Engaging with Scripture: A Journey of Transformation
Summary
This morning, we gathered in gratitude for God’s presence and the privilege of worshipping together. We took time to honour Sifa, a beloved member of our church family, as she follows God’s call to serve in a new place. We also celebrated Mo’s recent baptism, reminding us of the joy and courage found in following God’s promptings, even when they stretch us beyond our comfort zones.
Our focus today was on the extraordinary gift of Scripture. We reflected on the sacrifices made by those like William Tyndale, who risked—and gave—their lives so that ordinary people could read the Bible in their own language. The history of the Bible is a story of both fierce opposition and deep longing, revealing that Scripture is no ordinary book. It is a living portal to the kingdom of God, a map that guides us into a reality shaped by God’s presence and truth.
Yet, despite the Bible’s availability, many of us struggle to engage with it. We acknowledged the real barriers: feeling overwhelmed by its size and complexity, past experiences of legalism, distractions, and even the fear of what God might ask of us. These struggles are common, and we are not alone in them. But we are invited to approach Scripture not as a duty or a source of trivia, but as a way to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did.
Jesus Himself was immersed in Scripture. He trusted it, quoted it, and saw His mission revealed through it. He taught that not even the smallest detail of God’s Word would pass away until all was accomplished. Our formation as people of the kingdom is deeply connected to our engagement with Scripture. Reading the Bible is not about legalism or impressing others, but about opening ourselves to God’s presence and being transformed.
We are beginning a four-week journey to develop four key skills: reading, meditating, studying, and memorizing Scripture. The goal is not just information, but formation—meeting Jesus on the page and being shaped by Him. The first step is simply to start: open the Bible, slow down, and invite Jesus to meet you there. As we do, we trust that God will use His Word to lead us, comfort us, and form us into people who carry His kingdom wherever we go.
Key Takeaways
- The Bible is a living, transformative gift, not merely a historical document or a collection of moral teachings. Its very existence is the result of great sacrifice, and it serves as a portal to the kingdom of God, inviting us into a reality shaped by God’s presence and truth. To treat it as ordinary is to miss its power to change both our lives and the world around us. [38:23]
- Engaging with Scripture is often difficult, and that’s normal. Barriers such as intimidation by its complexity, painful past experiences, distractions, and even fear of what God might reveal are real and shared by many. Recognizing these struggles is the first step toward overcoming them, and we are invited to bring our honest selves to God as we approach His Word. [45:52]
- Jesus’ relationship with Scripture was foundational to His life and ministry. He trusted it completely, saw His mission within its pages, and taught that every detail of God’s Word is significant. If we desire to follow Jesus, we must learn to see Scripture through His eyes—valuing it, trusting it, and allowing it to shape our understanding and actions. [55:15]
- The purpose of reading the Bible is not to accumulate information, but to be formed into the likeness of Christ. We are called to read not just for knowledge, but for transformation—allowing the words to shape our hearts, minds, and lives. This requires a posture of openness, humility, and expectation that God will meet us in the pages of Scripture. [01:07:11]
- The first and most important step in engaging with Scripture is simply to begin. Start reading, even if only for a few minutes each day, and invite Jesus to be present with you. The practice is less about technique and more about the heart with which we come—seeking to meet Jesus, to be changed by Him, and to carry His presence into the world. [01:07:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[06:00] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[07:18] - Farewell and Blessing for Sifa
[18:22] - Prayers for Sifa and Her New Journey
[26:34] - Celebrating Mo’s Baptism
[38:23] - The Cost and Power of Scripture’s History
[41:29] - The Problem of Bible Neglect Today
[44:23] - Real Barriers to Reading Scripture
[45:52] - Group Discussion: Our Struggles with the Bible
[52:56] - Jesus’ Relationship with Scripture
[55:15] - Jesus’ Teaching on the Authority of Scripture
[58:19] - Why We Read: Formation, Not Obligation
[59:38] - The Three Goals: With Jesus, Like Jesus, As Jesus Did
[01:07:11] - Reading for Formation, Not Just Information
[01:07:49] - Practical Steps: Starting the Journey
[01:11:53] - Commitment and Accountability
[01:17:11] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:28:56] - Benediction and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transformative Gift of Scripture
---
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 5:17-19
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
2. Luke 24:27
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
3. John 10:35
“…and the Scripture cannot be broken…”
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 5:17-19, what does Jesus say about the Law and the Prophets, and how does he describe their lasting importance? [55:15]
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the real barriers people face when it comes to reading the Bible? [45:52]
3. How did Jesus use and relate to Scripture in his own life and ministry, as described in the sermon? [52:56]
