...I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹²I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³I can do all things through him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:11-13
Every year Pastor John Piper encourages the people of Bethlehem Baptist Church to read, love, and memorize the Bible. A couple of years ago he gave seven motivations for why we should “hold fast to the word of life” (Philippians 2:14–16):
Hold fast to it for the sake of faith. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Hold fast to it for the sake of your joy. “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
Hold fast to it for the sake of your freedom. “If you abide in my word . . . you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32)
Hold fast to it for the sake of your holiness. “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Hold fast to it for the sake of the Holy Spirit. “Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” (Galatians 3:5)
Hold fast to it for the sake of life. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
Hold fast to it for the sake of strength and stability and fruitfulness. Your delight will be “in the law of the Lord, and on his law you will meditate day and night. You will be like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that you do you will prosper.” (Psalms 1:2–3)
Excerpted from the sermon, Holding Fast to the Word of Life in 2010.