LEARN: Knowing God’s Word
Preached to: Middle & High School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
Big Idea: Learning God’s Word brings wisdom and direction.
Life is full of detours. We’ve all faced moments where the road ahead is unclear. Just like a GPS helps us get back on track, God’s Word is our guide for navigating life. In Psalm 119:9–16, we learn that knowing and hiding God’s Word in our hearts brings wisdom, protection, and joy.
1. God’s Word Keeps Us on Track
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
God’s Word is like a map—it shows us the right path and keeps us from getting lost when life gets confusing.
2. God’s Word Protects Our Hearts
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
When we memorize and store up Scripture, it prepares us for temptations and struggles. Just like Jesus used God’s Word to defeat Satan in the wilderness, we can use His truth to stand strong.
3. God’s Word Brings Joy
“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (Psalm 119:14)
The more we learn God’s Word, the more it shifts from being a duty to a delight. The Bible isn’t a boring textbook—it’s God’s love letter that leads us to life, peace, and joy.
Takeaway
Learning God’s Word isn’t just about head knowledge—it’s about finding wisdom for decisions, protection from sin, and joy in walking closely with God.
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🍽️ Night 1 – God’s Word Keeps Us on Track
Verse: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
Thought: Just like a GPS helps us get to the right destination, God’s Word keeps our lives headed in the right direction.
Questions:Can you think of a time you got lost (on a trip, in a game, or even at a store)? How did you find your way?
What are some ways God’s Word can help us make the right choices when life feels confusing?
What’s one area of your life where you’d like God’s direction right now?
🍽️ Night 2 – God’s Word Protects Our Hearts
Verse: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
Thought: Memorizing Scripture is like storing up treasure—it protects us and equips us when temptation or struggles come.
Questions:Why do you think people hide or protect things that are valuable?
What’s one Bible verse you already know that helps you when you’re tempted or discouraged?
How could our family encourage each other to “hide God’s Word in our hearts”?
🍽️ Night 3 – God’s Word Brings Joy
Verse: “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.” (Psalm 119:14)
Thought: The more we learn God’s Word, the more it shifts from a “have to” to a “want to.” It brings joy, not just rules.
Questions:Be honest—do you usually think of the Bible as fun, boring, or helpful? Why?
How can we see the Bible less like a textbook and more like a letter from God?
What’s one step we could take as a family to find more joy in reading and learning God’s Word together?
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Introduction
Story: Driving from Pensacola to Georgia → detour on the road.
Two choices: trust the path we knew, or turn around and find our own way.
We made it home by trusting the path; my parents ignored the directions and doubled their trip.
Point: When we ignore directions, we waste time and create frustration. The same is true spiritually with God’s Word.
Point 1 – Learning God’s Word Keeps Us on Track
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
God’s Word is like a GPS—it shows us the right way to live.
Without God’s Word, we wander and get lost.
Application: Reading and following Scripture keeps us headed toward God’s best.
Point 2 – Learning God’s Word Protects Our Hearts
Parents ignored the directions → created a bigger problem.
God’s Word protects us when we hide it in our hearts.
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
Analogy: Pirates hide treasure to protect it. God’s Word is more valuable—it’s treasure worth hiding in our hearts.
Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4): He quoted Scripture to defeat temptation.
Application: Memorizing and storing God’s Word equips us to face temptations and wrong turns.
Point 3 – Learning God’s Word Leads to Joy & Praise
Relief when we made it home → joy in trusting the right path.
“I rejoice in your laws as much as in riches… I delight in your decrees and will not neglect your word.” (Psalm 119:14–16)
The more we learn God’s Word, the more it becomes a “want to” instead of a “have to.”
The Bible isn’t a textbook—it’s God’s love letter to us.
Application: Walking in God’s Word brings joy, life, and peace—not just rules.
Conclusion & Worship Transition
Life has detours—will you trust God’s map or go your own way?
God’s Word = wisdom, protection, joy, direction.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Next Steps
Start a DAILY Bible reading plan
Memorize Psalm 119:11
Find an Accountability Partner/Prayer Partner
Consider joining TBQ!
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Psalm 119:9–16 (NLT)
9 How can a young person stay pure?
By obeying your word.10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.Referenced Matthew 4 when Jesus resists temptation.
