STEP SIX

 

THE WORD OF GOD

 

1.    Why do we use the Bible as our basis for the Christian life? -- 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21

 

2.    For the Christian, the Bible is:

 

2.1    The eternal and enduring word of God.

A. It has its source in God through the Holy Spirit -- 2 Pet 1:20,21

B. It stands forever -- 1 Pet 1:23-25

 

2.2    Spiritual food -- Jer 15:16; Matt 4:4;

 

A.  Our physical being needs food, our souls are nourished with studies, and our spirits require the nourishment provided by the word of God -- Heb 5:12-14.

 

B.    The word (milk) is to be desired and craved -- 1 Pet: 1:25 - 2:2

 

2.3    Our vital weapon -- Eph 6: 12-17

A.    It was Jesus' defense against Satan -- Mt 4:4,7,10

B.    It is the sword of the Spirit -- Eph 6:17

C.    It works powerfully in human lives -- Heb 4:12

 

2.4    Light for our way--Psalm 119:105

 

A.    It shows us how to approach God:

1.  Through Jesus for salvation -- Jn 14:6

2.  Confidently through Jesus our high priest -- Heb 4:14;16

3.  In the name of Jesus when we pray -- Jn 14: 13,14

 

B.    It shows us God's desires and purposes:

1.  The evangelistic mandate (Great Commission) -- Jn 3:16; Mt 28:18-20

2.  The cultural mandate - care for all of creation -- Gen 1:26 (see p. 27 for the implications of Gen  1:26.)

3. The law of love -- Mt 5:43-47; Jn 13:34,35; 1 Cor 13:4-8

 

3.   What the Bible does for the Christian:

 

3.1    Discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart -- Heb 4:12

3.2    Protects from sin -- Psalm 119:11  (It is necessary to memorize the    Scripture -- Deut 6:6; Prov 7:1-3)

3.3    Gives wisdom -- Psalm 19:7; II Tim 3:15

3.4    Gladdens the heart -- Psalm 19:8; Jer 15:16

3.5    Serves "...for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living...."

         -- 2 Tim 3:16,17  (Good News Bible)

       3.6    Assures us of the following:

                A.    Forgiveness of sins -- 1 Jn 1:9; Acts 26:18

                B.    A new nature (life) -- 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Pet 1:4

                C.    The Lord's guidance -- Ps 32:8; Acts 16:6-10

                D.    The Lord's presence -- Mt 28:20

                E.    Victory over temptation -- 1 Cor 10:13

                F.    Provision of all our needs -- Jn 16:24; Phil 4:19

                G.   Eternal life -- 1 Jn 5:11,12; Jn 5:24

                H.   Jesus' second coming -- 1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thes 4:16,17

 

4.    Five ways of growing in our knowledge of the Word of God so that we can apply it to daily living:*

 

Text Box:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Illustration adapted from "The Navigators"

Used by permission.

 

 

HOMEWORK:

Memorize the books of the Bible                        [  ]

Memorize Psalm 119:9,11                                [  ]

Memorize the Hand Illustration                           [  ]