Transformative Journey: Committing to Bible Reading Together

 

Summary

As we stand on the brink of a new year, I invite you to embark on a transformative journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Our goal is to move from the current 11% of our congregation having read the entire Bible to 100% by the end of 2025. This commitment is not just about reading a book; it's about immersing ourselves in the living Word of God, which shapes our lives and our faith. The Bible is not merely a bestseller; it is the divine instruction manual for life, offering wisdom for salvation and guidance for living a life that reflects Jesus Christ.

In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul reminds Timothy of the sacred writings that have the power to make one wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. These scriptures are not just historical texts; they are God-breathed, profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. They equip us for every good work, shaping us into mature disciples of Christ. The Bible is the source of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.

As we read the Bible, we are not just gaining knowledge; we are being transformed. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness. This process is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. Parents, I urge you to involve your children in this journey, just as Timothy's mother and grandmother did. Let us be a generation that raises children who know and love the Word of God.

This year, let us commit to reading the Bible together as a community. We have provided Bibles with daily reading plans and devotions to guide you. As we read, let us hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and discuss what we are learning. The Bible is not just a book to be read; it is a living Word to be lived. Let us approach it with reverence and commitment, allowing it to transform our lives and our community.

Key Takeaways:

- The Bible is the divine instruction manual for life, offering wisdom for salvation and guidance for living a life that reflects Jesus Christ. It is not just a historical text but a living Word that shapes our lives and faith. [42:45]

- 2 Timothy 3:15-17 emphasizes the power of the scriptures to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. These God-breathed words are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. [44:36]

- The Bible is the source of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. It offers salvation to all who believe and provides instructions on how to receive this gift through faith in Jesus. [55:35]

- As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit works through the Word to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness. This process is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity, shaping us into mature disciples of Christ. [01:06:50]

- Parents are encouraged to involve their children in reading the Bible, just as Timothy's mother and grandmother did. Let us be a generation that raises children who know and love the Word of God, equipping them to stand firm in their faith. [59:45]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[40:25] - Introduction to Bible Reading Challenge
[42:45] - Importance of God's Word
[43:37] - Reading from 2 Timothy
[44:36] - The Power of Scripture
[45:51] - Encouragement to Read the Bible
[46:42] - Paul's Message to Timothy
[47:26] - Reasons to Read the Bible
[48:42] - The Universal Need for Salvation
[50:57] - Timothy's Upbringing and Faith
[52:23] - Old Testament Wisdom for Salvation
[54:35] - The Gospel in the New Testament
[55:35] - Instructions for Salvation
[57:03] - Call to Repent and Believe
[59:45] - Parents' Role in Teaching the Bible
[01:01:17] - Instructions for Growth in Christ
[01:02:36] - God's Desire for Us to Be Like Jesus
[01:03:34] - Teaching and Reproof in Genesis
[01:04:55] - The Bible's Role in Correction
[01:06:50] - Training in Righteousness
[01:08:07] - The Bible's Unique Power
[01:09:21] - The Author of the Bible
[01:10:23] - Trusting the Bible's Instructions
[01:12:55] - The Bible's Worthiness to Be Read
[01:13:32] - Response to God's Word
[01:14:58] - Commitment to Read the Bible
[01:15:48] - Daily Bible Reading Plan
[01:17:00] - Encouragement and Accountability
[01:18:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 3:15-17
- Romans 1:16
- Mark 1:14-15

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 3:15-17, what are the purposes of the scriptures as described by Paul? How do these purposes equip believers? [44:36]
2. What reasons did the pastor give for why people might choose to read a bestseller book, and how does this relate to reading the Bible? [47:26]
3. How did the pastor describe the role of Timothy's family in his spiritual upbringing? What impact did this have on Timothy's faith? [50:57]
4. What does the pastor say about the Bible's role in providing instructions for salvation and sanctification? [01:07:34]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the pastor interpret the phrase "God-breathed" in 2 Timothy 3:16, and what significance does this have for how we view the Bible? [01:10:23]
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that the Bible is more than just a historical text, but a living Word that transforms lives? [42:45]
3. How does the pastor explain the connection between the Old Testament and the New Testament in terms of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? [54:35]
4. What does the pastor mean when he says that the Bible equips us for every good work, and how does this relate to spiritual maturity? [01:06:50]

#### Application Questions
1. The pastor challenges the congregation to read the entire Bible by the end of 2025. What specific steps can you take to commit to this challenge, and how can you involve your family in this journey? [59:45]
2. Reflect on a time when reading the Bible has taught, rebuked, corrected, or trained you in righteousness. How did this experience shape your spiritual growth? [01:06:50]
3. The pastor emphasizes the importance of accountability in reading the Bible. Who can you partner with in your community to encourage and hold each other accountable in this commitment? [01:17:00]
4. How can you incorporate daily Bible reading into your routine, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this practice? [01:15:48]
5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the Word of God as described by the pastor. How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance as you read the Bible? [01:23:31]
6. The pastor mentions the importance of teaching children the Bible. What are some practical ways you can engage your children or younger family members in reading and understanding the scriptures? [59:45]
7. How does understanding the Bible as the divine instruction manual for life change your perspective on its relevance and importance in your daily decisions and actions? [42:45]

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 Our Divine Guide
The Bible is not just a historical text but a living Word that offers wisdom for salvation and guidance for living a life that reflects Jesus Christ. It serves as a divine instruction manual for life, shaping our lives and faith. As we stand on the brink of a new year, the call is to immerse ourselves in the living Word of God, moving from merely reading to living out its teachings. This transformative journey through the Bible is not just about gaining knowledge but about allowing the Holy Spirit to work through the Word to teach, rebuke, correct, and train us in righteousness. [42:45]

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need guidance in right now, and how can you seek that guidance through the Bible today?


