. It is also possible to have very little materially and yet be incredibly rich toward God. “Rich” is relative. A person does not have to be a millionaire to be tempted by greed. Another person may have considerable wealth and faithfully use it for God’s glory. The question is not merely, “How much do I have?” The question is, “How much does what I have belong to God in my heart?” Scripture reminds us, “The earth and everything in it, the world and its inhabitants, belong to the LORD” (Psalm 24:1, CSB). We are not owners in the ultimate sense. We are stewards.

IV. Every Blessing Must Lead Us Back to the Giver
James gives us a needed reminder: “Every good and perfect gift is from above...” (James 1:17, CSB). Think about the blessings in your life—your salvation, family, health, abilities, opportunities, home, food, friendships, church family, work, possessions, talents, spiritual gifts, and even your very life. Where did these things ultimately come from? God. Every blessing should cause us to look upward before we look inward.
Instead of saying, “Look what I have accomplished,” we should say, “Look at what God has graciously allowed me to be part of.” Instead of saying, “I am successful because I am talented,” we should say, “God gave me the abilities I have, and I want to use them for Him.” Instead of saying, “I built this life,” we should say, “God has graciously given me opportunities, and I want to be a faithful steward of them.”
One of the greatest spiritual dangers is that we can become so focused on God’s blessings that we forget God Himself. Deuteronomy 8 warns Israel that after they entered the Promised Land, experienced abundance, and became prosperous, they needed to be careful not to forget the Lord. God warned, “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me’” (Deuteronomy 8:17, CSB). Then He corrected that thinking by reminding them that He is the One who gives the ability to produce wealth.
The progression is subtle but dangerous: God blesses, we receive, we enjoy, we become comfortable, we forget, and then we begin taking credit. Imagine sitting in a room with a beautiful stained-glass window. Sunlight pours through the colored glass and fills the room with beautiful patterns. But the window produces no light; it merely receives the light and allows it to shine through. That is a picture of the Christian life. God gives us abilities, opportunities, blessings, spiritual gifts, strength, and wisdom. Our calling is not to take credit for the light but to let His light shine through us.
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, CSB). Notice where the glory goes: to the Father.

V. Our Greatest Boast Is Knowing the Lord
Jeremiah does not merely tell us what not to boast in; he tells us what we should boast in: “But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me...” (Jeremiah 9:24, CSB). This is extraordinary. God says our greatest treasure is not simply knowing about Him but knowing Him. A person may know many facts about the Bible and yet not truly know the God revealed in the Bible. The goal of Scripture is not merely to fill our heads with information but to bring us into a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said, “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent—Jesus Christ” (John 17:3, CSB). The Creator of the universe makes Himself known to us. We do not boast that we were intelligent enough to discover God. We rejoice that God has graciously revealed Himself to us.
Jeremiah then describes the God we are to boast about: He exercises faithful love, justice, and righteousness. We boast in His faithful love because His mercy is steadfast and His faithfulness does not depend upon our circumstances. Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us that His mercies are new every morning and that His faithfulness is great. When we fail, His grace is sufficient. When we suffer, His presence remains. When we are uncertain, His promises remain secure.
We also boast in His justice. Our world is filled with injustice. Sometimes people get away with things they should not get away with. Sometimes innocent people suffer. Sometimes evil appears to prosper. But God is perfectly just. Abraham asked, “Will not the Judge of the whole earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25, CSB). Yes. God will always do what is right.
We boast in His righteousness because God never compromises His holiness. He does not redefine right and wrong according to cultural trends or adjust truth to make people comfortable. His character is the standard of righteousness. And the gospel becomes even more amazing when we realize that the righteous God provided a way for sinful people to be declared righteous through Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “But he made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21, CSB). There is no greater reason for boasting—not “Look how good I am,” but “Look how good my God is!”

