Embracing the Living Word: A Call to Action
Summary
In our journey of faith, we are called to Reach Wider, to extend the influence of the Kingdom of God in every sphere we touch. This year, we are challenged to leave a gospel mark on every person we encounter, reflecting our connection to Christ and inspiring others to follow Him or to deepen their walk with Him. As we endeavor to expand our impact, it is crucial to remain grounded in the fundamentals of our faith, ensuring we have solid footing to walk through the doors God opens for us without stumbling.
The Bible stands as the cornerstone of our faith, a divine tapestry woven by God through human authors across centuries. It is not merely a historical document or a collection of moral teachings; it is the living Word of God, a mirror reflecting our true selves and a guide for navigating life's complexities. The Bible works for us when we work its principles, and it works on us, shaping and refining our character.
Despite parts that challenge us, like loving our enemies or forgiving repeatedly, we must embrace the entirety of Scripture. For if God has authored it, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we have no right to pick and choose what suits us. The Bible is God's mind to humankind, a love letter to a fallen world, and it demands our utmost respect and obedience.
The Bible's historical accuracy, topical unity, and spiritual efficacy testify to its trustworthiness. Archaeological discoveries and non-biblical historical resources corroborate its accounts, while its consistent message of God's holiness and grace through Jesus Christ resonates throughout its pages. We can trust the Bible because it is God-breathed, inspired, and preserved for our instruction and righteousness.
As we engage with the Bible, we must study it, digest it, and obey it. It is our spiritual lane assist, alerting us when we veer off course and preventing us from crossing dangerous lines. The Bible is not just words on a page; it is the living Word that became flesh in Jesus Christ, revealing the Savior on every page.
In conclusion, let us commit to loving, learning, and living the Word of God until Christ returns. Let us seek forgiveness for any disregard or disrespect we have shown towards Scripture and strive to reflect Jesus Christ in our lives, so that others may see Him in us and be drawn to the truth of the gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible is the living Word of God, a divine communication that guides us through life's obstacles. As we listen to its direction, we can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and purpose. The Bible is not just a historical record; it is the voice of God speaking to us today, providing wisdom and insight for every decision we make. [57:03]
- Our approach to Scripture should be one of reverence and obedience. The Bible is not a buffet from which we can select what we like and ignore the rest. Every word is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When we submit to the authority of Scripture, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose for our lives. [01:09:33]
- The historical accuracy and consistency of the Bible affirm its reliability. Archaeological findings and external historical records support the events and people described in Scripture. This evidence strengthens our faith in the Bible as a trustworthy source of truth and a foundation for our beliefs. [01:20:41]
- The Bible is a mirror, not a window. It reveals our own hearts and challenges us to confront the realities about ourselves. Through its teachings, we are corrected and rebuked, but also encouraged and uplifted. The transformative power of Scripture shapes us into the likeness of Christ as we apply its truths to our lives. [01:22:49]
- We must actively engage with the Bible by studying, digesting, and obeying its teachings. The Bible is not passive literature; it is an active force in the believer's life. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we gain understanding, wisdom, and the strength to follow God's precepts, leading to a life that honors Him and serves others. [01:24:51]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Luke 24:25-27 - "He said to them, 'How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."
3. Psalm 119:97-104 - "Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture? How does this passage describe the nature of the Bible?
2. In Luke 24:25-27, how does Jesus use the Scriptures to explain His identity and mission to the disciples? What does this tell us about the importance of the Old Testament?
3. Psalm 119:97-104 describes a deep love and respect for God's law. What are some of the benefits mentioned in this passage for those who meditate on and obey God's Word?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to view the Bible as "God-breathed" and not just a collection of human writings? How does this perspective affect our approach to Scripture? ([01:04:45])
2. How does the historical accuracy and consistency of the Bible strengthen our faith in its reliability? What are some examples given in the sermon that support this claim? ([01:17:35])
3. The sermon mentions that the Bible is a mirror, not a window. What does this mean, and how should this understanding impact our personal Bible study? ([01:22:33])
4. How does the concept of "lane assist" in the sermon illustrate the role of the Bible in guiding our lives? What are some "solid lines" that the Bible helps us avoid crossing? ([01:27:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. Do you treat it with the reverence and obedience it deserves, or do you tend to pick and choose what suits you? How can you improve your engagement with Scripture? ([01:04:45])
2. The sermon challenges us to leave a gospel mark on every person we encounter. Think of a recent interaction where you could have reflected Christ more clearly. What will you do differently next time? ([53:29])
3. The Bible is described as a "spiritual lane assist." Identify a specific area in your life where you feel you might be drifting. How can you use Scripture to correct your course and stay aligned with God's will? ([01:27:03])
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of studying, digesting, and obeying the Bible. Choose one of these three actions and make a concrete plan for how you will implement it in your daily routine this week. ([01:23:03])
5. The historical and archaeological evidence supporting the Bible's reliability was discussed in the sermon. How does this information impact your confidence in sharing your faith with others? ([01:17:35])
6. The Bible is a mirror that reveals our true selves. Reflect on a recent time when Scripture convicted you of a particular sin or attitude. How did you respond, and what steps did you take to change? ([01:22:33])
7. The sermon calls us to commit to loving, learning, and living the Word of God until Christ returns. What specific steps will you take this week to deepen your relationship with God's Word and reflect Jesus in your life? ([01:30:33])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Voice of God
The Bible is not just an ancient text; it is the living Word that continues to speak into the lives of believers today. It is a divine communication that offers guidance through life's obstacles, providing wisdom and insight for every decision. When one listens to the direction of Scripture, they can navigate the complexities of life with confidence and purpose. The Bible's role is not passive; it actively shapes the believer's worldview and decision-making process, serving as a compass that points toward God's will.
