Did You Do Your Homework??
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*Joke about School and hw
Did you know studying increases your knowledge of a subject?
Well how about this one, Did you know that studying is not just reading material but it’s engaging the material.
It’s being interactive with it
It’s taking a piece of literature, a math equation, or a scientific method, and orienting it in a way that makes sense to you.
In order to do that, you have to engage it.
If you don’t engage it, you’re not studying it properly and it won’t do you much good.
If I handed you a text book right now and told you to read it. How many of you would skim through it just to get the main points?
*Show of hands
If I handed you that same textbook and told you to study it because you have a quiz on it tomorrow how many of you would change the way you interact with that textbook?
*Show of hands
You would be making flash cards, taking practice tests, having study groups, all for the single purpose of passing that quiz tomorrow.
What If i told you that there are many quizzes each day in our lives
Each day when we make the decision to get up in the morning we can either A) make the bed B) not make our bed C) Watch cartoons or anime D) play fortnite
This is just a simple illustration of course but in life there will be much harder decisions we will face and in order to come up with the right answers, we need a textbook!
*hand the kids a book
(pre-Select 2 students)
What is our textbook you say?
The bible
Textbook is a very simple term I’m using here to explain it because
Here at Manna i’m sure you’ve all heard us say the Bible is the handbook for life
it is , and for good reason,
*Do text book illustration
and get them to skim through it for 5 mins
ask them how much they know about the book now
Do they know everything about it?*
Even if you read super fast, there would be no way to fully understand everything in one setting
And it’s the same thing with the Bible. You can’t just read it once and now you got it. But.. Every time you read it the Holy spirit will unveil something new to you.
*Transition
(Explain about law books and how we don’t necessarily need them in our everyday lives but we need scripture everyday)
Paul says here:
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.
With consistent study and application I believe we will all become complete, and equipped for every good work.
Proposition/ Conclusion message
The question is if you took the time to study this book how could it transform your life ?
*Use life story here
When I was in college I made the decision to study the bible with a few friends of mine. I had a hard time understanding what the Bible was saying. But my friends who were some pretty seasoned Christians were able to break it down for me and explain it better. We studied together everyday for several weeks and i started learning so much that I’d never known before. It helped me truly understand what exactly Jesus did for me and what I learned during that moment revolutionized my faith and christian journey forever.
Today, I want to share with you all three main points I’ve gathered over the years that could enhance your bible study.
1. The word is living
1. The word is living
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
What is John talking about here? And if you don’t know John, he’s one of the original 12 apostles, one of the three in Jesus’ closest circle. And he wrote this Gospel plus many other books in the bible.
He says in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God.
John uses the term “Word” as a title for Jesus
The Word shares the same character, quality, and essence of God
Ever since the fall of man, The word of God has been used as a redemptive story all pointing back to Jesus.
Jesus can be found all throughout scripture, not only in the new testament but also in the old testament.
We can have a real encounter with Jesus when we read the Bible.
It’s not just an ancient book that has been collecting dust on your book shelf for years.
This is a living, life giving book that embodies the essence of
Jesus.
Just like Paul says, all scripture is breathed out by God, also known as “inspired by God”
When we read about Jesus we are learning about his character, his nature, his glory
He invites us to walk with him as one of his disciples and he shows us how to be a disciple through his words that he spoke
When we read Jesus words it’s as if he’s talking to us right then and there
His word lasts forever
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
When we take what we’ve read and apply it to our lives in a practical sense, we are living out the word.
Psalm 119 vs. 11 says I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you
How do you store up the living word of God in your heart?
By reading and studying daily and encountering Jesus through that study
2. The word is a weapon
2. The word is a weapon
Talk about Ephesians 6:10-18 the most damaging weapon is the sword and the sword is the word of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
*Add context that would apply to them
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
3. The word is healing
3. The word is healing
There are many verses in the Bible that talk about real world problems in our everyday lives
When those are tired, Jesus gives us rest
For those who are worried Jesus gives us peace
If you are depressed, Jesus gives you a way out
Growing up My mom made this guide for me that had all these emotions written out on it and next to each emotion was a scripture
I can’t tell you enough how much that comforted me because it showed me that God does care about me and that he hears me crying out.
I no longer felt alone, because Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
I no longer felt like I could not go on cause life was just too hard, because Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
I no longer felt guilty or ashamed of things i’ve done in the past because, 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The Bible is major key to healing!
There are many guides like this in the front and back of your bibles that can help you navigate your feelings and help you to heal from what you may have experienced in life.
And when you read the scriptures change out the word “you” and put “me” make it personal for yourself.
So when you feel like life is letting you down, when you feel like those temptations and urges to lose your temper or completely shut down are controlling you, simply ask God. Ask him what he wants you to hear. He speaks to us through his word
It’s not coincidental that sometimes when you open up the Bible to a random page and read, that that passage speaks to your soul. I’ts because he knows you, and he loves you, and he wants so dearly for you to spend time with him through his word.
Alter call:
Spending time with God through his word is so essential
he makes himself known to us!
But maybe you’ve never experienced that yet
Maybe you’re still curious about who he is and never really developed a relationship with him yet
Jesus helps us mend the relationship that we’ve lost with God due to our sin
He came and died for our sins to not only fulfill the word but to give you new life in him
If that’s you today, If you want to make Jesus your Lord and Saviour just slip your hand in the air so i can see it
I just want to know who i’m praying with
I don’t want to single anyone out so we’re going to pray this prayer together
Salvation prayer