4. What historical sacrifices were made so that ordinary people could have access to the Bible in their own language? [38:23]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that not even the smallest detail of Scripture will disappear until everything is accomplished? What does this say about how we should view the Bible? [55:15]
2. The sermon mentions that the Bible is “a living portal to the kingdom of God.” What do you think this means, and how is it different from seeing the Bible as just a book of rules or stories? [38:23]
3. The speaker says that reading the Bible is not about legalism or impressing others, but about opening ourselves to God’s presence and being transformed. How does this perspective challenge or encourage you? [58:54]
4. Jesus’ relationship with Scripture was foundational to his life. What might it look like for us to “see Scripture through his eyes”? [52:56]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon acknowledged that many of us struggle to read the Bible because of its size, complexity, past experiences, distractions, or even fear of what God might ask of us. Which of these barriers do you relate to most, and what is one step you could take this week to address it? [45:52]
2. The first and most important step in engaging with Scripture is simply to begin. Where and when could you make a little space—even just five minutes—to meet Jesus in the Bible this week? [01:07:49]
3. The speaker encouraged us to approach Scripture not as a duty, but as a way to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did. Which of these three goals motivates you most to read the Bible, and why? [59:38]
4. Think about the story of William Tyndale and others who risked their lives so people could read the Bible. How does knowing this history affect your attitude toward your own Bible? [38:23]
5. The sermon described the Bible as a “map” and a “portal” to God’s kingdom. What is one way you could approach your Bible reading this week with more expectation that God wants to meet you there? [38:23]
6. The speaker suggested praying and inviting Jesus to meet you as you read. What might it look like for you to slow down, breathe, and pray before opening your Bible? [01:07:49]
7. The goal of reading the Bible is not just information, but formation. Is there a specific area of your life where you want to be more like Jesus? How could engaging with Scripture help you in that area? [01:07:11]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person in the group to meet Jesus in the pages of Scripture this week and to be formed by his presence.
Devotional
Day 1: The Enduring Authority of Scripture
Jesus affirms that every part of Scripture, down to the smallest detail, remains true and relevant until all is accomplished. He ties the practice and teaching of God’s commands to greatness in the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that Scripture is not to be set aside or ignored. This means that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living guide for our lives, shaping us as we follow Jesus. When we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, we participate in a reciprocal relationship: the more we value and practice Scripture, the deeper our formation as people of the kingdom becomes. [58:19]
Matthew 5:17-19 (ESV)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Reflection: What is one command or teaching from Scripture that you have been tempted to set aside or ignore? How might you begin to honor it more fully in your daily life?
Day 2: Reading Scripture to Meet Jesus
Reading the Bible is not just about gaining information; it is about encountering Jesus himself. As you open the pages of Scripture, you are invited to meet the living Christ, who is present with you, guiding, teaching, and transforming you. This spiritual discipline is less about technique and more about posture—coming to the Bible with a heart that longs to be with Jesus, to become like him, and to do as he did. When you read with this intention, the words become a doorway to God’s presence, and your life is shaped by the One who is the Word. [01:07:49]
John 5:39-40 (ESV)
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”
Reflection: Before you read your Bible today, pause and pray for Jesus to meet you on the page. How does this change your experience of reading Scripture?
Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Engaging with the Bible
Many people struggle to read the Bible regularly due to feelings of intimidation, past negative experiences, distractions, or fear of what God might ask them to change. These are real barriers, but you are not alone in facing them. God understands your struggles and invites you to bring them to him. By acknowledging these obstacles and asking Jesus to help you, you can begin to overcome them and develop a habit of engaging with Scripture, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. [46:57]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Reflection: What is the biggest barrier that keeps you from reading the Bible regularly? What is one practical step you can take today to overcome it?
Day 4: Scripture as a Pathway to Transformation
The Bible is not an ordinary book; it is a map to the kingdom of God and a portal to a new reality. When you read, meditate, study, and memorize Scripture, you open yourself to God’s transforming presence. The goal is not just to know more but to be changed—to think, feel, and live more like Jesus. As you allow God’s Word to shape your mind and heart, you become someone who carries the kingdom of God wherever you go, impacting the world around you. [41:29]
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need God’s transforming power? How can you invite Scripture to shape your thoughts and actions in that area this week?
