How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.
Psalm 119:9–11 (ESV)
10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!
11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
On Sunday I talked about the value of “storing up” God’s Word in your heart… But I didn’t take the time to ask the question, What do you think the Bible even is?
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT
What claims does Scripture make about it’s origin and purpose?
(Jesus speaking) “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. 26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. 27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
How does Scripture function as a foundation for our thoughts and actions?
The prophet Ezekiel was given a strange, yet colorful vision:
The voice said to me, “Son of man, eat what I am giving you—eat this scroll! Then go and give its message to the people of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and he fed me the scroll. 3 “Fill your stomach with this,” he said. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Ezekiel 3:1-3 NLT
With this visual image, what is God conveying to us about how we treat His Word? Elaborate on “Fill your stomach…” and “it tasted as sweet as honey…”
“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9 NLT
Joshua’s directive is to be strong and very courageous. The fuel for this strength and courage is to “study continually,” and to “meditate on it day and night.” Also, to be “sure to obey everything.” Whew! That sounds like a lot. How is this idea different from the way we tend to treat God’s Word?
If God’s Word is true, what should change about the way I treat His Word?
Bonus Content: Crash Course
A few years ago, I did a one-night crash course on Biblical Meditation. It was a very well-received course, and I wanted to offer it again, so here it is on YouTube! I hope it will help you. Watch it this week outside of lifegroup.
Important Date Change
Israel Interest Meeting
New Date: 6PM April 26
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus changes the way you read your Bible forever.
I’ve pushed the interest meeting back a week, and I hope you can make it to get all the Israel info, and ask all your questions. Sign up for the meeting right here!