Understanding the Bible: Purpose, Passion, and Relationship

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of understanding the "why" behind our engagement with the Bible. It's crucial to have a strong conviction about why we turn to the Scriptures, as this conviction fuels our passion and purpose in our spiritual journey. The Bible is not just a book; it's a collection of 66 books written by 40 authors over 1600 years, inspired by God. It serves as a guide, a source of wisdom, and a revelation of God's love and plan for humanity.

The Bible's authenticity and divine inspiration are evident in its consistent message from Genesis to Revelation, with no contradictions or historical errors. It contains prophecies, many of which were fulfilled by Jesus, underscoring its reliability. The Bible is the most widely distributed book in history, with over 5 billion copies made worldwide. Its ultimate purpose is to help us know God, discover who He is, and build a relationship with Him.

We delved into the reasons why people might struggle to engage with the Bible, such as lack of time, confusion, or misunderstanding. However, it's essential to prioritize time for God's Word, as it strengthens, directs, and brings us closer to Jesus. The Bible is God's Word, infallible and authoritative, providing guidance and clarity in our lives. It's trustworthy and reliable, with historical and archaeological evidence supporting its accuracy.

The Bible is our daily bread, sustaining us and providing the nourishment we need for our spiritual journey. It's a map for life, refining and defining our worldview. It challenges us to align our lives with God's Word, allowing it to shape our perspectives and actions. Ultimately, the Bible is the revelation of Jesus, pointing us to Him and helping us grow in our relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The Importance of a Strong "Why": Understanding the "why" behind our engagement with the Bible is crucial. It fuels our passion and purpose in our spiritual journey, helping us to build a strong foundation in our faith. A strong "why" brings clarity and conviction, guiding us in our walk with God. [01:23]

- The Bible's Authenticity and Reliability: The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by 40 authors over 1600 years, inspired by God. Its consistent message, fulfilled prophecies, and historical accuracy underscore its authenticity and reliability. Engaging with the Bible helps us build trust in God's Word and strengthens our faith. [05:26]

- Overcoming Barriers to Engagement: Many struggle to engage with the Bible due to lack of time, confusion, or misunderstanding. Prioritizing time for God's Word and seeking understanding in community can help overcome these barriers. The Bible strengthens, directs, and brings us closer to Jesus, providing clarity and guidance in our lives. [09:18]

- The Bible as Our Daily Bread: The Bible is our daily bread, sustaining us and providing the nourishment we need for our spiritual journey. Engaging with God's Word daily helps us grow in our relationship with Him and equips us to face life's challenges. It refines and defines our worldview, aligning us with God's truth. [19:39]

- The Revelation of Jesus: The Bible is the revelation of Jesus, pointing us to Him and helping us grow in our relationship with Him. It reveals His heart, His will, and His way, guiding us in our journey of faith. Engaging with the Bible helps us see Jesus more clearly and live in alignment with His purpose for our lives. [28:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Exploring Faith and the Bible
- [01:23] - The Importance of a Strong "Why"
- [02:14] - Falling in Love with God's Word
- [03:12] - The Bible's Composition and Context
- [04:19] - The Bible's Consistent Message
- [05:26] - Fulfilled Prophecies and Reliability
- [06:25] - God's Relationship with Humanity
- [07:37] - The Bible as a Tree Analogy
- [08:44] - Overcoming Barriers to Engagement
- [09:18] - Five Reasons to Engage with the Bible
- [10:18] - The Bible as God's Word
- [11:07] - The Bible's Role in Our Lives
- [12:38] - Trustworthiness and Reliability
- [13:32] - Historical and Archaeological Evidence
- [15:03] - Cross-Referencing in the Bible
- [16:25] - The Bible's Historical Accuracy
- [18:45] - The Bible and Science
- [19:39] - The Bible as Our Daily Bread
- [21:52] - The Bible's Role in Our Success
- [22:55] - Engaging with the Bible in Community
- [23:47] - The Bible as a Map for Life
- [25:11] - Allowing the Bible to Refine Us
- [25:59] - The Bible's Role in Our Worldview
- [28:28] - The Revelation of Jesus
- [29:13] - The Word Became Flesh
- [31:03] - Engaging with Jesus Through the Bible
- [32:47] - The Bible's Authority and Daily Bread
- [33:28] - Invitation to Relationship with God
- [34:14] - The Gospel Message
- [35:55] - Invitation to Salvation
- [37:50] - Prayer of Invitation and Celebration

