Understanding the Bible: A Narrative of Redemption

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Christ: The Heart of the Bible's Message

The Bible is a divine narrative that centers on Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. It is not intended to be a historical account or a scientific textbook, but rather a revelation of God's plan for redemption through Jesus. Understanding this primary purpose helps believers focus on the true message of the Bible, which is redemption and salvation. By recognizing Jesus as the focal point, readers can better grasp the overarching story of the Bible and its relevance to their lives. [03:16]

Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the central figure of the Bible change the way you read and understand scripture today?

Day 2: Navigating the Bible's Structure

The Bible is organized into various types of books, each serving a unique purpose. The Old Testament includes law books, history books, poetry books, and the prophets, while the New Testament comprises the Gospels, a history book, letters, and the prophetic book of Revelation. Memorizing the organization of these books can enhance familiarity and comfort with the scriptures, allowing believers to navigate the Bible more effectively. This understanding aids in discerning the Bible's content and purpose, helping readers to engage more deeply with its teachings. [01:24]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is 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 work."

Reflection: What steps can you take this week to become more familiar with the structure of the Bible, and how might this improve your study and understanding of scripture?

Day 3: The Bible's Historical Context of Redemption

The Bible focuses on a 2,000-year period from Abraham to Christ, emphasizing the historical context of Jesus' coming. This focus highlights the Bible's role as a narrative of redemption rather than a comprehensive history of civilization. By understanding the historical backdrop of Jesus' life and mission, believers can appreciate the significance of His coming and the fulfillment of God's promises. This perspective allows readers to see the Bible as a cohesive story of God's redemptive plan for humanity. [08:19]

Galatians 3:8-9 (ESV): "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed.' So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Reflection: How does understanding the historical context of Jesus' coming enhance your appreciation of the Bible's message of redemption?

Day 4: Aligning Personal Revelation with Scripture

While personal revelation is still relevant today, it must always be checked against the special revelation of the scriptures. This ensures that personal insights align with God's word and prevents deception. By grounding personal experiences and revelations in the Bible, believers can discern God's truth and avoid being led astray by false teachings or emotions. This practice encourages a deeper reliance on scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and life. [16:11]

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (ESV): "Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

Reflection: Think of a recent personal insight or revelation you have experienced. How can you test it against scripture to ensure it aligns with God's word?

Day 5: The Importance of Accessible Bible Translations

The translation of the Bible into everyday language reflects God's desire for His word to be accessible and understandable to all. This accessibility encourages believers to read and apply the scriptures in their lives. By engaging with the Bible in a language that resonates with them, individuals can better comprehend its teachings and integrate them into their daily practices. This approach fosters a more personal and meaningful relationship with God's word. [27:20]

Nehemiah 8:8 (ESV): "They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading."

Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure that the Bible is accessible and understandable in your daily life, and how might this impact your spiritual growth?

Sermon Summary

In this session, we delve into the foundational understanding of the Bible, aiming to open up a deeper comprehension of its purpose and structure. The Bible is not merely a historical account or a scientific textbook; rather, it is a divine narrative centered on Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Understanding the Bible's purpose helps us discern what to expect from it. The Bible's primary aim is to present Jesus Christ and the historical context of His coming, as well as to equip believers for every good work.

The Bible is structured into different types of books, with the Old Testament comprising law books, history books, poetry books, and the prophets, while the New Testament includes the Gospels, a history book, letters, and the prophetic book of Revelation. Memorizing the organization of these books aids in navigating the scriptures effectively. The Bible's focus is not on the history of civilization but on the history of redemption, emphasizing the life and mission of Jesus Christ.

The Bible was written over 1,500 years by various authors, including kings, prophets, and fishermen, under divine inspiration. This inspiration, or special revelation, was a unique process through which God communicated His word. While personal revelation still occurs, it must always align with the special revelation of the scriptures. The Bible's translation history underscores God's intent for His word to be accessible and understandable to all people, emphasizing the importance of reading the Bible in a language that resonates with the reader.