VI. The Cross Destroys Human Boasting
The ultimate answer to pride is the cross because at the cross we are confronted with two realities: how sinful we are and how gracious God is. We cannot stand at Calvary and say, “God saved me because I was good enough.” We were sinners; Christ was the Savior. We were guilty; Christ took our guilt. We deserved judgment; Christ bore our judgment. We could not save ourselves; He saved us.
Paul expressed it beautifully: “But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ...” (Galatians 6:14, CSB). The cross leaves no room for spiritual bragging. Nobody in heaven will be able to say, “I made it here because I was smarter, better, stronger, or more deserving.” Every redeemed sinner will ultimately point to Jesus and say, “He did it.”

VII. Even Our Service Must Point Back to God
There is another subtle danger for Christians. We can begin by serving God and eventually start boasting about our service to God. We can become proud of how much we give, how much we serve, how much Bible knowledge we possess, how long we have been Christians, or how much ministry fruit we have seen. Something that began as worship can quietly become a source of pride. Jesus warned against doing righteous things merely to be seen by others (Matthew 6:1). Even our good works are supposed to point people toward God.
Paul said, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...” (Ephesians 2:10, CSB). We are God’s workmanship, and even the ability to serve Him is a gift from Him. A surgeon’s glove may be used in an operation, but no one praises the glove for performing the surgery. The surgeon is the one doing the work. Likewise, God graciously chooses to work through His people. We are useful instruments in His hands, but when something wonderful happens through our service, we should point beyond ourselves to the One who used us: “Lord, thank You for allowing me to be Your instrument.”

VIII. Our Boasting Should Make God Look Greater, Not Us
Paul gives us a guiding principle: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, CSB). That includes our accomplishments, families, careers, ministries, finances, abilities, opportunities, possessions, testimony, and entire lives. The question should continually be, “How can this point people to God?”
If God has blessed you with a strong mind, use it for Him. If He has given you financial resources, use them for Him. If He has given you leadership ability, lead for Him. If He has given you a singing voice, sing for Him. If He has given you mechanical ability, use it for Him. If He has given you a testimony, tell others about Him. If He has given you a platform or influence, use it to honor Him. Do not hide God’s blessings, apologize for them, worship them, or take credit for them. Receive them gratefully, steward them faithfully, and use them for His glory.

Practical Application: Four Questions to Ask Ourselves
1. What am I most proud of? If it is something God has given you, thank Him.
2. Where am I tempted to take credit? Ask God to help you recognize where gratitude has quietly shifted into pride.
3. What blessings have I begun to take for granted? Stop and thank God specifically for them. Sometimes the best cure for pride is deliberate thanksgiving.
4. When people praise me, where does the praise ultimately go? We do not have to reject every compliment. We can simply redirect the glory: “Thank you. God has been very gracious to me.” That simple response can turn a compliment into an opportunity for testimony.

Conclusion: Don’t Boast in the Gift—Boast in the Giver
Imagine a child receiving an expensive gift from his father. The child runs into the room and says, “Look what I have!” The wise parent wants the child to enjoy the gift, but also to remember the one who gave it. That is what God wants us to understand. Enjoy His blessings. Thank Him for them. Use them. Share them. But never allow His blessings to replace the One who gave them.
So Jeremiah’s message comes to us across the centuries: Do not boast in yourself. Do not boast in what you possess. Do not boast in what you have accomplished. Boast in the Lord. When people see our blessings, may they see the Giver. When they see our abilities, may they see the One who gave them. When they see our good works, may they glorify our Father. When they hear our testimony, may they hear about Jesus. And when we look at our own lives, may our hearts continually say, “I have nothing to boast about except my Lord.”
As Paul declared, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (2 Corinthians 10:17, CSB). Our greatest boast is not that we have a great life. Our greatest boast is that we have a great God. And ultimately, our greatest privilege is not merely to receive His blessings but to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and give Him the glory He alone deserves.