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
3. John 1:1-5 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some reasons mentioned in the sermon for why people struggle to engage with the Bible? [08:44]
2. How does the sermon describe the Bible's role in our spiritual journey? [19:39]
3. What evidence is provided in the sermon to support the Bible's reliability and authenticity? [13:32]
4. According to the sermon, how does the Bible help us in our relationship with Jesus? [28:28]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the "why" behind engaging with the Bible influence a believer's spiritual journey? [01:23]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Bible acts as a "map for life"? How might this metaphor be applied practically? [23:47]
3. How does the sermon explain the significance of the Bible being described as "God-breathed"? What implications does this have for its authority in a believer's life? [10:18]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the Bible and Jesus, and how does this understanding affect a believer's faith? [28:28]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current engagement with the Bible. What barriers do you face, and how can you overcome them to prioritize time for God's Word? [08:44]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a strong "why" for engaging with the Bible. What is your personal "why," and how does it fuel your passion for Scripture? [01:23]
3. Consider the sermon’s analogy of the Bible as a "map for life." How can you allow the Bible to refine and define your worldview in a specific area of your life this week? [23:47]
4. The sermon mentions the Bible as our "daily bread." What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually nourished by Scripture daily? [19:39]
5. How can you use the Bible to strengthen your relationship with Jesus, as suggested in the sermon? Identify one specific way you can grow closer to Him through Scripture this week. [28:28]
6. The sermon discusses the Bible's reliability and trustworthiness. How does this understanding impact your confidence in sharing your faith with others? [13:32]
7. Reflect on a time when the Bible provided clarity or guidance in your life. How can you share this experience to encourage someone else in their spiritual journey? [09:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of Our Spiritual Journey
Understanding the "why" behind our engagement with the Bible is crucial for building a strong foundation in our faith. This conviction fuels our passion and purpose, guiding us in our walk with God. When we have a clear understanding of why we turn to the Scriptures, it brings clarity and conviction to our spiritual journey. This strong "why" helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when challenges arise. It is the anchor that keeps us grounded and focused on our relationship with God. [01:23]

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (2 Timothy 1:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is your personal "why" for engaging with the Bible, and how does it shape your daily life and decisions?

Day 2: Trusting the Bible's Authenticity
The Bible is a collection of 66 books written by 40 authors over 1600 years, inspired by God. Its consistent message, fulfilled prophecies, and historical accuracy underscore its authenticity and reliability. Engaging with the Bible helps us build trust in God's Word and strengthens our faith. The Scriptures are not just historical documents; they are living and active, speaking to us today. As we delve into the Bible, we discover its divine inspiration and the profound truths it holds for our lives. [05:26]

"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." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your trust in the Bible's authenticity and allow it to guide your decisions and actions today?

Day 3: Overcoming Barriers to Engagement
Many struggle to engage with the Bible due to lack of time, confusion, or misunderstanding. However, prioritizing time for God's Word and seeking understanding in community can help overcome these barriers. The Bible strengthens, directs, and brings us closer to Jesus, providing clarity and guidance in our lives. By making intentional efforts to engage with the Scriptures, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's Word. It is essential to create space in our lives for regular Bible study and reflection, allowing it to shape our hearts and minds. [09:18]

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

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to overcome barriers and prioritize time for engaging with the Bible?

Day 4: The Bible as Our Daily Bread
The Bible is our daily bread, sustaining us and providing the nourishment we need for our spiritual journey. Engaging with God's Word daily helps us grow in our relationship with Him and equips us to face life's challenges. It refines and defines our worldview, aligning us with God's truth. As we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, we find strength, wisdom, and encouragement for each day. The Bible is not just a book to be read occasionally; it is a source of life and sustenance for our souls. [19:39]

"But he answered, 'It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" (Matthew 4:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the Bible into your daily routine to ensure it becomes your spiritual nourishment?

Day 5: The Revelation of Jesus
The Bible is the revelation of Jesus, pointing us to Him and helping us grow in our relationship with Him. It reveals His heart, His will, and His way, guiding us in our journey of faith. Engaging with the Bible helps us see Jesus more clearly and live in alignment with His purpose for our lives. As we study the Scriptures, we encounter the living Christ and are transformed by His presence. The Bible invites us into a deeper relationship with Jesus, where we can experience His love and grace in profound ways. [28:28]

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

Reflection: In what ways can you seek to know Jesus more intimately through your study of the Bible this week?