Key Takeaways

1. The Bible's primary purpose is to present Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer, not as a historical or scientific textbook. Understanding this helps us focus on its true message of redemption and salvation. [03:16]
2. The structure of the Bible, with its various types of books, aids in understanding its content and purpose. Memorizing the organization of these books can enhance our familiarity and comfort with the scriptures. [01:24]
3. The Bible's focus is on a 2,000-year period from Abraham to Christ, emphasizing the historical context of Jesus' coming. This focus highlights the Bible's role as a narrative of redemption rather than a comprehensive history of civilization. [08:19]
4. Personal revelation is still relevant today but must be checked against the special revelation of the scriptures. This ensures that personal insights align with God's word and prevents deception. [16:11]
5. The translation of the Bible into everyday language reflects God's desire for His word to be accessible and understandable to all. This accessibility encourages believers to read and apply the scriptures in their lives. [27:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction to the Mini Bible College
[00:42] - Understanding the Bible's Organization
[01:11] - Importance of Memorizing the Books
[02:32] - The Bible's Purpose: Presenting Jesus
[03:44] - The Bible as a History of Redemption
[05:34] - Historical Context of Jesus' Coming
[07:37] - Distribution of Chapters in the Bible
[09:50] - Equipping the Believer
[11:39] - Addressing the Unbeliever
[12:49] - Background and Authorship of the Bible
[13:32] - Revelation and Inspiration
[15:29] - Authority of Personal Revelation
[18:37] - Rationalism vs. Revelation
[19:32] - Human Authors of the Bible
[21:06] - Selection and Canonization of Books
[23:37] - Languages and Translation of the Bible
[27:20] - Importance of Readable Translations
[28:02] - Applying the Word of God

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

John 5:39-40 - "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."
Luke 24:25-27 - "And he said to them, 'O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is 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 work."

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Observation Questions:

According to the sermon, what is the primary purpose of the Bible, and how does this understanding affect what we should expect from it? [03:16]
How is the Bible organized, and why is it beneficial to memorize the structure of its books? [01:11]
What does the sermon say about the historical focus of the Bible, particularly regarding the period from Abraham to Christ? [08:19]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between personal revelation and the special revelation of the Scriptures? [16:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

In John 5:39-40, Jesus emphasizes that the Scriptures point to Him. How does this perspective change the way believers should approach reading the Bible? [03:44]
Luke 24:25-27 describes Jesus explaining the Scriptures to His disciples. What does this passage suggest about the importance of understanding the Old Testament in light of Jesus' life and mission? [05:34]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the usefulness of Scripture for equipping believers. How might this influence a believer's approach to studying the Bible and applying its teachings? [09:50]
The sermon mentions the translation of the Bible into everyday language. Why is this significant for believers today, and how does it reflect God's intent for His Word? [27:20]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current understanding of the Bible's purpose. How might focusing on its narrative of redemption and Jesus' role as Savior change your approach to reading it? [03:16]
Consider the structure of the Bible. How familiar are you with the organization of its books, and what steps can you take to improve your navigation and understanding of the Scriptures? [01:11]
The sermon emphasizes the historical context of Jesus' coming. How does understanding this context enhance your appreciation of the Bible's message? [08:19]
Personal revelation should align with Scripture. Can you recall a time when you felt God was speaking to you personally? How did you ensure it aligned with the Bible's teachings? [16:11]
The Bible's translation into everyday language is crucial for understanding. Are you reading a translation that resonates with you? If not, what steps can you take to find one that does? [27:20]
How can you apply the teachings of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 in your daily life to become more equipped for good works? What specific areas of your life need more alignment with Scripture? [09:50]
Jesus explained the Scriptures to His disciples in Luke 24. How can you seek a deeper understanding of the Bible, perhaps through study groups or other resources, to see how it points to Jesus? [05:34]

