Eat this book

The word of God is a story to be consumed.

In 5th grade, I went to a Christian school operated by the church my dad pastored in the suburbs of central New Jersey. One day I stood up from my desk to go to the restroom and knocked my bible on the ground. Upon picking it up my teacher told me I had to kiss it. I thought she was joking so I laughingly placed it on my desk and made my way for the door. I should’ve known better. She wasn’t a very funny teacher. She stopped me and would not let me go until I kissed the holy book I had so carelessly let touch the ground. I didn’t know what to say so I simply did as she asked and left the room. I heard her mumble as I left, “a pastor’s son should know better.”

I’d argue that this is the way our culture thinks we should treat the bible

our “holy book”

I’d also argue that even the devil himself would prefer if we treated the bible like that

behind glass boxes or displayed nicely on top shelves

safe, where you can’t touch it

safe, where it can’t touch you

No we can talk another time about the trustworthiness of the bible

the original writings

divine inspiration

how it’s possible that we have theological differences when we’re all reading the same bible

we can and should talk about all these things!

But today I want you to see clearly what the bible says about itself.

how should you and I approach this book?

First, this is not a book to be kissed but a book to be eaten!

Ezekiel 3:3

Ezekiel 3:3 NIV

3 Then he said to me, “Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it.” So I ate it, and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.

Psalm 119:49-56

Psalm 119:49–56 NIV

49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 51 The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. 52 I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. 53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law. 54 Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. 55 In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. 56 This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.

not a book to look at but a book to look through

Isaiah 8:16-20

Isaiah 8:16–20 NIV

16 Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples. 17 I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. 18 Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the Lord Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion. 19 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

don’t look with the lens this world would give you in order to see the path ahead, look with the lens of this book

“to the law and to the testimony” the only light of dawn

2 Timothy 3:10-4:5

2 Timothy 3:10–4:5 NIV

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

“God-breathed”, “useful”, practical, helpful

God-breathed = life-giving

He works through His word

useful

the tool of the Holy Spirit in your life

not to tear you down but to build you up, to shape you

to train you and equip you

This is not the language of glass boxes, display cases and reverent kisses

this is the language of dirt and tears and joy and purpose in your everyday life

If this is the bible’s prescribed way of approaching it, what are we to do about it? Some practical implications.

When we gather, I’m going to ask you to bring your bibles, to open them and follow along

Find a translation that is easy to read for your own personal reading time (NIV, my own translations)

Develop a habit of daily bible reading

Let’s talk with each other about what we’re reading, ask tough questions, encourage one another

This book is life-giving, useful, practical, the greatest tool of the Holy Spirit in working out the purposes of God in your life

Not a book to be set in some untouchable place

Not a book to be kissed but a book to be eaten.