Invitation
Is your boasting that you know the Lord? Not just know about Him, but have a relationship with Him? The Good News is that you can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. Just trust Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Admit that you are a sinner. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day. Confess that with your mouth to Him and to others. Call upon the name of the Lord in faith, through prayer, asking and trusting Him to save you from your sins. Romans 10:9-10,13 says, “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. ….For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Believer, will you boast greatly in our Lord? Will your heart’s desire and prayer be, “Lord, teach us to boast in You—in Your faithful love, Your justice, Your righteousness, Your holiness, Your mercy, and Your grace. May everything we are, everything we have, and everything we accomplish point people to You.” May our lives continually declare, "Look what a great God we serve!" Worship Him today …. won’t you?

Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you His kindness and have mercy on you. May the Lord watch over you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

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08/23/2026

The Treasure of God’s Word
Psalm 19:7–11 (CSB)
Introduction: The Treasure We Often Overlook
Most people understand the value of treasure. We protect what is precious, insure it, lock it away, and sometimes pass it down from one generation to another. Yet there is a treasure more valuable than gold, silver, or anything this world can offer, and many Christians possess it while failing to appreciate it as they should. That treasure is the Word of God.
Psalm 19:7–11 gives one of Scripture’s clearest descriptions of the value of God’s Word. David does not describe Scripture as merely an ancient religious book or a collection of moral teachings. He describes it as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, reliable, and altogether righteous.
“The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward.” —Psalm 19:7–11, CSB
Notice the progression in David’s words: God’s Word is valuable, God’s Word is understandable, God’s Word changes us, and God’s Word blesses us. With that in mind, let us consider the great treasure we have in the Word of God.

I. God’s Word Is Perfect
David begins, “The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life” (Psalm 19:7). The word perfect carries the idea of being complete, whole, and without defect. God’s Word does not need to be corrected by the opinions of society or updated to accommodate changing cultural preferences. God’s truth does not become obsolete because the world changes.
The Word of God is perfect because the God who gave it is perfect. Psalm 12:6 says, “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.” Proverbs 30:5 declares, “Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” The Bible does not merely contain good advice; it is God’s revealed truth.
Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, CSB). Scripture teaches what is true, rebukes what is wrong, corrects what has gone astray, and trains God’s people to live rightly.
Imagine purchasing an expensive piece of equipment and receiving the manufacturer’s manual. It would be foolish to throw the manual away and say, “I’ll just figure it out myself.” The One who created us has given us the manual for life. God knows how human beings function because He made us. The world says, “Follow your heart,” but God says, “Trust Me.” The world says, “Create your own truth,” but God says, “My Word is truth.” The treasure of Scripture begins with recognizing that God knows better than we do.

II. God’s Word Renews Our Lives
Psalm 19:7 says that the instruction of the LORD renews one’s life. God’s Word does not merely give information; it brings transformation. There is a difference between knowing about something and being changed by it. James says, “But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22, CSB). The purpose of Scripture is not simply to make us more knowledgeable Christians but more faithful Christians.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Our thinking is renewed as God’s truth replaces the false ideas, attitudes, desires, and assumptions that the world continually pours into our minds.
Think of a window covered with years of dirt and grime. The landscape outside has not changed, but the window prevents us from seeing it clearly. When the glass is cleaned, the landscape is not altered; the obstruction is removed. God’s Word cleans the window of our minds so we can see reality from God’s perspective. The world tells us what it thinks is true. God’s Word tells us what actually is true.

III. God’s Word Makes the Inexperienced Wise
David continues, “The testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise” (Psalm 19:7). We do not have enough experience to learn everything we need to know through personal trial and error. It would be foolish to say, “I don’t need anyone else’s experience; I’ll make every mistake myself.” In every area of life, we learn from others. How much more should we receive wisdom from God?
Proverbs 2:6 says, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Scripture gives wisdom for marriage, parenting, money, work, friendship, anger, forgiveness, sexual morality, suffering, temptation, death, eternity, and, most importantly, knowing God. The Bible does not tell us everything there is to know about everything, but it tells us everything we need to know to live faithfully before God.
God’s Word is like a lighthouse on a dangerous coastline. The lighthouse does not remove the rocks beneath the surface, but it reveals them before the ship is destroyed. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” God’s Word does not merely illuminate where we have been; it helps us see where we are going.

