Scripture

  • Dr. Bob Harrington
  • Nov 25, 2007
  • Series: New Series

Scripture

Psalm 1

Dr. Bob Harrington

 

People who do not spend personal time in scripture. . . .

 

Reveal (Willow Creek) . . .

 

What Personal Time in Scripture Does . . .

 

 

1. It creates and increases Faith.

 

 

·      Romans 10:17 -Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heardthrough the word of Christ.

 

·      2 Timothy3: 16-17 All Scripture isGod-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training inrighteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every goodwork.

 

 

2. It leads you to be devoted to Jesus.

 

 

·      John 8:31-32- To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to myteaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you willknow the truth, and the truth will set you free."

 

·      Hebrews1:1-2 In the past God spoke to ourforefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but inthese last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of allthings, and through whom he made the universe.

 

·      Hebrews 4:12 For the wordof God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrateseven to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts andattitudes of the heart.

 

 

3. It equips you to resist the world and Satan.

·      2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Forthough we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weaponswe fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they havedivine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and everypretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we takecaptive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

4. It renews your mind with God’s Way.

                                                     

·      Romans 12: 2 Do notconform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by therenewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God'swill is—his good, pleasing and perfect will

 

 

 

 

Four Things to Do . . . .  

 

 

 

  1. Start by Reading and Re-Reading the Story of Jesus (the Gospels).

 

  1.  
    1. Use the New International Version (NIV) – the NIV study Bible will be the best – for in-depth study (there are other good ones too).
    2. Use the New Living Translation (or another paraphrase) for big-picture reading.
    3. Start with John.  Then read Matthew, then Mark, then Luke-Acts.

 

2.      Next,read to Understand the Over-all Story Line of the Bible.

 

a.      Read Exploring the Bible as guide.

b.      Use the New Living Translation (or another paraphrase) – read for thematicunderstanding, not the details.

c.      Use a Bible Handbook as a guide – Halley’s BibleHandbook (is good).

d.      Get a simple notebook – jot down notes.

e.      Listening to CDs or downloads are good too.

 

1. Bible in a Year

http://www.bibleonradio.com/

 

2. New Testament in OneYear

http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail/19868/a-year-in-the-new-testament-by-gods-ipod/recent

 

3. Create your own BIblelistening plan- Max McLean http://www.answersingenesis.org/answersmedia/audiobible/custom.aspx

 

  1. Then become an expert on specific books – one at a time.

 

a.      Read and re-read the book.

b.      Get a good commentary to check out your insight.

 

  1. Find and Memorize Key Life-Verses. (James 1:22-25)

 

a.      Use a Concordance (www.biblegateway.com)

b.      Write down the verse on a card – citation on one side,verse on the other.

c.      Redirect your thinking by repetition.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Small GroupQuestions

Care  (15 Minutes)

 

Ask two or three people toshare their experiences through the Thanks Giving Break.

 

Study  (30 Minutes)

 

READ and review 2 Timothy3:16-17 and Psalm1.  Then, reviewthe map illustration in First Steps on page 52. Is this illustration andare these passages helpful to you? Explain why or why not.

 

Review the four things thatBob Harrington says happen to you when you spend time in scripture (seeabove).  Which of these experiencesmost rings true for you?  Explainwhy? 

 

What is the biggest reasonfor people to spend time in scripture, in your opinion?  Explain why?

 

Of the four things that BobHarrington suggested (see above), which is the one that you are most inclinedto adopt as a practice?  Explainwhy

Prayer  (30 Minutes)

 

1) As I look over thefollowing list, I praythat I will take the following specific step in the Ways of Jesus this week(pick one and explain why)  . . .

           

  • Intentional Love (for other people)
  • Acceptance (of God’s Grace and/or Truth)
  • Connecting (with God and/or God’s People)
  • Service (to the church and/or the world)
  • Leading (others in the Ways of Jesus)

 

2) Please also help me withyour prayers for the following . . .