Quotes

1) "I love that having a strong why brings a passion to our what. And any person in any sphere of society that carries a passion in their area of life, they carry a strong why. Any athlete that goes into a race, who's wanting to win, who competes on the world stage, they carry a why. That's where that passion comes from. And for us, as christians, we have to carry a why. We have to carry a conviction. So I'm excited today to talk around why the Bible, and I trust that it's really going to inspire us in our faith. I believe today God's going to reignite something for some of us. May be challenging, but it's not about measuring up. It's not about feeling like, you know what, we're not doing this well. It's about walking away from today going, you know what, God? I want to have a passion in my heart. I want to have a hunger for your word." [01:23] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "Aren't you thankful that we serve a God who hasn't left us blindfolded to what's to come? But he speaks to us and he says, there's a new heaven, there's a new earth coming. In fact, the old way is going to pass away. And I don't know about you, but sometimes life gets hard. And the incredible thing is that we can look to the end where God says, you know what? You're on the winning team. There will be no more tears, there will be no more suffering, there will be no more disease, there will be no more sickness. What Jesus did on the cross was come to wrap it all up take us to heaven and set us free and give us complete victory." [04:19] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The ultimate purpose for God's word is that we would know him, discover who he is, have a relationship with him. It's God's story of how he relates to humanity, past, present, future. I love that. As you read the Bible, you read a the story of creation. We see that God creates the earth, the universe, the animals, mankind, and we're the center of creation, that God creates us in his image. But we see that the reason we have these problems in the world today is because we fell. We bought the lie of the enemy and we've continued to fall ever since. But throughout the Old Testament, we see that God is after his people. He creates relationship covenant with a man named Abraham, says, I'm going to make you into a great people. I'm going to make you a special people. And it wasn't to be exclusive. God chose the people of Israel so that he could bless the world, so that through Israel he could come and reach and redeem the world." [06:25] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "The tension can be, as we start to walk out our journey with Jesus, is that we disqualify ourselves. I don't know about you, but I didn't do too well in school, so I didn't read books. I wasn't a book guy. But when I came to Jesus, I thought, how am I going to be pretty overwhelmed by this? How do I get this into me? In fact, I would look around at other people and their journeys and how well they could eloquently speak about scripture. And I thought, maybe I'll never get there, or maybe I'll never be like that. And you know what? We just don't need to compare ourselves to someone else. We just need to come to this word and go, you know what? This is the word that God wants to build a strong foundation, wants to bring health into my life. God wants to speak into me." [07:37] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "It's God's word. It's infallible. Its authenticity is unmatched. It's his authority. It's how he speaks to us. For some of us, we've got to get into his word a little bit more because he's speaking through his word and he doesn't speak contrary to his word. For some of us, we're like, is God saying this or is God saying that? Or should I do this or should I do that? If we have a strong foundation in his word, there's a security to what God is saying. It's holy, it's perfect. Psalm twelve six says, the words of the Lord are flawless. Like purified in a crucible. It's like gold, refined seven times. This has to be the crux of our conviction that it ultimately is his word." [10:18] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Why engage? Why read? Why is it worth knowing? Because it's daily bread. It's what we need to sustain us. It's what we need to keep us healthy. It's what we need to keep ourselves engaged and desire after him. So often the result of not eating good food. All my KFC lovers out there, there's a KFC, like, literally down the street from my office, and I can just smell it. I'm telling you, that chicken speaks to me. But when you're not consuming good things, man, the KFC smells good. Come on. We got to get into his word because it has what we need." [19:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Some of us need to get a word. Some of us are just going Sunday to Sunday, but God's saying, hey, would you get a word of. Hey, would you get some daily bread? Hey, would you get something to just stand on? Would you get something to have some breakthrough in? Would you get some faith, because it is still fresh bread. And the truth is, you are what you eat. Old tv show, very challenging. Very challenging title. Isaiah 48 says this. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." [21:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "Jesus says, if you build your life upon my word, you're like a wise builder. When the stuff comes, when the storms come. Come on, you're going to stay strong. It's a journey. We're not arriving. It's a journey. And finally, my last point. Why the Bible? Because it is the revelation of Jesus. It's the revelation of Jesus. It all points to him from the start to the finish. It points to Jesus. It points to him." [28:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "Why the Bible? Because this word is going to bring you closer to Jesus, because without his word, we can't see Jesus. Because this word is full of grace and truth. The Bible says that Jesus said, sorry, that the truth will set you free. And we just gotta keep consuming it. We gotta keep putting this in us. We gotta keep coming back. I don't know about you, but on my journey of following Jesus, I've needed grace upon grace upon grace. And this journey following Jesus, we actually don't arrive. It's a journey where we're constantly coming to him. We're constantly being sharpened by him." [30:05] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "Some of us feel like we can't hear God. We don't know what he wants for us. Could I suggest you just need more of his word. He's spoken. He's still speaking, but he's speaking in the context of his word. He's speaking in the context of his word. Hebrews one three says, he, Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. And he upholds the universe by the word of his power. And after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty, higher, further along. In Hebrews, it says in 13 eight that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His word is real. His word is relevant, and his word is alive. It has power. It has grace." [32:47] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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