Day 5: Practicing Scripture as a Daily Spiritual Discipline
Developing a daily practice of reading Scripture is about making space to meet Jesus and be formed by his Word. It doesn’t matter where you start or how much you read—what matters is your willingness to begin and your openness to God’s presence. As you slow down, breathe, and pray for Jesus to meet you, you cultivate a heart that is attentive to God. This daily discipline is a way of opening yourself to God’s guidance, wisdom, and love, allowing his Word to light your path and lead you deeper into relationship with him. [01:11:53]
Joshua 1:8 (ESV)
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Reflection: Where and when can you make a little space today—even just five minutes—to meet Jesus in the Bible? What will you do to make this a regular part of your life?
Quotes
well the answer to both questions really is quite simple and yet at the same time it's really quite profound you see whatever the Bible is whatever scripture is it's no ordinary book ever since the Bible as we know it was brought together in the late fourth century it's been recognised that the scriptures are more than a well curated collection of stories and poems and historical records it's like a map to a whole other world the kingdom of God like a portal like a portal to a whole other reality it breaks what Celtic Christians call the thin veil between here and there and if you enter into it it has the potential to change not just your life but the whole world and yet here we are today many years later and let's be honest many of us have two or three Bibles most of these there's a few of them you'll recognise from here but most of these actually came off my shelves [00:40:21] (66 seconds)
it's been said that too many Christians today are what are called post -Bible Christians people who try to follow Jesus without really engaging with Scripture we don't burn Bibles anymore we just ignore them so today we return to our series Deeper Wider going deeper in transformation so that we can go wider in mission and you may remember some of you who were there that last year we began looking at some of the spiritual disciplines and I wonder how good your memories are and your memories will probably tell me how much you're doing these things but never mind how good your memories are can anyone remember which ones we looked at I'll give you a hint there were three Sabbath [00:41:55] (53 seconds)
But it's a big, ancient book full of laws, genealogies, poetry, and prophecy, and it just feels overwhelming. Maybe we don't know where to start. Without a guide or a plan, it feels like we're just parachuting into the middle of a story. It feels disconnected from real life. I mean, what are Leviticus, the laws of Leviticus, how do they help me live life today? How do they help me to parent my children or be a good grandfather? How do they speak to our anxieties? [00:45:15] (36 seconds)
He's basically saying there's a reciprocal relationship between the place of scripture in our lives and the depth of our formation into people of the kingdom of God. That's why we read the Bible. Not because we have to. Not because it becomes trendy. Not because the pastor stands up and says you must read your Bible. Not to impress people with obscure trivia about things that happened thousands of years ago. We read it because we have come to love and follow Jesus. [00:58:36] (38 seconds)
And instinctively we know that following him and immersing our minds and our lives in the library of scripture go hand in hand. We know deep down that really engaging with God's word is essential for us to achieve our three goals as an apprentice of Jesus. To be with Jesus. To become like Jesus. And to do as he did. [00:59:14] (28 seconds)
Because reading and engaging with scripture is essential to all three. To be with Jesus. As we read, we discover this isn't just like reading an ordinary book. because the author of the book is right there with us. Reading this ancient library is a way of opening our hearts to God's presence. To become like Jesus. As we read, we take his thoughts into our own minds. We begin to think like him. Feel like him. See the world through his eyes. See the world like him. and live like him. [00:59:42] (43 seconds)
We become people who carry the kingdom of God with us wherever we go. We read the Bible because we know that if we truly want to become like Jesus, then we must immerse ourselves in the library of scripture. We read the Bible because we know that reading and meditating on and studying and memorizing scripture are all part of being an apprentice of Jesus. [01:00:34] (28 seconds)
We have to learn to read scripture, not just for information, but for formation. And that's the goal of this practice. And there are two key skills that we need to develop. Biblical interpretation, so we understand what we're reading, you know, without going too deep, you know, finding out, like, I found that really interesting to find that, you know, the smallest thing actually meant something. You know, when you go back to some of that stuff. Made me a bit of a nerd, but never mind. Spiritual reading. So that what we read can actually shape us. So we'll do a little bit of the first, but we're going to focus mainly on spiritual reading. [01:06:41] (52 seconds)
Because our ultimate goal is not just to know the Bible, it's to read the Bible. In such a way that we meet Jesus himself on the page. And we have deeply formed to be like him. It's to read scripture as a spiritual discipline, as a way of opening ourselves up to God. So, the question I know at least some of you are asking is, okay, but how do we do that? Will we take the first step? Start. [01:07:21] (31 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 27, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?