"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple." - Psalm 119:130 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively listen to God's voice in Scripture today, and what specific area of your life needs this divine guidance?
Day 2: Reverence and Obedience to Scripture
Approaching the Bible with reverence means recognizing its authority over every aspect of life. It is not a buffet to pick and choose from but a complete guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. By submitting to the authority of Scripture, one aligns with God's will and purpose. This obedience is not always easy, as it challenges individuals to confront their own desires and biases, but it is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's plan.
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
Reflection: What part of Scripture have you been avoiding or resisting, and how can you begin to submit to its teaching in your life?
Day 3: Trusting the Bible's Historical Reliability
The historical accuracy and consistency of the Bible are not just academic concerns; they are foundational to its reliability and to the faith of believers. Archaeological findings and external historical records support the events and people described in Scripture, which strengthens trust in the Bible as a source of truth. This evidence is not merely for intellectual satisfaction but serves to deepen one's faith and confidence in the Scriptures as the true word of God.
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4 ESV
Reflection: How does the historical reliability of the Bible impact your trust in its teachings, and how can you share this with someone who doubts its credibility?
Day 4: The Bible as a Mirror for Self-Reflection
The Bible acts as a mirror, revealing the true state of one's heart and mind. It is not merely for observing the world or others but for self-examination and transformation. The Scriptures challenge believers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves, leading to repentance and change. This transformative power of the Word shapes individuals into the likeness of Christ, which is the ultimate goal of Christian living.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." - James 1:23 ESV
Reflection: What has the Bible revealed to you about your character that you need to address, and what steps will you take to allow Scripture to transform you?
Day 5: Engaging with Scripture Actively
The Bible demands more than passive reading; it requires active engagement. Studying, digesting, and obeying its teachings are all part of a dynamic relationship with the Word. This engagement is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of learning and application. As believers immerse themselves in Scripture, they gain understanding, wisdom, and the strength to follow God's precepts, leading to a life that honors Him and serves others.
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22 ESV
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to more deeply study and apply a specific passage of Scripture in your daily life starting today?
Quotes
- "The Bible is not just words on a page; it is the living Word that became flesh in Jesus Christ, revealing the Savior on every page." [01:29:45](Download)
- "The Bible works for you when you work the principles of the Bible. The Bible works for you, but beloved, the Bible also works on you, correcting, rebuking." [01:22:19](Download)
- "The Bible is the breath of God. What you have in your hand, either with pages, paper and ink or on an app in your phone, is literally the breath of God." [01:07:55](Download)
- "The Bible is God's mind to humankind, a love letter to a fallen world, and it demands our utmost respect and obedience." [01:04:19](Download)
- "The Bible is a mirror, not a window. It reveals our own hearts and challenges us to confront the realities about ourselves." [01:22:49](Download)
- "The historical accuracy and consistency of the Bible affirm its reliability. Archaeological findings and external historical records support the events and people described in Scripture." [01:20:41](Download)
- "The Bible stands as a divine tapestry woven by God through human authors across centuries, not merely a historical document or a collection of moral teachings." [01:29:15](Download)
- "The Bible is a big deal. It is the best selling book in the history of humankind. The Bible is a big deal because Jesus treats the Bible like it's a big deal." [58:41](Download)
- "God authored the Bible. If God authored it, that means I need to take it seriously. We ought to love it, we ought to learn it, and we ought to live it." [01:09:33](Download)
- "The Bible's description of the temple in Jerusalem that they dig in the ground and find is absolutely accurate. The Bible is a book of eyewitness accounts." [01:18:59](Download)
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