Learning to Feed on God's Word

Rooted!

A tree doesn’t survive storms because it looks strong on the outside, it survives because the roots run deep. This series is going to look at things that as Christians we should grow in and allow to run deep in us, starting with the Scripture. We will looking at such things as prayer, obedience, community, and endurance.

So, James and I will over the next few weeks cover these subjects, and we invite you to engage with us along the way. Today we will start with the most foun(dational root: Scripture, the Word, the LOGOS (low goes) is weak in our lives, every other area will be unstable.

What is one thing You wish you could have learned in life sooner?

Pause- allow time for some answers, give an answer yourself. Someone may say, “I wish I had learned how to study the Bible earlier.” Well today’s lesson in Ps1, and 2Tim3 show us that feeding on scripture is not optional, it is the difference between a flourishing life and a withering one.

Illustration: Malnourished athlete

Think about this. An athlete, a runner who trains hard, every day. runs, lifts weights but barely eats. No matter who disciplined the person is, they will be weak, slow, and easily injured. Many Christians live spiritually malnourished. They try to serve, worship, and obey— but without feeding on Scripture, they lack strength, clarity and endurance. God’s word is the believers daily nutrition. Without it, spiritual weakness is inevitable.

Scripture Roots us in Stability

The blessed person avoids worldly influence

What do you think can influence you today? - Pause, open discussion for a few minutes on this.

He delights in God’s Word — not merely reads it, —-so, what does that mean?

Meditation produces stability, fruitfulness, and endurance.

Key Point: Meditation is the bridge between reading the Bible and being transformed by it.

Scripture Equips Us for Every Good Work

Turn with me to 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

Or in the ESV it says:

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

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.

Scripture is God inspired, God breathed —divine in origin, perfect in purpose, so what is the purpose? Let’s press on. . .

It teaches, it rebukes, it corrects and it trains

Some of those gently, some not so gently at times because we can be hardheaded or stubborn, but it is for our good and for God’s glory

It fully equips for life and ministry

Fully equipped for life and ministry, your life is your ministry!

Key Point: The Word doesn’t just inform us —it forms us

How to Study Scripture

Observation - What does the text say?

Keep in mind the who, what, where, why and how, if possible

Interpretation - What does the text mean?

First and foremost to the people it was written to originally. All scripture is written for us, but not to us. It is vitally important when we study to remember that simple fact.

Application - Is there application from this truth today? The sum of His word is truth (Ps119:160) but not all truth is applicable today or there sure would be a lot more stoning of people today, thank You Jesus for His sacrifice, His grace that is sufficient! When we read a passage we need to look at it and see if there is application for today. Like there are no dietary restrictions today, though some may for personal reasons put some on themselves and we should respect them. No day observations, but some do, and we should be kind to them about those too. I think you can get the point, look for application from the passage.

Key Point: Bible study is not complicated —it is consistent, thoughtful engagement with the text, in context. Context is king, it is very important to keep things in context (emphasis this)

How to Meditate on Scripture

Slow down - read smaller portions deeply.

To meditate means to think about something over and over again, or to ponder on one thing.

Ask reflective questions of the scripture.

“What does this reveal about God, His character, His nature?”

Turn scripture into prayer

Can you think of a verse that YOU have turned into or use as a prayer in your life? (pause for answers)

Repeat and rehearse throughout the day.

This is to encourage people to take a verse or short portion of scripture and commit it to memory

Key Point: Meditation is savoring Scripture until it shapes your thinking.

How To Apply Scripture

Identify one clear action or attitude to change

Such as Ephesians 5:4 “and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” and yet I still let that come out of me at times.

Apply immediately —not “someday.”

Stop thinking about it, stop talking about it, do something with it. Apply it!

Share your application with someone for accountability.

Hold yourself accountable with someone helps for prayer and support (you can expand on this if you would like)

Key Point: Application is obedience —not inspiration

Application Section

Commit to daily feeding

Set a realistic plan: a reading schedule, a quiet place, and a consistent time.

Use a simple study method

Encourage the class to practice Observation-Interpretation-Application this week.

Choose one verse to meditate on daily

Psalm 1 is a great place to start Psalm 1:1

Apply one truth immediately

Don’t wait for “the perfect moment”. Growth happens through small, faithful steps.

Replace passive reading with active engagement

Write notes, underline, pray through the text, ask questions

(Conclusion) we started today with a tree, a tree needs to be rooted. A Christian needs to be rooted in Scripture. Psalm 1 showed us a flourishing tree, then 2Tim3 showed us we are fully equipped through the Scripture. Both pictures reveal the same truth: God’s word is the source of our strength, stability, clarity, and growth. If we want deep roots, we must learn to feed on Scripture daily, thoughtfully, purposefully, and obediently.

Major Takeaway

A Believer who feeds on Scripture will grow deep, stand strong, and bear lasting fruit for the kingdom of God.