IV. God’s Word Brings Joy and Light
Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up.” There is joy in knowing God’s truth. The world often portrays God’s commands as restrictions designed to prevent people from enjoying life, but the opposite is true. God’s commands are boundaries designed to protect the life He created us to enjoy.
Consider guardrails along a dangerous road or bridge. They do not exist to ruin the journey; they keep travelers from destruction. In the same way, obedience to God’s Word does not steal joy. It protects and deepens joy. Jesus said, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love... I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete” (John 15:10–11, CSB).
God’s Word also brings illumination. There are times when we are confused and do not know what to do. In those times we should turn to the instructions we find in God’s Word and allow the wisdom found there to illuminate the path we need to take. Psalm 119:130 says, “The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced.” Scripture helps us see who God is, who we are, what sin is, what righteousness is, what Christ has done, how we should live, where history is going, and where eternity will take us.
Yet we must remember that understanding Scripture is not merely an intellectual exercise. The Holy Spirit is our divine Helper and Teacher. Jesus said, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit... will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26, CSB). Paul writes, “Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, CSB). We should not approach Scripture asking only, “What does this mean to me?” We should pray, “Holy Spirit, help me understand what God has said, and help me obey it.”

V. God’s Word Is Pure, Enduring, and More Valuable Than Gold
Psalm 19:9 says, “The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.” Everything around us changes: political opinions, cultural standards, scientific theories, human philosophies, and technology. But God’s truth remains. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever.” Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35, CSB).
God’s Word is like an anchor beneath the surface. A ship may encounter enormous waves, changing winds, and rising waters, but the anchor holds. When everything around us is moving, we need something that does not move. That something is the unchanging Word of God.
David then says, “They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb” (Psalm 19:10, CSB). Gold represents value, and honey represents pleasure. God’s Word is both precious and delightful. Gold can buy a house, but it cannot make a home. Gold can buy medicine, but it cannot guarantee health. Gold can purchase comfort, but it cannot give peace. Gold can buy entertainment, but it cannot produce lasting joy. Gold can provide temporary security, but it cannot save a soul. Only God can give what our souls ultimately need, and He has revealed Himself through His Word.

VI. God’s Word Warns, Protects, and Rewards
Psalm 19:11 says, “In addition, your servant is warned by them.” We do not normally think of warnings as treasures, but they are. A sign that reads, “Danger—Bridge Out,” is not an inconvenience; it is an act of mercy. Scripture contains warnings because God loves us enough to tell us the truth. It warns us about sin, pride, greed, sexual immorality, bitterness, unforgiveness, false teaching, loving the world, rejecting Christ, and the coming judgment.
Proverbs 6:23 says, “For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light, and corrective discipline is the way to life.” Sometimes Scripture confronts us. Sometimes it exposes what we would rather hide. But when God’s Word corrects us, we should not get angry with the Word; we should thank God for loving us enough to correct us.
David concludes, “...and in keeping them there is an abundant reward” (Psalm 19:11, CSB). Notice he does not merely say that reading them brings reward. He says that keeping them does. There is blessing in obedience. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28, CSB). The blessing is not necessarily material prosperity. Sometimes obedience brings sacrifice, and following Christ may make life harder rather than easier. But obedience produces something far more valuable: a life lived in fellowship with God and prepared for eternity.

