Trusting the Bible: A Journey to Transformation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound question: Why should we trust the Bible? This inquiry is not just about gathering historical facts or scholarly opinions but delving into the deeper purpose and intent of the scriptures. The Bible, a collection of books written over 1500 years in three languages, is not merely a historical document or a scientific manual. Its primary intent is to bear witness to Jesus Christ, offering a testimony that points to Him as the central figure of our faith. Without Jesus, the scriptures lose their ultimate meaning and purpose.
We discussed the importance of understanding the Bible's intent to avoid misjudging its trustworthiness. Just as a table is not meant to fly us to Florida, the Bible is not intended to be a science book or a manual for every aspect of life. Instead, it is a spiritual guide that leads us to a deeper relationship with God. The Bible's trustworthiness is rooted in its ability to testify about Jesus, who is the fulfillment of its prophecies and teachings.
Furthermore, we examined the role of meditation on scripture. Meditation is not about empty rituals but about deeply engaging with God's Word, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. It's about living a life open to God, where His Word becomes a part of our daily thoughts and actions. This process of meditation leads to transformation, the ultimate purpose of scripture. Transformation is not just about acquiring knowledge but about allowing God's Word to change us into the likeness of Christ.
Finally, we emphasized that transformation or salvation is the outcome of trusting God, not a prerequisite for meeting Him. The Bible's core intent is to save us and guide us into a life of continual transformation. As we open ourselves to scripture, we allow it to read us and shape us into the image of Christ, leading to real and lasting change.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Bible's Intent and Trustworthiness: The Bible is not a science book or a manual for every life detail. Its trustworthiness lies in its intent to testify about Jesus, who is the fulfillment of its teachings. Understanding this intent helps us trust the Bible for what it is meant to be—a spiritual guide pointing to Christ. [29:56]
2. Meditation on Scripture: Meditation involves deeply engaging with God's Word, allowing it to transform us. It's about living a life open to God, where His Word becomes a part of our daily thoughts and actions. This process leads to transformation, the ultimate purpose of scripture. [39:48]
3. Transformation Through Scripture: Transformation is not just about acquiring knowledge but allowing God's Word to change us into the likeness of Christ. The Bible's core intent is to save us and guide us into a life of continual transformation. [51:04]
4. Scripture in Community: Engaging with scripture within a community enhances our understanding and application. Studying together helps us avoid misinterpretations and encourages us to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. [48:00]
5. Trust and Obedience: Trusting God and His Word leads to transformation. It's not about having all the answers but about being open to God's work in our lives. Obedience to what we know is key to experiencing the transformative power of scripture. [57:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [26:03] - Why Trust the Bible?
- [27:22] - The Challenge of Information
- [28:47] - From Information to Transformation
- [29:56] - Understanding Intent
- [31:29] - The Bible's Purpose
- [32:56] - Testimony of Scripture
- [34:21] - Jesus and the Scriptures
- [35:42] - Trusting Like Jesus
- [37:01] - Old and New Testament
- [38:19] - Prophecies Fulfilled
- [39:48] - Meditation on God's Word
- [41:17] - Living Open to God
- [44:04] - Personal Transformation Stories
- [51:04] - Transformation and Salvation
- [57:58] - Trust and Obedience
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 24:25-27, 44-45
2. Psalm 1:1-3
3. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 24:25-27, how does Jesus explain the scriptures to His followers? What is the significance of this explanation? [34:21]
2. According to Psalm 1:1-3, what are the characteristics of a person who delights in the law of the Lord? How is this person described metaphorically?
3. In 2 Timothy 3:14-17, what does Paul say about the purpose and value of scripture? How does he describe its role in the life of a believer?
4. The sermon mentioned that the Bible is not intended to be a science book or a manual for every aspect of life. What analogy was used to illustrate this point? [29:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' interpretation of the scriptures in Luke 24:25-27 emphasize the centrality of His role in the Bible? Why is this important for understanding the Bible's intent? [34:21]
2. Psalm 1:1-3 describes the blessed person as a tree planted by streams of water. What might this imagery suggest about the effects of meditating on scripture in one's life?
3. In 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Paul emphasizes the transformative power of scripture. How might this transformation manifest in a believer's life, according to the sermon? [51:04]
4. The sermon discussed the difference between information and transformation. How does this distinction relate to the way we engage with scripture? [28:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to reading the Bible. Are you seeking information or transformation? How can you shift your focus to allow scripture to transform you more deeply? [28:47]
2. Psalm 1:1-3 speaks of delighting in the law of the Lord. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper delight in God's Word in your daily life?
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding the Bible's intent. How can you ensure that you are interpreting scripture in a way that aligns with its intended purpose? [29:56]
4. Consider a time when you read scripture in a community setting. How did this experience enhance your understanding and application of the Bible? How can you incorporate more communal Bible study into your routine? [48:00]
5. The sermon mentioned that transformation or salvation is the outcome of trusting God. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully to experience transformation? [57:58]
6. How can you incorporate meditation on scripture into your daily routine, as described in the sermon? What specific passages might you focus on to start this practice? [39:48]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you desire change. How can you invite God to transform this area through the power of His Word? [51:04]
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible as a Spiritual Guide
The Bible is not a science book or a manual for every detail of life; its trustworthiness lies in its intent to testify about Jesus, who is the fulfillment of its teachings. Understanding this intent helps us trust the Bible for what it is meant to be—a spiritual guide pointing to Christ. The scriptures are a collection of books written over 1500 years in three languages, and their primary purpose is to bear witness to Jesus Christ. Without Jesus, the scriptures lose their ultimate meaning and purpose. Just as a table is not meant to fly us to Florida, the Bible is not intended to be a science book or a manual for every aspect of life. Instead, it is a spiritual guide that leads us to a deeper relationship with God. [29:56]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been using the Bible as a manual for life rather than a guide to deepen your relationship with Jesus? How can you shift your focus to see it as a testimony to Christ today?