Sermon Clips

The first reason why God gave us the scripture is to present Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of the world. There are many people who feel that the Bible is supposed to be a history of civilization, a complete history of civilization. Some feel that it's supposed to be a textbook on science or creation like paleontology, something like that. There are many people who feel that the Bible has purposes that it really does not have. [00:02:47]

The Bible is not a history of civilization. It's not a textbook on creation. The Bible is a history of redemption, and it is a history of the Redeemer through whom that Redemption came. The Bible is a textbook on salvation, and it is going to present to us the historical context through which the Savior who brought that salvation came. [00:04:00]

The Bible is concerned with a 2,000-year period of History from Abraham to Christ. That's 2,000 years, and that's the period of history with which the Bible concerns itself. 1,178 chapters out of 1,189 chapters in the Bible are given to that man and his progeny because he did provide the historical context through which the Messiah came into the world. [00:08:26]

The purpose of the Bible is to present Jesus Christ. The purpose of the Bible is to say in the Old Testament Jesus is coming and to say in the New Testament Jesus came. Now a third purpose for which God gave us the Bible is explained by the Apostle Paul in second Timothy 3:17. God gave us the scripture according to Paul so that the man of God might be perfect or complete, absolutely equipped for every good work God wants him to do. [00:09:43]

There's a sense in which the Bible is not written to the unbeliever. There's a sense in which God only has one message to the unbeliever, and that message is repent and believe the gospel. Now after that unbeliever repents and believes the gospel, God has 66 holy little books filled with truth that he wants to share with that believer because the real intent and purpose of God in writing the Bible was that the man of God might be more Godly. [00:10:15]

Personal revelation will never contradict special Revelation. Special Revelation has authority over personal revelation, although personal revelation is still very much a reality. I believe personal revelation should always be checked out by the special revelation of the scripture. After all, how do you know it's God who's telling you to do something? The Devil is a counterfeit and an imitator, and his strategy is to deceive us. [00:16:06]

The world today uses this kind of a criteria for determining what's right: rationalism, reason, logic, humanism, science. The world has its way of determining what the moral absolutes are supposed to be. The scripture says we know what's right by revelation. God has given us the scripture to instruct Us in righteousness. [00:18:17]

The men who wrote these books were Kings, fishermen, Shepherds, prophets, generals. Some of them were political or Civic leaders, one was a physician, some were priests and scribes, one was a Publican, one was a converted Rabbi, and many are unknown or Anonymous. They wrote over a period of 1,500 years. [00:19:36]

The books that we call the Old Testament had been selected from among many books that claimed to be inspired and put into a collection of books just simply called the scriptures by the third or fourth Century BC. And then at a council of rabbis at a place called Jamnia at about 90 to 100 AD, this was made official. [00:21:08]

The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, and the New Testament was written primarily in Greek. That means if you want to know the Bible, you need to know a little Hebrew and you need to know a little Greek. Now, I know a little Hebrew, and I know a little Greek. The Hebrew runs a delicatessen in New York, and the Greek runs a restaurant in Virginia Beach, Virginia. [00:23:37]

The Bible could have been written in classical Greek or stilted Greek, the Greek of the cultured people, but it wasn't. It was written in the co Greek, which means the everyday language of the people, the people out there in the marketplace. This means that it was the intent of God when the word of God was written that the lay person understand the scripture, that it be very readable, very understandable. [00:27:20]

Approach the word of God always with the will to do, with the will to apply what the word of God teaches. [00:28:02]

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Understanding the Bible: A Narrative of Redemption

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Christ: The Heart of the Bible's Message

Day 2: Navigating the Bible's Structure

Day 3: The Bible's Historical Context of Redemption

Day 4: Aligning Personal Revelation with Scripture

Day 5: The Importance of Accessible Bible Translations

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Understanding the Bible: A Narrative of Redemption

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