The Word
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Story: Checking off boxes…
Story: Checking off boxes…
How many of you know it’s probably a good idea to read the Bible?
Yeah, so did I.
I wanted to… or at least I wanted to want to… but it kind of felt like a chore.
Get a reading plan… checking off boxes.
Epiphany: I could hear from God, and apply it to my life.
The Problem: People have the wrong idea about reading the Bible:
The Problem: People have the wrong idea about reading the Bible:
It’s boring.
I don’t understand it.
It’s too big.
I don’t see why I need to.
It feels like I’m reading a textbook.
I’ll get around to it later.
There are other urgent things.
Starting to get time in God’s Word is urgent.
Starting to get time in God’s Word is urgent.
Illustration:
You just got hired at a job.
You start showing up for work. But you are waiting for your assignment.
Eventually a man who has been there a while comes by and asks, “What are you standing around for?”
You reply, “I’m waiting to be told what to do.”
The man says, “Well, have you read through your employee handbook? That will give you a good idea of where to start.”
Why Spend Time in His Word Daily?
Why Spend Time in His Word Daily?
It gives us guidance for life. Ps. 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
You can hear from God. 2 Tim. 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.
It will give you wisdom and knowledge beyond your years. Ps. 19:7
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
It brings us perspective and encouragement.
It shows us the path that is most blessed in life Ps. 1:1-2
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
It reveals to us what is true and real. John 17:17
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
Max Barnett calls this daily time with God, “Life’s Greatest Privilege.”
Question: Why is it so urgent to spend time listening to God through his Word?
Tips for Spending time with God:
Tips for Spending time with God:
1. Carve out a time in your schedule each day to meet with God.
1. Carve out a time in your schedule each day to meet with God.
Mike: “Wan’t to just set up a time right now? That way we don’t see each other at church next week and have the same conversation.”
2. Ask God to open your heart to hear from him.
2. Ask God to open your heart to hear from him.
Isaiah 50:4 (ESV)
...Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
3. Read a passage of the Bible slowly and thoughtfully.
3. Read a passage of the Bible slowly and thoughtfully.
SJT reading plan
Don’t just power through.
Don’t just turn on your audio bible and disengage.
Don’t just check boxes
4. Record and reflect on what God speaks to you about in a journal.
4. Record and reflect on what God speaks to you about in a journal.
S - Scripture
O - Observations
A - Application
P - Prayer
You can hear from God.
What’s your next step?
What’s your next step?
Put it into my schedule.
Join a Discipleship group to do a reading plan together.
Shift my perspective about the Bible.
Get a journal to record what God speaks to me about.