Lesson 1 - The Bible - The Story

July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC The Bible – The Story How to R.E.A.P. The Bible by Chris Reighley Outline • • • • It is vital for every Christian to know how to study the Bible You should be able to dig into God’s word yourself, to reap all the riches that Scripture contains. Visit many good books, but live in the Bible. C.H. Spurgeon The Holy Scriptures are out letters from home. Augustin EXPLANATION AND SCRIPTURAL BASIS Jeremiah 15:16a Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; A. The Bible 1. 2. The Bible is the Greatest Book every written. Written by 40 authors, containing 66 total books in the old and the new testaments. The true author of the Bible is Jesus Christ, Lord of the universe, who compelled all 40 authors to write the Bible over a 4,000 year span. The Attributes of the Bible a) The Bible is Infallible Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. b) The Bible is Inerrant Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. c) The Bible is complete Nothing needs to be added to the Bible. Now that may be a surprise to some people, because there are those today who believe we need additional revelation. Revelation 22:18-19 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 1 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC d) July 29th 2018 The Bible is Authoritative Isaiah 1:2a Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; For the Lord speaks… John 8:30-31 As He spoke these things, many came to believe in Him. So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” James 2:9-10 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. e) The Bible is Sufficient 2 Timothy 3:15-17 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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. Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. James 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. f) The Bible is Effective Isaiah 55:11 So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 2 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC g) July 29th 2018 The Bible is Determinative The Bible is determinative because how you respond to the Word of God determines the essence of your life and your eternal destiny. John 8:47 He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” In other words, the determination of whether an individual is of God or not of God is based on whether he listens to the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 3. The Benefits of Studying God’s Word a) Benefit One: The Source of Truth John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. John 18:38a Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”… 2 Timothy 3:7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 3and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 3 of 13 July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC b) Benefit Two: The Source of Happiness Psalms 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. Proverbs 8:34 “Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my doorposts. Luke 11:28 But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near. 1 John 1:4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. c) Benefit Three: The Source of Victory As the Word of God is taken in, it becomes the resource the Holy Spirit uses to direct us. We have no way of preventing ourselves from being led into sin, unless we can bring the Word of God into our conscious minds. 2 Corinthians 2:11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. Psalms 119:11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You. (1) Victory over Satan Matthew 4:1-11 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE will command His angels concerning You’; and ‘ON their hands they will bear You up, SO that You will not strike Your foot against A stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 4 of 13 July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC (2) Victory over Demons Luke 4:33-36 In the synagogue there was a man possessed by the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in the midst of the people, he came out of him without doing him any harm. And amazement came upon them all, and they began talking with one another saying, “What is this message? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits and they come out.” (3) Victory over Temptation Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. d) Benefit Four: The Source of Growth 1 Peter 2:2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, (1) Prerequisites for Growth 1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, John 6:63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. James 1:18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 1 Timothy 4:6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 5 of 13 July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC (2) Patterns of Growth 1 John 2:13-14 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. 1. Fathers – because you know Him who has been from the beginning 2. Young men – because you have overcome the evil one 3. Children – because you know the Father 2 Corinthians 11:14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Galatians 5:19-21 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Ephesians 4:14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 6 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC e) July 29th 2018 Benefit Five: The Source of Power Acts 1:8 8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Hebrews 4:12 When you pick up the Bible and read it, it will cut to the very depth of your being. The Bible is a powerful book! For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Romans 1:16 When you share the gospel with someone, you can see its power as it crumbles every bit of false philosophy build up over the years. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Ephesians 4:23 Our thinking will change and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, Romans 12:2 There is a life-changing transformation And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 2 Corinthians 3:18 As we focus on the Word of God, the power it will have in our lives is incredible. As we meditate on it, it empowers us. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Read Ephesians 1-3 Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 7 of 13 July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC f) Benefit Six: The Source of Guidance Psalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. Romans 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 1 John 2:27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. (1) Believe it John 6:67-68 So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. (2) Honor it Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. Psalms 138:2 I will bow down toward Your holy temple And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word according to all Your name. (3) Love it Psalms 119:97 O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalms 19:7-10 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 8 of 13 July 29th 2018 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC (4) Obey it 1 John 2:5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: Romans 6:16 Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? (5) Fight for it Jude 1:3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. (6) Preach it 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. (7) Study it 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. Charles Spurgeon said “Every Christian should study the Bible until his blood is “bibline.” They said of Apollos in the New Testament that he was “Mighty in the Scriptures”. Acts 18:24 My pray is that you have a burning desire to study the Word of God, proclaim it, fight for it, obey it, love it, honor it and believe it! Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 9 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC B. July 29th 2018 The Story (See next 3 pages) "Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org” Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ Page 10 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ July 29th 2018 Page 11 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ July 29th 2018 Page 12 of 13 Sunday Night Bible Study @ RHCC Prepared by Chris Reighley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RHCCBibleStudy/ July 29th 2018 Page 13 of 13