Rev. Zeny Calusay @ FARM, Nov. 18, 2009
TRUTH: The Word of God is most important to a life of righteousness. Hunger for righteousness therefore should include hunger for God’s Word.
Matthew 4:4 (NIV) 4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
A PROBLEM: NO HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD
“Most people lack a spiritual hunger for God’s Word. They view the Bible as neither an enjoyable nor a desirable activity.” Among Christians there is extensive biblical illiteracy. According to the data, most professing Christians do not know the basic teachings of their faith.
CAUSES OF NO HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD
1. Spoiled appetite. When we’re full of other things, we won’t hunger for God’s Word. Proverbs 27:7
2. Illness. Illnesses can cause a loss of appetite. We need to ask the Great Physician to examine us, search our hearts, and see if there is anything in our lives quenching our hunger for Him and His Word. Psalms 139:23-24
3. Distraction. People can get so busy (even over legitimate things) they forget to eat. Pleasure for example should be placed in the right perspective. Mark 4:19 
4. Service. Service is a good thing but not when it replaces time with Him with. Luke 10: 38-4).
5. Hardness of heart. Throughout the Bible God’s people are told to “harden not your hearts.” Hosea 10:12
SEEING THE VALUE OF GOD’S WORD CAUSES HUNGER FOR IT
1. Life. Deuteronomy 8:3
2. Rebirth. 1 Peter 1: 23
3. Spiritual Growth. 1 Peter 2:2
4. Righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16 ; Hebrews 4:12
5. God’s Favor. Isaiah 66:2
PICTURES OF PASSIONATE HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD
1. Crave for the word of God like newborn baby craves for milk. 1Pet 2:2
2. Treasure the word of god more than the daily meal. Job 23:12
3. Stuff your life abundantly with the word. Col 3:16
4. Eat with joy and delight the word of god. Jeremiah 15:16
5. Rejoice in the word of god as one who finds great spoil. Psalms 119:162
A CALL TO HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD
1. A FUTURE FAMINE: THE AWFUL SILENCE OF GOD
Amos 8:11-14 (NIV) 11 “The days are coming,” declares the Sovereign LORD, “when I will send a famine through the land— not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. 12 Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it. 13“In that day “the lovely young women and strong young men will faint because of thirst
2. CONSUMING PASSION FOR GOD’S WORD IS CENTRAL TO A GENUINE AWAKENING
Every significant awakening in history has resulted in a revival of God’s Word. People become consumed with a desire to read the Word, understand the Word, and live the Word.
ILLUSTRATIONS FROM HISTORY:
a. Dark ages during times of judges: 1 Samuel 12:23; 1 Samuel 7:16
b. Reign of Jehoshaphat: 2 Chronicles 17:7 – 10
c. Revival during Restoration period, Rebuilding of the Temple: Nehemiah 8
CHALLENGE:
Isaiah 55:6 – 7 (NIV) Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. The Lord is now to be found through reading the Word. Someone said reading the Bible brings me face to face with God. It is the only book that has the power to translate us beyond earth to heavenly places.
First Assembly Roxas Missions, Incorporated 