Scripture's Purpose: Pointing Us to Jesus Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Scriptures Point Us to Jesus

The ultimate purpose of the Bible is to point us to Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah, the Savior who fulfills all of God's promises. Both the Old and New Testaments center on Him: the Old Testament anticipates His coming, and the New Testament reveals Him as present and victorious. When reading Scripture, it is essential to remember that every story, prophecy, and teaching finds its fulfillment in Jesus, and that faith in Him is the way to eternal life. [42:36]

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: When you read the Bible, do you look for how each passage points to Jesus? Choose a familiar Bible story and ask yourself today: how does this story reveal Jesus or your need for Him?

Day 2: The Bible Convicts Us of Sin

God’s Word acts as a mirror, revealing our sinfulness and our inability to meet God’s perfect standard on our own. The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Scripture show us where we fall short, not to shame us, but to lead us to recognize our need for a Savior. This conviction is a gift, prompting us to confess, repent, and seek God’s mercy, knowing that He is faithful to forgive. [47:29]

Romans 3:20 (ESV)
"For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin."

Reflection: As you reflect on your life today, what is one area where God’s Word has shown you your need for His forgiveness? Will you bring that honestly to Him in prayer right now?

Day 3: The Bible Makes Us Wise for Salvation

Scripture is given to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. From childhood to adulthood, the Word of God is meant to lead us to trust in Christ’s finished work—His life, death, and resurrection—for our salvation. The Bible is not just a collection of stories or moral lessons, but the very means by which God brings us to saving faith and assures us of eternal life. [44:55]

2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)
"and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Who first shared the message of salvation with you, and how can you share the wisdom of salvation in Jesus with someone else this week?

Day 4: The Bible Shows Us How to Live in Response to Christ

Once we have been convicted of sin and pointed to Jesus, the Bible then instructs us in how to live as God’s redeemed people. God’s commands and Christ’s teachings guide us in loving God and our neighbors, shaping our daily actions, attitudes, and relationships. The Scriptures provide practical direction for living out our faith in gratitude for what Christ has done. [50:35]

Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Reflection: What is one specific command or teaching from Jesus or the Ten Commandments that you can intentionally put into practice today?

Day 5: Read the Bible with the Lens of Jesus

Approaching the Bible with the understanding that it is all about Jesus transforms how we read and apply it. Whether we are in the Old Testament or the New, we are invited to look for the “gold nugget”—Jesus Christ—at the center of every passage. This Christ-centered lens brings clarity, purpose, and joy to our reading, helping us to grow in faith and hope as we await His return. [54:27]

Luke 24:27 (ESV)
"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."

Reflection: The next time you read a difficult or confusing passage, pause and ask: how might this point to Jesus, His work, or my need for Him? Try this with your next Bible reading.

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the true purpose of Scripture and how it shapes our lives as followers of Christ. We began by acknowledging our need for God’s mercy, confessing our sins, and receiving the assurance of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The Gospel reading from Luke 16 reminded us of the eternal realities that await us and the importance of listening to God’s Word. Through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, we saw the urgency of responding to God’s message and the futility of relying on earthly comforts or our own righteousness.

I shared a personal story about receiving my first Bible and the confusion I felt as a young person trying to understand its purpose. Many of us approach the Bible for comfort, moral guidance, or as a source of wisdom, and while these are good, they are not the ultimate reason God gave us His Word. We explored John 5:39-40, where Jesus confronts the religious leaders for missing the central message of Scripture: that it all points to Him. The Bible is not primarily a rulebook, a history text, or a collection of inspirational stories. Its grand purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ as the promised Savior, to lead us to faith in Him, and to show us how to live in response to His grace.

Scripture serves three main functions in our lives. First, it convicts us of our sin, holding up a mirror to our hearts and showing us our need for a Savior. Second, it points us directly to Jesus, the one who lived, died, and rose again for our salvation. Third, it guides us in living out our faith, showing us how to respond to God’s love with lives of obedience, service, and gratitude. The Old Testament anticipates the coming of Christ, the New Testament proclaims His arrival and work, and together, all of Scripture centers on Jesus. When we read the Bible with this lens, it becomes a living word that transforms us, leading us to the gold nugget at its heart: Jesus Himself.

