Discpleship Series - Week 3

Introduction

Review:

We are in a series on discipleship.

We said that discipleship is a process towards union with God.

We said that it is to be educational, communal, and Embodied.

We said that we need the Spirit, the Church, and the Scriptures to help us in this process.

Last week we talked about the Spirit.

He works in our lives to help us see, here, and speak differently.

We begin to be transformed!

All discipleship - All progress in your walk with Christ is a work of the Spirit.

Tonight, we want to talk about the Bible.

Opening Story/Illustration:

Discussion:

What is your favorite book of the Bible and Why?

Do you find it easy or difficult to read the Bible? Explain

If you had to explain to someone, what the Bible is, what would you say?

Transition to Text: Let’s look at Psalm 119:105

Text: Psalm 119:105

Psalm 119:105–106 LEB

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to heed your righteous ordinances.

State or Setup Main Idea: Here the Psalmist lays out this idea of the Bible as a lamp.

What does a lamp do? IT HELPS US SEE

Scripture is one of the primary ways the Spirit helps us see!

We see reality clearly through scripture.

Transition to Points: Scripture answers or illuminates several BIG questions. These are questions everyone must grapple with in life.

Main Points

The Bible Answers the Question - Who Am I?

The Bible is going to tell us that we are created in God’s Image.

The Bible is going to tell us that God created the world good and beautiful and that we have a part to play in his work.

The Bible is going to tell us that we are loved and cherished by God.

It’s going to tell us that because of sin, we can be selfish.

It’s going to tell us that we often hurt one another.

It’s going to tell us that we can be wicked and dark.

As Christian’s it’s going to tell us that

We are more than conquerers.

We are servants

We are ambassadors for Jesus

The Bible Answers the Question - What is wrong with the World?

The Bible is going to tell us that God created this good world.

But it is going to tell us that sin has wreaked havoc on the world.

It’s going to tell us that because human beings make the wrong choice, the world has become sick.

We blame Adam and Eve

But think about how many times a day we choose to believe something else over God.

The Bible Answers the Question - Who is God?

How do we know God is Love?

How do we know about Jesus? How do we know Jesus is God?

THE BIBLE!

The Bible Answers the Question - What does God expect from Me?

How am I supposed to live?

The Bible is going to tell us!

The Bible Answers the Question - How should I treat my neighbor?

We should Love our neighbors

We should love our enemies!

How does the Bible tell us all this?

STORY!

The Bible is the story of God and his interaction with Humanity. It’s the story of how he comes to save the world.

GOD IS THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE BIBLE.

GOD IS ALWAYS THE HERO OF THE STORY.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO READ THE BIBLE.

Ways to read the Bible

We can read it to study it deeply with commentaries and study helps

We can read it through in a year

We can read it for inspiration

We can read it for history

There are many ways to read the BIBLE and none of them are bad. In fact, you should read the Bible many different ways.

BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT WAY TO READ THE BIBLE IS TO READ IT FOR TRANSFORMATION

This requires that we slow down.

Think of it like a good meal. Slow down, savor it.

Eugene Peterson, in his Book Eat this Book, points out that the word used in Isaiah 31:4 for a lion “Growling” or enjoying it’s meal is translated other times as “meditate.” In other words, to meditate on God’s word is like enjoying a good meal!

How do we slow down when we read God’s word?

Christians have been doing this for centuries. It’s a practice called lectio divina.

Here’s how it works:

You read scripture. A Short passage. Let’s say you read John 3:16 or Psalm 1.

You read it, and after reading it, you pick a word or phrase that stood out to you - Let’s say “love” and you mediate on it.

Next, you read it a second time. After reading it you begin to reflect on the word or phrase. You think about the ways God loves you. You think about the ways God has shown his love.

Next, you read it a third time. After reading it, you sit in silence for a minute and pray. For instance it could be a prayer of thanksgiving for the ways God loves you. Or a prayer that you need to feel more of God’s love today.

Finally, you read it one more time. After reading it, you just sit with it in silence for three minutes. Letting the words of scripture work into your life. You say the Lord’s prayer as you end.

THE GOAL HERE IS THIS - WHAT IS THE SPIRIT SAYING TO ME THROUGH THIS PASSAGE? We are reading it and slowing down to hear the voice of God!

Conclusion

Restate or Reveal Main Idea: God’s word is a lamp. We need to slow down and listen to what the Spirit is saying to us through the Bible!

So what?

Now What?

Prayer