Did you know? If you read one chapter of the Bible a day, it will take you about 3.25 years to read it all. If you are 25, that means in 50 years you can read it over 15 times.
In 2011—how much of the Bible have you read? More—how much has it changed you?
Physically—diet is two things. NOT eating junk food or processed foods. EATING healthy on the positive side.
This is much more the case spiritually, by not filling our mind excessively with trivial junk (TV, video games, sports, etc), but with the Word.
II Timothy 3:16-17 The WONDER of the WORD. There is no book like the Bible: It is INERRANT i.e. trustworthy, INSPIRED i.e. helpful, and INSTRUCTIVE i.e. needed for growth.
How to study the Bible:
1. Devotionally—it is not an academic treatise. It is a Word from God to you.
2. Theologically—its truth affects ALL of life.
3. Communally—with other believers to avoid extremes.
4. Personally—for your own growth. Couple of ways to do this:
1) Deductively: picking a certain subject as your starting point, then going through the Bible and finding Scriptures that address it. In short, it is a topical approach to studying the Scriptures. (Examples: Word of God, evangelism, prayer)
2) Inductively: means taking a passage of Scripture and reading it, pondering it, and asking questions about it until you are able to draw conclusions about what that text is saying in and of itself. (Example: studying II Timothy 3:16-17 to learn about God’s Word).
II Timothy 3:16-17 Inductively:
- Who wrote it, when did he write it, and to whom did he write it? Paul, near end of life, to protege Timothy
- Who are the main characters and what are the main events in the text? Focus is on the wonder and importance of the Word.
- How are the people in the text similar or different from me? (better question for narrative passages)
- What is the meaning of the passage? God’s Word is unique and vital for our Christian life
- What is God telling me and how is He encouraging and strengthening me through this passage?
God’s Word is UNIQUE: God-breathed
God’s Word is PROFITABLE for (note different versions to help in understanding)
Teaching—we grow in knowledge by studying the Word.
Reproof/Rebuke—we avoid harm by studying the Word.
Example: relationally—begin with salvation, then go to other relationships, avoid a lot of harm.
Materially—biblical perspective on wealth helps us to avoid the poison of wanting stuff we don’t need.
Emotionally—dealing with worry, fear, etc.
Spiritually—intimacy with God that comes from growing closer daily.
Correction—sometimes we need to be straightened out!
Training in righteousness—avoid license on the one hand and legalism on the other.
That the man (or woman) of God should be competent—do not need to be giving bad counsel!
Equipped for every good work—Our growth in the Scripture should affect ALL of life, not just church life.
For thought: how much of my life (all of life, not just “church” life) is being changed over time by a Word-focused perspective?
- What promises can I see in this passage? Let class answer
- What changes does this passage show me I need to make in my life and how does God want me to make them? CLASS
- What sins do I need to be rid of so that I can grow more and enjoy closer fellowship with God? Neglect of Word, failure to obey etc
- What does God want me to share with someone? No greater guide than Scripture….
Who the Word is shaping me to become is more important than the skills I acquire.