Key Takeaways

1. The Bible’s primary purpose is to point us to Jesus Christ. Every page, from Genesis to Revelation, is ultimately about Him—His coming, His work, and His invitation to trust in Him for eternal life. Reading Scripture with this Christ-centered lens brings clarity and depth to our faith. [42:36]
2. Scripture first convicts us of our sin, acting as a mirror that reveals our brokenness and need for grace. Without this honest confrontation, we might never recognize our desperate need for a Savior. The law exposes our shortcomings, preparing our hearts to receive the gospel. [47:29]
3. The Word of God leads us to the Savior, showing us that salvation is not achieved by our efforts or moral performance, but by faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His resurrection. The Bible’s central message is not self-improvement, but redemption through Christ alone. [49:41]
4. Once we are brought to faith, Scripture instructs us in how to live as God’s redeemed people. The commands and teachings of the Bible are not burdensome rules, but a gracious guide for living in response to God’s love—shaping our relationships, priorities, and daily choices. [50:35]
5. Approaching the Bible with the right understanding transforms our reading from a mere religious duty into a life-giving encounter with Christ. When we see Jesus as the “gold nugget” at the heart of Scripture, the Word becomes a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, sustaining us in every season. [54:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Confession and Absolution
[02:45] - Prayers for Peace and Unity
[05:10] - Opening Hymn and Invocation
[19:29] - Collect: Praying for God’s Strength
[24:06] - Gospel Reading: The Rich Man and Lazarus
[25:31] - Children’s Message: The Jailer’s Question
[30:05] - Hymn of Praise
[34:32] - Introduction to the Day’s Scripture
[38:18] - Why Do We Read the Bible?
[40:34] - Jesus Confronts the Religious Leaders
[42:36] - The Bible’s True Purpose: Pointing to Jesus
[47:29] - The Three Purposes of Scripture
[54:27] - The Gold Nugget: Jesus at the Center
[58:22] - Prayers for the Church and Community
[65:00] - Communion and Benediction
[77:52] - Announcements and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Luke 16:19-31 (ESV) — The Rich Man and Lazarus — 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.”

Observation Questions

In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), what was the rich man’s request to Abraham after his death, and how did Abraham respond?
According to John 5:39-40, what mistake were the religious leaders making in their approach to Scripture?
The sermon mentioned that many people read the Bible for comfort, moral guidance, or wisdom. What are some examples the pastor gave of these reasons? [[39:55]]
What are the three main functions of Scripture as described in the sermon? [[47:29]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus say that the Scriptures “bear witness about me,” and what does this reveal about the central message of the Bible? [[42:36]]
The rich man wanted a miraculous sign for his family, but Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them listen to them.” What does this suggest about the sufficiency of God’s Word?
The sermon described the Bible as a “mirror” that convicts us of sin. How does this understanding change the way someone might approach reading Scripture? [[47:29]]
The pastor said the Bible is not primarily a rulebook or a collection of inspirational stories. How might this perspective challenge common ways people use the Bible? [[42:36]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that the Bible’s main purpose is to point us to Jesus. When you read Scripture, do you look for Jesus in what you read? If not, what would it look like to start doing that? [[42:36]]
The pastor shared how he used to read the Bible for comfort or as a moral guide, but missed its main point. Have you ever read the Bible mainly for advice or inspiration? How might your reading change if you focused on seeing Jesus as the “gold nugget” at the center? [[54:27]]
Scripture convicts us of our sin, showing us our need for a Savior. Can you recall a time when reading the Bible made you aware of a specific sin or area of brokenness in your life? How did you respond? [[47:29]]
The sermon said that the Bible guides us in living out our faith—not as a burden, but as a response to God’s love. Is there a command or teaching from Scripture that you find difficult to follow? How might seeing it as a response to grace change your attitude? [[50:35]]
The rich man in Luke 16 ignored God’s Word and relied on his own comfort and status. Are there ways you tend to rely on your own efforts or “earthly comforts” instead of trusting in Jesus? What would it look like to shift your trust?
The pastor described reading the Bible as a “life-giving encounter with Christ.” What practical steps could you take this week to make your Bible reading more focused on meeting Jesus, rather than just checking off a religious duty? [[54:27]]
The sermon mentioned that the Old Testament points forward to Jesus and the New Testament proclaims Him. Is there a story or passage from the Old Testament that you now see differently because you understand it points to Christ? How does that change its meaning for you? [[42:36]]

