Embracing the Bible: A Year of Transformation
Summary
As we gather at the start of a new year, I invite you to reflect on the abundance of Bibles we possess and yet the scarcity of time we spend engaging with them. Despite the Bible's status as the best-selling book, many of us, myself included, often neglect to delve into its pages regularly. This morning, I want to challenge us to make the Bible a central part of our lives in 2025, recognizing its profound impact on our spiritual journey.
The Bible is not just a book of historical significance or moral teachings; it is the inspired Word of God, offering us heavenly riches, honor, joy, and eternal life. Yet, many of us struggle with biblical illiteracy or fail to translate our knowledge into obedient living. We are called to open our Bibles and allow them to guide, teach, and transform us.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul emphasizes the Bible's divine inspiration and its profitability for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. This means that the Bible should be our guide, shaping our lives and refining our character. However, to experience this transformation, we must actively engage with Scripture.
Opening our Bibles provides us with clear direction, as Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God's Word is a lamp for our feet and a light on our path. It offers reflection, acting as a mirror that reveals our true selves and exposes areas in need of surrender to God. It provides nourishment, feeding our spiritual lives and preventing malnourishment. Lastly, it offers protection, serving as our offensive weapon in spiritual warfare, as demonstrated by Jesus in the wilderness.
To help us commit to opening our Bibles this year, I encourage you to explore resources like the Bible Recap, participate in discipleship classes, and join our 21 Days of Seeking God initiative. These tools can provide structure, accountability, and community as we embark on this journey together.
Let us commit to deepening our relationship with God by immersing ourselves in His Word, allowing it to illuminate our path, reflect our true selves, nourish our spirits, and protect us in spiritual battles. May this year be one of transformation and growth as we open our Bibles and live out the truths within.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Bible as a Source of Heavenly Riches: The Bible offers us heavenly riches, honor, joy, and eternal life. It is not just a book of moral teachings but a divine guide that promises unutterable joy and eternal blessings. We must prioritize engaging with it to experience these promises. [44:49]
2. Biblical Illiteracy and Obedience: Many Christians today struggle with biblical illiteracy or fail to live out the truths they know. We must strive to not only know God's Word but also to apply it in our daily lives, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. [49:32]
3. The Bible as a Lamp and Mirror: God's Word provides clear direction and reflection. It is a lamp that illuminates our path and a mirror that reveals our true selves, exposing areas in need of surrender to God. We must open our Bibles to navigate life's challenges and grow spiritually. [55:33]
4. Nourishment and Spiritual Growth: Just as our bodies need physical nourishment, our spirits require the nourishment of God's Word. Regular engagement with Scripture strengthens our faith and prevents spiritual malnourishment, enabling us to grow in maturity and righteousness. [01:04:23]
5. The Bible as Our Spiritual Weapon: In spiritual warfare, the Bible is our offensive weapon. Jesus demonstrated its power by using Scripture to combat temptation. We must know God's Word to effectively resist the enemy's schemes and stand firm in our faith. [01:10:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:19] - Abundance of Bibles
- [43:17] - Bible Sales Increase
- [44:49] - The Bible's Heavenly Promises
- [46:10] - Personal Reflection on Bible Engagement
- [47:36] - Importance of God's Word
- [48:46] - Biblical Illiteracy in the Church
- [49:32] - Misconceptions About Scripture
- [50:58] - Decline in Biblical Literacy
- [52:00] - Knowledge vs. Obedience
- [54:33] - The Bible as a Textbook
- [55:33] - The Bible as a Lamp
- [58:59] - The Bible as a Mirror
- [01:02:41] - The Bible as Nourishment
- [01:06:19] - The Bible as a Weapon
- [01:11:13] - Motivation and Tools for Bible Engagement
- [01:17:03] - 21 Days of Seeking God
- [01:19:04] - Commitment to Open Our Bibles
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Psalm 119:105
- James 1:23-25
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture as outlined by Paul? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the Bible's role in teaching and correcting us? [47:36]
2. In the sermon, what statistics were shared about biblical literacy among Christians, and what misconceptions were highlighted? [49:32]
3. How does Psalm 119:105 describe the function of God's Word, and how was this illustrated in the sermon with the story of the dark path? [55:33]