Day 2: The Power of Scripture for Salvation
2 Timothy 3:15-17 emphasizes the power of the scriptures to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. These God-breathed words are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, equipping us for every good work. The Bible is the source of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe. As we read the Bible, we are not just gaining knowledge; we are being transformed into mature disciples of Christ. [44:36]

"Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: How can you allow the scriptures to correct and train you in righteousness today, and what steps will you take to apply this in your life?


Day 3: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The Bible is the source of the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. It offers salvation to all who believe and provides instructions on how to receive this gift through faith in Jesus. As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit works through the Word to teach us, rebuke us, correct us, and train us in righteousness. This process is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity, shaping us into mature disciples of Christ. [55:35]

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you share the transformative power of the gospel with someone in your life this week?


Day 4: Raising a Generation Rooted in the Word
Parents are encouraged to involve their children in reading the Bible, just as Timothy's mother and grandmother did. Let us be a generation that raises children who know and love the Word of God, equipping them to stand firm in their faith. This year, let us commit to reading the Bible together as a community, holding each other accountable, encouraging one another, and discussing what we are learning. [59:45]

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate the Bible into your family's daily routine to nurture a love for God's Word in your children?


Day 5: Living the Word in Community
This year, let us commit to reading the Bible together as a community. We have provided Bibles with daily reading plans and devotions to guide you. As we read, let us hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and discuss what we are learning. The Bible is not just a book to be read; it is a living Word to be lived. Let us approach it with reverence and commitment, allowing it to transform our lives and our community. [01:06:50]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community can you partner with to read and discuss the Bible regularly, and how can you encourage each other in your spiritual journeys?

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Quotes



"Paul writes, And how from childhood you've been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scriptures breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good." [00:44:56] (26 seconds)


"Timothy had a good upbringing. He had a family who loved him. He had a mother and a grandmother who really loved him. Second Timothy chapter one, verse 15. Verse five says, I'm reminded of your sincere faith. Paul is writing to Timothy, talking about Timothy. And then he says, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice. And now I am sure dwells in you as well." [00:50:57] (26 seconds)

"Paul's like the Old Testament was able to make one wise for salvation. He was able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament points to Jesus. Jesus himself said this in the Gospel of Luke chapter 24 verses 25 through 27. He said to them, Jesus is talking to some men, oh foolish ones and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken." [00:53:44] (24 seconds)


"Parents, I hope you'll behave like Timothy's mother and grandmother. We're challenging you to read the Bible in 2025. I hope you'll join us, but I hope you'll include your children in that reading. Because they need to be a part of it. They need to be acquainted with the Bible. It is so important for them to be able to stand firm in their faith, defend the faith, but more importantly, to be saved through faith in Jesus Christ." [00:59:45] (27 seconds)


"All scriptures breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. Have any of you ever bought a book to build something? Maybe it wasn't a book. Maybe you downloaded an article or something because you wanted to build something. Anybody ever done that? Anybody ever done that in here?" [01:01:17] (26 seconds)


"The spirit of God works through the reading of his word to teach us what it looks like to be like Jesus. And then it works through the reading of his word and he works in us to change us to be more like Jesus. Isn't that amazing? You're probably going, man, how does God work to a certain extent? How does God work to accomplish that through the reading of his word? Paul tells you." [01:03:10] (25 seconds)


"Paul says it trains in righteousness. In other words, it gives us instruction in righteous belief, righteous behavior, righteous attitudes so that we can be complete. We can grow up into complete maturity. We can be equipped for every good work. You see? God works through the Bible to instruct us in what is right so we can do what is right. The Bible teaches, it reproves, it corrects, and trains us how to be more like the righteous one, Jesus." [01:06:50] (29 seconds)


"The Bible has as its author one who is completely trustworthy, one whose instructions and teachings are the best, and they're always right. When the Bible says of itself that it can give instruction for salvation and to give an instruction for sanctification, we can believe it because the author of this book is the author and perfecter of salvation, God. I know it was written by men." [01:10:23] (25 seconds)


"Paul says, because it has God as its author, the words of this book are profitable. It's beneficial for non-believers, it gives instruction in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and it's beneficial for believers, it gives instructions in growing to be more like Jesus Christ. We ask this question a lot around here, do you want to become a mature, multiplying disciple of Jesus Christ?" [01:12:55] (26 seconds)


"Recognize once again that this is God's word, and commit to reading it. Commit to putting ourselves. In a position to be grown by God in maturity through the reading of his word. So that's my question for you today. Through all of 2025 is will you put yourself in that position this year? Will you read the bestseller of all time?" [01:13:32] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
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