Sermon Clips

I really didn't read the Bible much on my own. I should have, I know, and I feel convicted about that, but I really didn't. And so I got this brand new Bible, and it was, I think it was a King James Version. How many of you remember those with the these and the eyes and the bowels of compassion, all that kind of stuff? I mean, there was a lot of language in that that I read, and I didn't fully understand it. And so he gave it to me, and I was, believe it or not, at that time I was probably about 5 '2 and maybe 80 pounds. Okay? I was a skinny dude, right? And so he gave that to me, and he said, congratulations, young man. Now you're a man. And he gave me the Bible, and I said, I am? Now I got to tell you, I started reading it, and it just didn't make a lot of sense to me. I'm sure some of you feel the same way. [00:36:58]

Was it just a bunch of stories? Was it just a bunch of cool things that happened, like David and Goliath, and Daniel in the lion's den, and the three men in the fiery furnace, Shadmach? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. How many of you remember all those stories in Sunday school? I thought that's all it is, and I already know this stuff. So I put it on the shelf. I really didn't read it much after that, especially during high school, much to my dismay and much to my embarrassment. [00:38:08]

So I think about today, why do people read the Bible? Some use it as a moral compass. Some use it as a philosophy for life. Some use it as a history book to learn about ancient history. Some, you know, according to some people who take world religion courses, it's just another textbook for people to learn. And so that's some of the reasons why the general public might read the Bible. But why do you read the Bible? [00:38:54]

All the things I've mentioned are all fine and good. There's nothing wrong with any of those reasons for reading the Bible. But is that why the Bible ultimately was given? Or is there more? Is there something deeper? Is there a more preferred purpose for why the Word of God has been dispensed to us? [00:39:50]

You diligently study the scriptures because you think by them you possess eternal life. In other words, you guys are religious leaders and you're students of the Old Testament scriptures, and you read it but for the wrong purpose. You read it because you think you can be saved by your works. You read it because you think you're going to adhere to this moral code and because you're more religious and holy and righteous and everybody else, that will save you. [00:42:02]

If I do all these right...things if I adhere to the golden rule if I keep the Ten Commandments if I do all those things all gain God's favor and approval I'll be righteous in his sight because I deserve it this is what Jesus was saying to them you're reading the scriptures for all the wrong reasons. [00:42:43]

Now I want to identify the primary purpose why Holy Scripture has been given to point us to Jesus to point us to Jesus if there was one word that summarized all of Scripture it'd be j -e -s -u -s that's it if somebody asked you what's the Bible about you'd say it's about Jesus the Old Testament tells us the Messiah is coming the New Testament tells us the Messiah is here and Jesus in the New Testament said I'm him believe in me believe in what I've done and you have eternal life. [00:44:18]

The main purpose of Scripture is to point to me as Messiah get it let me say it again get it this is the purpose of the Bible right. [00:45:19]

And so ultimately the Bible points us to Jesus and when we read the Scriptures we got to have the context and understanding and and the whole encompassing purpose of the Bible is to make us wise unto salvation to point us to Jesus and we should always have that lens in mind when we read it. [00:46:04]

So here's three things and you can write it down hopefully you can memorize it I was gonna put it on the screens but we couldn't do that today and so here's three points that I want you to remember about why the Scriptures are given and they all have something to do with Jesus here's the first one number one they're given to convict us of sin right you don't know that you're a sinner unless you compare your life to the Ten Commandments and the Ten Commandments become a mirror to us. [00:46:23]

The Testament of the Old Testament scriptures revealed in the Ten Commandments are a mirror showing us our depravity our transtransgressions, our iniquity, because we compare our life to that. And what do they tell us? SOS, it shows our sin. It shows how much we fall short of the standard of God's word. [00:47:06]

