Rooted; Session 1 — Why We Study the Bible at All

Discussion Questions

Ice breaker question

If God didn’t give us Scripture, what would you lose?

This shows what we think and how we engage the Bible right now, but tonight I hope to show and explore why we study the Bible.

The Bible Is the Eyes of the Believer

Just the way we see reality through our eyes and understand things is the same way we read the Bible and understand the world.

It’s the story through which we see the world and all that is.

If you defined the whole story of the Bible in 4 words, what would it be?

Creation → Fall → Redemption → Consummation

If you defined the world’s story?

Materialism, autonomy, self-definition, and progress-through-human-effort.

We live as actors in one of these stories, and I want to show you why the story of the Bible is better, and why we study it.

Scripture Exploration

I’ll break you up into groups and I want you guys to open to your assigned passage, read the text, and answer and write down the answers to the questions on the paper, so that we can discuss it later.

Passages

2 Tim 3:16–17 (p. 996) – “All Scripture is God breathed… to equip… for every good work.” (Sufficiency)

Heb 4:12–13 (p. 1002) – “The Word is living and active…” (Authority & Transforming Power)

John 1:1–5 – “The Word was with God… the Light shines in the darkness.” (Christ center)

Romans 12:2 (P. 947) “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (Lens & Transformation)

Acts 17:11 (– “They examined the Scriptures daily…” (Clarity & Discernment)

Discussion

2 tim. 3.16-17

English Standard Version Chapter 3

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

What does this verse claim about Scripture?

God breathed (theopneustos): the words originate from God Himself, not from human opinion.

Purpose driven: Scripture is instrumental – it equips believers for every good work, not just for doctrine.

The phrase “thoroughly equipped” implies completeness—the Bible gives everything needed for godly living, leaving no spiritual “blank spot.”

How does it speak to the “loss” question?

Loss of divine direction: without a God breathed guide, you would be navigating life by your own reasoning, which often leads to error.

Loss of empowerment: you would lack the God given “equipment” for every good work—no spiritual toolbox for love, service, or integrity.

One daily example

When scrolling social media, remember the Bible equips you for “good works”; pause and ask, “Is this post building up or tearing down?”

In friendship conflict, Scripture equips you to speak truth in love (Eph 4:15).

Heb 4:12–13 (p. 1002)

English Standard Version Chapter 4

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.

What does this verse claim about Scripture?

Living & active: not a dead artifact; the Word continues to work in the believer’s life.

Sharper than a double edged sword: cuts through deception, self-deception, and “soft” worldly truths, revealing God’s standard.

It swings both ways.

Discernment of heart: exposes hidden motives, thoughts, and attitudes—like a spiritual diagnostic tool.

How does it speak to the “loss” question?

Loss of self knowledge: without the Word you’d stay blind to the true condition of your heart.

Loss of moral authority: no ultimate standard to judge your inner life, leaving you shaped by shifting cultural norms.

One daily example

When an Instagram ad triggers envy, let the Word judge the motive: “Is this envy contrary to the truth that I am beloved in Christ?”

John 1:1–5

English Standard Version Chapter 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

What does this verse claim about Scripture?

The Word is Jesus—God’s self-revelation made flesh (v.14). The Word of Scripture points to Christ as the ultimate communication of God.

Light vs darkness: the Word (Christ) illuminates reality.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” asserts Christ’s undefeated revelation.

How does it speak to the “loss” question?

Loss of illumination: without Christ the Word you walk in spiritual darkness, relying on human “light” (philosophy, trends) that fades.

Loss of identity: the Word makes us children of light (1 John 1:7).

One daily example

Ask: How is the light of Christ being shown through this action?

Romans 12:2

English Standard Version Chapter 12

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

What does this verse claim about Scripture?

Renewal of mind is how believers become non-conformist—the Word reshapes thinking.

“Conform” vs. “transform”: the default is worldly conformity unless Scripture renews us.

Testing: Scripture is the standard for evaluating whether a thought aligns with God’s will.

How does it speak to the “loss” question?

Loss of discernment: without Scripture you naturally adopt culture’s values—career, popularity, relativism.

Loss of godly identity: you drift into a self-crafted worldview instead of a Christ-centered one.

One daily example

Ask: How can we renew the stuff we listen to by the gospel itself?

Acts 17:11

English Standard Version Chapter 17

Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so

What does this verse claim about Scripture?

Daily examination is the norm for a sincere believer; Scripture is the standard of verification for any teaching.

Clarity for essential truth: the Bereans could test Paul because Scripture is clear.

How does it speak to the “loss” question?

Loss of a checking mechanism: without Scripture you can’t evaluate claims—professors, friends, culture.

Loss of noble character: the habit of testing Scripture forms humility and honesty.

One daily example

If I start saying something completely against the Bible—or if Huw does—we call each other out in love because we’re human.

Takeaway This Week

what are you taking away this week from this lesson?

What will we lose if we don’t study or read the Bible?

The Bible is not primarily a collection of doctrines or moral rules. It is God’s personal address—the self-revelation of the triune God in Christ, mediated through human words that are fully divine and fully human.

The purpose is not information-gathering but transformation into Christ’s likeness through the Holy Spirit.

we lose Jesus himself if we don't study his word

the same way you wont get know your significant other how else do you expect to get to know your savior?