Seeking Scripture

What we seek first is what will disciple us the most

Acts 13:2-3

The church is seeking to spread the gospel to Gentile areas yet they are unsure who to send

their response is to seek the will of the Lord through prayer and fasting

They desire the discernment of the spirit to inform their decision

What do we seek when we have questions, concerns, or problems?

Subconsciously we seek the internet and social media

Seek our own opinions or our own desires

“itching ears” (2 Tim 4:3)

What is shaping our decisions? What is shaping our perspective?

Every Problem Finds Perspective in the Pages of Scripture

2 Tim 3:16-17

There is not a problem you have in life that is not informed by scripture

Money Problems?

Luke 16:10-11

Heb 13:5

Mal 3:10

Depression and Anxiety

Phil 4:6-7

1 pet 5:7

Psalm 42:11

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 34:18

Social Media

Eph 4:29

2 Cor 10:12

Prov 27:2

Heb 10:24-25

If we believe scripture to be what we say it is, the living and breathing word of the Lord, then we must hold it to the utmost authority

We would not seek the counsel of college kid in an anatomy class when concerned about a broken bone when we could seek the counsel of a surgeon

Yet it takes work. Just because scripture does not speak directly to issues does not mean it doesn’t speak to them

Society and culture changes all the time. Our job as Christians, through the guidance of the spirit, is to discern what the pages of scripture have to say to guide our every step

Refer back to 2 Tim 3:16-17

Scripture’s purpose is far greater than mere knowledge to be collected

“Those who study the Bible only to gain more information may believe their minds are expanding when, in fact, only their heads are swelling” - Ian Tait

2 Tim 3:16-17

teaching

Scripture is to be learned. Sought after and understood. It is to be taught from pulpit at church, in bible studies, by teachers and professors

reproof

It points out our flaws and our weaknesses

Exercise caution if you read scripture and fail to sense any conviction in your own heart

Part of an understanding of scripture is discovering where our faults lie

correction

It doesn’t merely point out flaws as some unpleased parent or teacher, but it shows us what it is to grow in holiness

Paul with anxiety

Jesus with sin (cut off your right hand)

Psalmist with depression (why are you downcast oh my soul)

Solomon and seeking wisdom

Israelites and continued disobedience

The early church and the power of the spirit

training in righteousness

It shows us what is right. What to pursue. How to grow in holiness.

We are not left on our own