4. What analogy does James use to describe someone who hears the Word but does not act on it, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about reflection? [58:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the Bible as a "lamp" and "mirror" help believers understand their spiritual journey and personal growth? [55:33]
2. What might be the reasons for the decline in biblical literacy as discussed in the sermon, and how does this impact the church's ability to live out its faith? [50:58]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that knowing Scripture can serve as a spiritual weapon, and how does this align with the example of Jesus in the wilderness? [01:06:19]
4. How does the sermon propose that engaging with the Bible can lead to spiritual nourishment and growth, and what are the consequences of neglecting this practice? [01:04:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current Bible engagement. How often do you open your Bible, and what steps can you take to make it a more regular part of your life in 2025? [46:10]
2. The sermon mentioned tools like the Bible Recap and discipleship classes. Which of these resources could you commit to using, and how might they help you in your spiritual journey? [01:11:56]
3. Consider the analogy of the Bible as a mirror. What is one area of your life that you feel needs reflection and surrender to God, and how can Scripture help you in this process? [58:59]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of using Scripture as a spiritual weapon in your daily life, especially when facing temptations or challenges? [01:06:19]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of community in Bible study. How can you engage with others in your church or small group to enhance your understanding and application of God's Word? [01:13:42]
6. Identify a specific time each day that you can dedicate to reading and reflecting on Scripture. What changes might you need to make in your schedule to prioritize this time? [01:11:13]
7. How can you use the insights from this sermon to encourage someone else in their faith journey, particularly in their engagement with the Bible? [01:17:03]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Bible as a Source of Heavenly Riches
The Bible is not merely a collection of moral teachings or historical accounts; it is the inspired Word of God, offering profound spiritual wealth. It promises heavenly riches, honor, joy, and eternal life to those who engage with it. Despite its availability, many people neglect to explore its depths, missing out on the divine guidance and blessings it offers. By prioritizing time with Scripture, individuals can experience the transformative power of God's promises and cultivate a deeper relationship with Him. [44:49]
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold." (Proverbs 3:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to prioritize engaging with the Bible and uncover the heavenly riches it offers?
Day 2: Biblical Illiteracy and Obedience
Many Christians today face the challenge of biblical illiteracy, knowing little about the Scriptures or failing to apply its truths in their lives. The Bible calls for not only knowledge but also obedience, urging believers to live out its teachings. This requires a commitment to study and understand God's Word, allowing it to shape actions and attitudes. By doing so, individuals can experience spiritual growth and transformation, aligning their lives with God's will. [49:32]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you struggle to apply biblical truths. How can you take a practical step towards obedience in this area today?
Day 3: The Bible as a Lamp and Mirror
God's Word serves as both a lamp and a mirror, providing direction and reflection. It illuminates the path ahead, guiding believers through life's challenges, while also revealing their true selves and areas needing surrender to God. Engaging with Scripture allows individuals to navigate their spiritual journey with clarity and purpose, fostering growth and maturity. By opening the Bible, believers can gain insight into their lives and align themselves more closely with God's desires. [55:33]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need God's guidance? How can you seek His direction through Scripture today?
Day 4: Nourishment and Spiritual Growth
Just as physical nourishment is essential for the body, spiritual nourishment is vital for the soul. Regular engagement with God's Word strengthens faith, prevents spiritual malnourishment, and promotes growth in maturity and righteousness. By feeding on Scripture, believers can deepen their relationship with God and develop a robust spiritual life. This nourishment equips them to face life's challenges with confidence and resilience, rooted in the truths of God's Word. [01:04:23]
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." (1 Peter 2:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate regular Bible reading into your daily routine to ensure your spiritual nourishment and growth?