VII. How We Treasure God’s Word
If Scripture is truly this valuable, then we must respond with more than admiration. We must treasure it in practice. First, we should read it regularly. The Bible should not be treated like an emergency kit that only comes out when life falls apart. Regular intake of God’s Word nourishes the soul over time, just as regular meals nourish the body.
Second, we should study it carefully. Reading asks, “What does this say?” Study asks, “What does this mean?” We examine context, compare Scripture with Scripture, and seek to understand what the inspired author intended to communicate. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans because they examined the Scriptures daily to see whether what they were being taught was true. We should measure every preacher, teacher, book, podcast, and internet personality by Scripture.
Third, we should meditate upon it. Psalm 1:2 says the blessed person meditates on God’s instruction day and night. Biblical meditation is not emptying the mind; it is filling the mind with God’s truth and thinking deeply about it. We carry the Word with us, asking what it reveals about God, what it reveals about us, what we should believe, what we should change, and what we should do.
Fourth, we should pray for the Holy Spirit’s help. Psalm 119:18 gives us a beautiful prayer: “Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.” Before opening Scripture, we can pray, “Lord, help me understand Your Word. Convict me where I am wrong. Strengthen me where I am weak. Show me how to obey You.” We do not simply need better eyesight; we need spiritual sight.
Fifth, we should apply what we learn. Jesus said, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them” (John 13:17, CSB). The goal is not to become someone who knows hundreds of Bible verses while refusing to obey them. The goal is life transformation through humble obedience.

VIII. The Greatest Treasure in the Word Is Christ
Ultimately, the Bible is not merely about rules. It points us to Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me” (John 5:39, CSB). From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture unfolds God’s redemptive plan: creation, the fall, sin, covenant promises, Israel’s history, the prophets, the coming Messiah, the cross, the resurrection, the church, Christ’s return, judgment, and eternity. At the center stands Jesus.
The Bible tells us that we are sinners who cannot save ourselves. It tells us that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, rose bodily from the grave, and offers salvation to those who repent and believe in Him. The greatest treasure in the Bible is not simply information about God; it is knowing God through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: Do Not Leave the Treasure on the Shelf
Imagine discovering an old chest buried in your backyard and finding that it contains something worth millions of dollars. You would not close the lid and leave it buried. You would dig it up, examine it, protect it, tell your family about it, and appreciate what you had discovered. Yet many Christians possess something infinitely more valuable than earthly treasure and rarely open it.
A Bible may sit on the nightstand while hours are spent scrolling through a phone. It may sit on the coffee table while television occupies the evening. It may be carried faithfully to church but rarely opened during the week. The problem is not that we do not possess the treasure. The problem is that we do not always treasure what we possess.
Psalm 19 reminds us what we have in God’s Word: it is perfect, so we can trust it; it renews our lives, so we should obey it; it makes us wise, so we should study it; it brings joy, so we should delight in it; it gives light, so we should follow it; it is pure and enduring, so we should build our lives upon it; it is more valuable than gold, so we should treasure it; it warns us, so we should heed it; it rewards obedience, so we should practice it; and it points us to Christ, so we should come to Him.
There is treasure on these pages: treasure for the mind, treasure for the heart, treasure for the soul, and ultimately, treasure that leads us to Christ and eternal life.

Invitation
Have you discovered the greatest treasure found in the Word of God? The love of God for you revealed in the person of His Son Jesus Christ? Make that treasure yours today if you have not done so already. How? By trusting Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord today. Admit that you are a sinner. Believe in your heart that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day. Confess that with your mouth to Him and to others. Call upon the name of the Lord in faith, through prayer, asking and trusting Him to save you from your sins. Romans 10:9-10,13 says, “If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. ….For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Believer, will you commit anew in your heart to: Read the Word. Study the Word. Meditate on the Word. Pray over the Word. Believe the Word. Obey the Word. And let the Word of God transform your life.
“They are more desirable than gold—than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.” —Psalm 19:10, CSB
God has so richly blessed us! Worship Him today …. won’t you?

Blessing
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord show you His kindness and have mercy on you. May the Lord watch over you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

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