Six reasons to Explore the Book: 5. God s Revelation demands a relational response. enduring forever. (Hebrews 4:12)

Transcription

1 (Part 1) Is the Bible Relevant for Today? Introduction: Why bother with the Bible? Two critical questions: 1. What is the Bible? 2. What will it do for you? Six reasons to Explore the Book: Psalm 19:7-11 (NIV) Reasons 7a - The Law of the Lord is Perfect, 1. God s Word changes lives. (1 Peter 1:23) refreshing the soul. 7b - The Statues of the Lord are Trustworthy, 2. God s Word gives wisdom. (Proverbs 2:6) making wise the simple. 8a - The Precepts of the Lord are Right, 3. God s Word produces joyful security. giving joy to the heart. (Jeremiah 15:16) 8b - The Commands of the Lord are Radiant, giving light to the eyes. 4. God s Word provides guidance & direction. (Psalm119:105) 9a - The Fear of the Lord is Pure, 5. God s Revelation demands a relational response. enduring forever. (Hebrews 4:12) 9b - The Decrees of the Lord are Firm, 6. God s Word is the absolute truth. (John 17:17) and altogether righteous. Summary: They are more precious than gold; they are Summary: The Bible reveals who God is and sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them what He is like. It also reveals His will and purpose is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great for our lives designed to evoke intelligent reward. Psalm 19:10-11 (NIV) reverence, well-founded trust, and detailed obedience. 1

2 (Part 1) Is the Bible Relevant for Today? Conclusion: How are we to respond to God s Word? 12 But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Pslam19:12-14 (NIV) Discussion Questions: 1. How did you view the Bible as a child? How have those views changed over the years? 2. Which of the six reasons in Psalm 19 most motivate you to Explore the Book? Why? 3. What new insight did you gain from this passage? How does that insight impact how you view God? 4. What specific action step will you take this week to Explore the Book and get to know the God of the Book? 2

3 (Part 2) How to Unlock the Wisdom of the New Testament Introduction: Three keys to the New Testament 1. Getting the big picture 2. Understanding the relationship of the Old Testament and the New Testament 3. Grasping the concept of Progressive Revelation The four main eras of the New Testament: 1. The Gospels: The life of Jesus of Nazareth as told in the Gospels 2. The Church: The formation stage of the Christian Church 3. The Mission: The expansion of the Church in to the Roman Empire through missions. 4. The Future: The prophetic foretelling of history s final chapter the nature and chronology of the end times. 1

4 (Part 2) How to Unlock the Wisdom of the New Testament The structure of the New Testament: 425 B.C. Old Testament 400 Years New Testament History 5 Doctrine 21 Prophecy - 1 Gospels Epistles Matthew Acts Paul 14 Revelation Mark John 3 Luke Peter 2 John James 1 Jude 1 Foundational Instructional Climactic The Gospel Era: JESUS The Storyline - Jesus comes in fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies of a Savior, and offers salvation and the true Kingdom of God. While some accept Him, most reject Him, and He is crucified, buried, and resurrected. Why four Gospels? Gospel Matthew Mark Luke John Written to Jews Romans Greeks All people Portrait of Jesus Jesus is the Messiah / King who fulfills Old Testament prophecy and expectations Jesus is the authoritative Son of God Jesus is the perfect Son of Man who came to save and minister to all people through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer Jesus is the fully divine Son of God in whom we should believe to receive eternal life The I AM of God Key Verse 21:5 10:45 19:10 20:31 Key Word Fulfilled Immediately Son of Man Believe 2

5 (Part 2) How to Unlock the Wisdom of the New Testament The Church Era: PETER The Storyline Peter, shortly after the ascension of Jesus, is used by God to establish the Church, God s next major plan for man. o Creation Birth of the Church Acts 1-5 o Growth Organization of the Church Acts 6 o Persecution 1 st century martyr Acts 7 o Transition A missionary to Gentiles Acts 8-12 The Mission Era: PAUL The Storyline Paul expands the Church into the Roman Empire during the next two decades. o 1 st Missionary Journey Galatia (2 years) Acts o 2 nd Missionary Journey Greece (3 years) Acts o 3 rd Missionary Journey Asia (4 years) Acts o Trials and Imprisonment Rome (2 years) Acts Epistles Letters written to churches and individuals to encourage and instruct them in the Christian faith. 3

6 (Part 2) How to Unlock the Wisdom of the New Testament Epistles (Teaching) of the Church: Paul s Pastoral General Romans 1 & 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 & 2 Thessalonians 1 & 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 & 2 Peter 1,2, & 3 John Jude The Future Era: JESUS - The Book of Revelation The Storyline After fulfilling God s sovereign purposes to save whosoever would believe through the agency of His Church, Jesus removes the Church (Rapture), fulfills all Old Testament promises concerning Israel in the last days, and returns to execute a final, just judgment of good and evil, which ushers in the eternal state. Discussion Questions: 1. How does getting the big picture help you understand the New Testament? 2. What information was new to you? Most interesting? Most difficult to understand? 3. In what way did God speak to your life through this message? How will you respond? 4

7 (Part 3) How to Unlock the Wisdom of the Old Testament No Message Notes 1

8 (Part 4) Why You Should Stop Reading the Bible Introduction: We ve got a problem! The Real Issue: How can we get the Word to work in our lives? 1. The Biblical Picture 1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. Psalm1:1-3 (NASB) The Missing Link = meditation. 2. The Transformational Process 8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Joshua 1:8 (NASB) 1

9 (Part 4) Why You Should Stop Reading the Bible THE WORD Growth In Knowledge RECEPTION Truth - Intake This Book of the Law shall not depart Growth In Understanding MEDITATION Truth - Digested but you shall meditate on it Growth In Grace APPLICATION Truth - Applied in order to obey all that s written Growth In Fruitfulness TRANSFORMATION Truth - Integrated for then you will make your way prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 CHANGED LIFE The Key to Change is renewing your mind. 2

10 (Part 4) Why You Should Stop Reading the Bible 3. The Daily Practice 2 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. Romans 12:2 (NASB) Two Commands: 1. STOP being conformed. 2. START allowing yourself to be transformed. How? Biblical meditation Application 2PROAPT Conclusion: STOP just reading the Bible; START meditating on it! 3

11 (Part 4) Why You Should Stop Reading the Bible Discussion Questions: 1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word meditation? How does Biblical meditation differ from popular practices? 2. Why is meditation the missing link in the process of spiritual transformation? 3. How would memorizing Scripture help one meditate? 4. Look up the following passages and discuss the importance of our minds as it relates to spiritual transformation. (Romans 8:5-8, Colossians 3:1-10, Ephesians 4:20-23, Philippians 4:8, Romans 12:2) 5. What specific means will you use to increase your time to meditate on God s Word this week? 4