Practice: Scripture reading

Just as we like reels and watch tiktoks and they form us there are ways we can be formed by Jesus. A huge part of that is knowing and reading his word.

How can we get to know Jesus if we do not spend time with him an dhis word.

how can we become like him if we do not know what he is like?

Scripture reading is how we align our thoughts with God’s,

As we think more like him we will act and feel more like Jesus did. aka have more joy and peace.

just like spending time with a friend to get to know them we need to spend time with Jesus.

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.”

Scripture is Truth

It is Gods word

There is no mistake in it

we call it inerrant and inspired.

it is written by dozens of authors over thousands of years yet unified in story and theme

show cross reference thingy that is super cool.

Capital T this is not like the my truth and your truth crap. This is real.

If Jesus rose from the dead then we better listen to his words. How scripture lays out life is how it should be lived. We do not get to pick and choose based on what verses we like. all of it is nonnegotiable.

We are transformed by it not it by us.

We cannot form an opinion and then go to the bible to justify it. That's wrong.

Scripture is a guide

Psalm 119:9–11 “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Proverbs 3:1–2 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.”

Proverbs 4:13 “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”

It shows us how to live

it gives general and specific principles that we ought to live by. “treat your neighbor as your self”

10 commandments

It shows us how to handle emotions

Psalm 42:3–5 “My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng. Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”

We can find scripture for almost any emotion we are faced with in life. Scripture is very honest that life is not sunshine and rainbows.

Scripture cuts to the heart

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.”

shines light into darkness

where my words fail Gods does not.

We need to meditate on Gods word to hide it in our hearts that we may not sin against him.

How can we say we believe but not know what we are even saying we believe in.