Day 5: The Bible as Our Spiritual Weapon
In spiritual warfare, the Bible serves as a powerful offensive weapon. Jesus demonstrated its effectiveness by using Scripture to combat temptation in the wilderness. Believers are called to know God's Word intimately, enabling them to resist the enemy's schemes and stand firm in their faith. By equipping themselves with Scripture, they can confidently face spiritual battles, drawing strength and wisdom from God's promises and truths. [01:10:01]
"Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific Scripture can you memorize this week to equip yourself for spiritual battles you are currently facing?
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Quotes
If the Bible indeed offers us heavenly riches and honor and joy and that and eternal life and life of unutterable joy, then why don't I spend more time in it? Why don't I spend more time reading this book and studying it? Why don't I treasure it more? [00:45:41] (29 seconds)
What does Paul tell Timothy? Well, first, that this book is inspired by God. This is not just merely thoughts from a human man. This is what God wants to communicate to us. Secondly, he says, it's profitable for teaching. It's profitable for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness. In other words, this book should show us how to live. It should guide and it should refine our lives. [00:48:06] (39 seconds)
I believe that we live in an age where we know both too little of God's word and too much of it. I believe the church in America is suffering as a result of this dichotomy. We have two sides of the same coin, if you will. On the one side, we're becoming more biblically illiterate as followers of Jesus, as a church in America. [00:49:04] (28 seconds)
Numerous pastors and professors have, like John Maxwell, Mark Batterson, J .R. Briggs, have all said this. They say that most Christians are educated far beyond their level of obedience. And while I truly believe that... As a church, we're becoming more and more biblically illiterate. The reality is that we're far more educated than our level of obedience. [00:51:35] (25 seconds)
The psalmist says in Psalm 119, 105, your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. I like the way the NET translation says it. He says, your word is a lamp to walk by and a light to illumine my path. Have you ever been in a place that was so dark that you literally couldn't see your hand in front of you? [00:55:24] (27 seconds)
What James is saying here is that God's Word acts like a mirror for us. And what does a mirror do? It provides reflection. It allows us to see what we really look like. So for instance, now if you're under 50, this may not apply to you yet. But one day, I promise you that it will. [00:59:34] (24 seconds)
The writer of Hebrews is talking to the believers and he's saying, some of you should be here on solid food, but you're still on milk over here. Because you haven't matured enough yet. But here's the thing, regardless of whether it's milk or solid food, the nourishment comes from here. For those who are young in their faith and older in their faith. [01:04:06] (29 seconds)
The point is that God's word is what provides the nourishment for us. And here's the thing though, right? So often we like deliberately starve ourselves spiritually. We would never go for days, weeks, months without eating food. Our bodies don't work that way. They can't work that way. We need to take in food. But somehow, we fall into the rut of not feeding ourselves spiritually. [01:04:32] (34 seconds)
The rest of the armor provides a passive protection against the evil day. And then in verse 17, he talks about the sword of protection for us. This is the one piece of armor that provides active protection. It's our offensive weapon. No one wins a war or a battle with just a bulletproof vest on. They're helpful. They're vital. You want to have one on. [01:06:35] (28 seconds)
In each of these attacks, notice how Jesus responds. He defends himself against each attack by attacking back with the sword of the spirit, the word of God. He quotes scripture. It's his weapon against the schemes of Satan. And he combats each of those temptations in the end. In the areas of appetites or lust of the eyes, in the area of pride or power, in the area of security, in each of those areas, he attacks back by quoting God's word. [01:09:18] (37 seconds)
And the only way that we're going to win is to put on the armor of God. And the one offensive weapon that we have, the only one we can attack back with, is God's word. It's scripture. We need to know it. And to know it, we need to open our hearts. We need to open our Bibles. [01:10:54] (19 seconds)
So let's commit as a church family this year to opening our Bibles because opening your Bible provides you a clear direction, reflection, nourishment, and protection. And I would encourage you to take advantage of one, two, maybe even all three of these tools to help you launch yourself into 2025. Opening your Bible. [01:18:42] (22 seconds)
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