The Bible convicts us of sin and teaches us that we need a savior. And when we're convicted of sin, we can do one of two things. God be merciful to him, or God be merciful to me. I'm a sinner. I'm a broken vessel. I mess up. God be merciful to me. I confess my sins. I acknowledge that I've fallen short of the incredible glory of God, and I need a savior. This is the primary purpose of the Bible. [00:47:54]

Secondly, to point us to the savior from sin. We understand that. And his life and his death on our behalf is a perfect holy sacrifice on the cross of Calvary for our sin. And the one who not only lived for us, the one who not only died for us, but the one who rose again from the dead for us, and defeated death, and triumphed over the grave. Who is the resurrection and the life? And whoever believes in him has eternal life. [00:48:34]

So, the Bible, number one, convicts us of sin. Number two, points us to Jesus. And number three, shows us how to live in response to what Christ has done. There's a great book that came out by Francis Schaeffer many years ago that asks the question, the name of the book was, how then shall I live? Right? This is what Christians ask. Okay, I'm convicted of sin. I believe I can't save myself. I believe I've broken God's commands, but I believe in Jesus Christ. Now, how then shall I live? [00:49:24]

And God does not say, just twiddle your thumbs and hang out. He does not say, well, you know, I don't know. You're on your own. No, he gives us direction. And his direction, once again, are found in the Ten Commandments. So, we keep God number one in our life. We don't take God's name in vain. We honor the Sabbath and go to church. We respect authority around us. We don't harbor hatred in our hearts towards other people. We have a pure life and a pure heart that wants to dedicate himself to God and not think impure thoughts. We don't want to steal other people's stuff. We don't want to say negative things about people behind their back that's not true. We don't want to covet other people's stuff. This is how we live. [00:50:06]

And so, the Ten Commandments are given to us, not only to show us our sin, but to show us how to live. And do you know what? Jesus reiterates that in the Sermon on the Mount. It's so cool. So much what he says in the Sermon on the Mount, he's reiterating from what the Ten Commandments say it's so cool. [00:50:52]

And then when you study the epistles, what I've just said, the epistles have three points. Number one, we're sinners. Number two, we need Jesus. Number three, this is how you live. So, you look at the last portion of Philippians, the last portion of Galatians, the last portion of Colossians, and the last few chapters of each one of those books tell us how to live. This is why we read the Bible. To convict us of sin, to point us to Jesus, and to show us how to live. And this is the lens that I did not have when my uncle gave me my first Bible. [00:51:08]

And now if he was still alive he'd say how do you like your Bible and instead of a unchanging full set avoid I'm fine I'm good I'd say I got it I understand it I know what it was given I never heard a sermon like this ever I've never heard a sermon about why why we read the Bible because if you don't have this grandiose understanding this umbrella understanding of why the scriptures were given and again let me summarize it real simply the Old Testament is Jesus is coming that's the theme the New Testament is Jesus is here that's the theme the whole Bible together is all about Jesus and so when you read it have that context in mind the Bible is given to convict us of sin to bring us to the cradle cross and empty tomb of Jesus and to show us how to live once we're Christians that's why the Bible was given. [00:51:48]

This is why we read it ultimately to point us to Jesus. [00:52:57]

And he gets out this this huge piece of gold it was fake okay it was fake but this huge piece of gold and he held this up and he held this up and he said gentlemen there's gold in them thar hills and Jesus Christ is the nugget Jesus Christ is the nugget and the Bible's been given to us fifth time now so that you remember to convict us of sin to lead us to Christ and to show us how to live in response to what Jesus has done does that make sense all right so when you go home and you're reading okay you're you're stuck in Leviticus it's talking about all this stuff what's this about it's about the gold nugget always remember that. [00:53:50]

The whole scriptures is summarized with one word it's you jesus it's you and we give you all glory honor praise and adoration respect because of what you've done who you are and the fact that you're coming back to take us home when you make everything right the bible makes sense when we understand it's primarily all about you. [00:55:32]

As you found out today and you knew this already probably the whole bible can be summarized in one word amen and that's jesus. [01:25:34]

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