Day 2: Engaging with God's Word
Meditation on scripture involves deeply engaging with God's Word, allowing it to transform us. It's about living a life open to God, where His Word becomes a part of our daily thoughts and actions. This process leads to transformation, the ultimate purpose of scripture. Meditation is not about empty rituals but about deeply engaging with God's Word, allowing it to transform us from the inside out. It's about living a life open to God, where His Word becomes a part of our daily thoughts and actions. This process of meditation leads to transformation, the ultimate purpose of scripture. [39:48]
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate meditation on God's Word into your daily routine this week? What specific time and place can you set aside for this practice?
Day 3: Transformation into Christ's Likeness
Transformation is not just about acquiring knowledge but allowing God's Word to change us into the likeness of Christ. The Bible's core intent is to save us and guide us into a life of continual transformation. As we open ourselves to scripture, we allow it to read us and shape us into the image of Christ, leading to real and lasting change. Transformation or salvation is the outcome of trusting God, not a prerequisite for meeting Him. The Bible's core intent is to save us and guide us into a life of continual transformation. [51:04]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to change? How can you allow His Word to guide you in this transformation?
Day 4: Community and Scripture
Engaging with scripture within a community enhances our understanding and application. Studying together helps us avoid misinterpretations and encourages us to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. The role of community in understanding scripture is vital. When we engage with scripture within a community, it enhances our understanding and application. Studying together helps us avoid misinterpretations and encourages us to live out the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. [48:00]
"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: How can you engage more deeply with your community in studying the Bible? Is there a group or individual you can reach out to this week to study scripture together?
Day 5: Trust and Obedience
Trusting God and His Word leads to transformation. It's not about having all the answers but about being open to God's work in our lives. Obedience to what we know is key to experiencing the transformative power of scripture. Trusting God and His Word leads to transformation. It's not about having all the answers but about being open to God's work in our lives. Obedience to what we know is key to experiencing the transformative power of scripture. [57:58]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God? How can you take a step of obedience in that area today, trusting in His guidance and wisdom?
Quotes
1) "The difference between knowing about God and knowing him personally is a journey sometimes of just 18 inches from our head to our heart. How many of y'all know there's a difference between information and transformation? Why should we trust the scriptures with our lives? Well, here's the truth. If we want to determine if something's trustworthy, the trustworthiness of something, we have to first establish its intent. Let me break that down for you. Um, how can I know if something's trustworthy? If I don't know what it should be trusted for, let me put this way." [28:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If we are asking the Bible to be a science book, we're mistaking its intent. Is the Bible trustworthy as a science book? The answer is no, but it wasn't intended to be a science book. Its intention is to teach us. Is it to teach us how old the earth is? Is that the intention of scripture? Does the Bible give us detailed moral codes for every area of our lives? No, but it wasn't intended to. Can we misjudge the Bible's trustworthiness when we ask for it to be something other than what it's designed to be?" [31:29] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "We can trust it for its testimony, key purpose, key purpose, number one, key intention is testimony. Testimony means to bear witness to. Why? What's the intent in scripture? It is to bear witness to Jesus. He is the point. In fact, if you take Jesus out, you've got nothing. You take Jesus out of the scripture, you can blow my mind with all the facts about this and archaeology. If we have, don't have Jesus, we don't have anything." [32:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The number one reason I would say we trust scripture is because of Jesus. It all points to him. The old Testament points forward to him. There's a King coming. He's better than David. He is the King of Kings. He is El Shaddai. Adonai, Elohim. He is the Lord of Lords. He's coming. He's going to be the savior. And he came and the new Testament tells us that he came. So it's pointing forward and then it's pointing back. And then it's showing us how our lives can be changed in light of the truth of Jesus." [37:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Meditating on scripture. Here's what it's about. It's about living a life that is open to God. It's just, it doesn't mean I have it all figured out. It doesn't mean I'm the smartest person in the room. It's just saying scripture bears testimony to Jesus. It's not a science book. It's not trying to tell me about what's happening in Iran. It bears testimony to Jesus because Jesus is the one who transforms me. Paul said, be like me for I am like Christ. I want to be renewed in my thinking, transformed in my mind and made into the image of Christ." [42:44] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Real transformation begins, say, begins when we open ourselves to allow scripture to read us and to change us into the image of Christ. The transformative power of scripture can save us. And here's the bottom line in your notes as we land this plane. The bottom line, the bottom line, what's this all about? The intent, the core intent of scripture. Scripture, this amazing collection of wisdom and literature that points to Christ Jesus as our savior. It's core intent is to save us and to help us over and over and over and over again." [59:26] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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