## The Bible as a Nail

## Eccl. 12:11

This morning, I have challenged each of you to participate in the Faith Cometh By Hearing program that will begin next month. The Word of God is so important to the life of a believer. Someone has said that it is:

- The traveller's map
- The pilgrim's staff
- The pilot's compass
- The soldier's sword
- It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

The Word of God is likened to a light, a seed, a fire, a hammer, a mirror, a goad, and, as we want to consider this morning, a nail. Read: Ec. 12:11

A nail? "For the want of a nail, a shoe was lost; for the want of a shoe, a horse was lost; for the want of a horse, a rider was lost; for the want of a rider, a battle was lost; for the want of a battle, a kingdom was lost. All for the want of a nail!"

Although it seems initially to be something that is very insignificant, nails are really important. There is no question as to the importance of the Word of God, but I want us to consider it as it is compared to the nail.

I. Consider the Form of the "Nail".

A. Nails vary in size and shape, but basically each nail has a point, a body, and a head.

B. This Book should be considered as a box of nails!

C. Every verse has a point, a contextual meaning, and application.

1. The Bible is full of "pointed" exhortations, appeals, warnings, and cautions.

2. These passages are sharp, and penetrate the heart when hammered in by the hand of faith.

3. Note: Acts 2:37, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

4. When Stephen preached the Bible says, "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart..." Ac. 7:54

5. Heb. 4:12, "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."

II. Consider the Function of a "Nail".

* Nails are used to hold things together, or to strengthen. cf. Is. 41:7

A. It is the Word of God which holds individuals together.

1. Many a life is falling apart because of the constant storms of suffering, pain, and temptation.

2. How can a person find the strength to live in days of uncertainty?

3. Many don't...they cannot cope with the daily pressures of life.

4. God's Word is filled with His promises that we can claim in times of trouble.

5. We can find strength in these promises:

a. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." cf Ph. 4:13

b. "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." cf Ph. 4:19

c. "Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ..." cf. 2 Co. 2:14a

d. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." cf Ps. 23:4a

B. It is the Word of God that holds families together.

1. You have all read the statistics on marriages these days.

2. Let's get married on a whim and we'll live on love, because even if we have nothing, at least we have each other.

3. That sounds good, but unfortunately a marriage needs more in order to survive the attacks of the enemy.

4. It is the principles of God's Word that holds families together, the rest is only true in fairy tales.

5. The Word of God instructs us on every aspect of the family: wives, husbands, fathers, mothers, and children.

C. It is the Word of God that holds churches together and keeps them from drifting along with every wind of doctrine.

D. It is the Word of God that holds nations together, as well.

1. Ps. 33:12, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."

2. "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." cf. Pro. 14:34

3. I love America, but I am sure that God is grieved over most Americans.

4. As we get farther and farther away from Biblical values in this country, America will fall apart!

III. Consider the Fidelity of the "Nail"

*The real value of a nail is seen as it accomplishes its purpose. We can be assured that God's Word is faithful! cf Is. 55:11

A. God's Word is faithful because:

1. It is the product of the Holy Spirit's inspiration.

a. This is not just a collection of wise sayings written by some wise men many years ago.

b. This is the Word of God!

c. Peter wrote, "...holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." cf. 2 Pe. 1:21b

d. Our attitude toward the Bible ought to be as the Thessalonians. cf 1Th. 2:13

2. It is the instrument of the Holy Spirit's work.

a. Ro. 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

b. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that this Book is the "sword of the Spirit"

c. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to bring about conviction in the heart of man and draws him to Christ.

3. It is the reflection of the Spirit's nature.

a. An artist's work of art is but a reflection of his character.

b. The same is true of an author...you could not confuse the works of Hemingway with the works of Shakespeare.

c. Ps. 119:138, "Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful."

B. God's Word is purposeful.

1. It produces conviction.

a. Before one can be saved, he must realize that he is lost.

b. The Word of God cuts through all of man's pretenses and reveals the wickedness of his own heart.

c. Note some examples:

1) The Pharisee and the Publican.

2) The Prodigal Son

3) Peter after he had denied Christ.

4) The multitudes at Pentecost.

2. It produces conversion!

a. Men must be saved, and that cannot be accomplished apart from the Word of God!

b. cf Ro. 10:13-14

3. It produces conformity.

a. Christian = Christ-like b

. Ro. 8:28-29 tells us that all things work together for good to them that love God so that we might be conformed to the image of Christ.

c. Paul tells us that to be conformed to the image of Christ we must let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly. cf Col. 3:16a

Conclusion: "The words of the wise are goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd." God's Word has a purpose and function just as the nail. It is faithful to accomplish its purpose. This morning, allow God's Word to work in your hearts. Some of you here are falling apart spiritually, you need to allow the Word of God to strengthen you today. Others are not fastened firmly with the Word of God, and you need to fill your hearts with His Word and be anchored in your faith. Still others need to allow the Word of God to shape you and mold you into the image of Christ. And others need to allow the Word to pierce your lives and reveal your need of Christ in your life. Won't you let God have His way today?