The Word is a Sifter

WE MUST GUARD OUR HEARTS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

THE WORD IS A SIFTER TO THE INFLUENCES OF THE WORLD

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 KJV
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Proverbs 4:23 KJV
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

[The world is constantly looking to influence us.]

THE WORD TRIES YOUR INTERNAL INTENT [SELF-TALK] COMPARING IT TO THE WORD OF GOD

Hebrews 4:12 KJV
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

GOOD SUCCESS FOR THE BELIEVER IS ATTAINED BY THE WORD [WE ARE NOT TO PROSPER BY EVIL MEANS]

Joshua 1:8 KJV
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Proverbs 16:8 KJV
Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right.
Proverbs 15:16 ESV
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble with it.

TOXINS FROM THE WORLD CAN PRODUCE AN EVIL LIFE OUT OF THE HEART

Matthew 15:16-20 KJV
And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding? [17] Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? [18] But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. [19] For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: [20] These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man.

FAITH ORIGINATES IN THE HEART OF MAN

Romans 10:8-10 KJV
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; [9] That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. [10] For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation.

WORDS SPOKEN IN FAITH FROM THE HEART HAVE IMPACT

Mark 11:23 KJV
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
James 5:16 AMPC
Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

WORDS SPOKEN IN FAITH FROM GOD’S WORD ALIGN YOU WITH TRUTH

Colossians 1:5-6 KJV
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; [6] Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:

THE HOLY SPIRIT BEARS BRINGS REMEMBRANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD

John 14:23-26 KJV
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man loves me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. [24] He that loveth me keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. [25] These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. [26] But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDES FROM THE WORD OF GOD IN SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL WAYS

John 16:13-15 KJV
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. [14] He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you. [15] All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

IT IS SUBMISSION TO THE TEACHING OF THE WORD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT THAT WE CONSTANTLY NEED

2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV
Having, therefore, these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Ephesians 4:11-12 KJV
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

GOD WILL PRESENT US FAULTLESS

Psalm 138:8 KJV
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth forever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. [Christ’s work is the work of God’s own hands.]
Jude 1:21-25 KJV
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.