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.

1. It has its source in God through the Holy Spirit -- 2 Pet 1:20,21
2. It stands forever -- 1 Pet 1:23-25

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

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

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

1. It was Jesus' defense against Satan -- Mt 4:4,7,10
2. It is the sword of the Spirit -- Eph 6:17
3. It works powerfully in human lives -- Heb 4:12

2.4 Light for our way--Psalm 119:105

1. 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
2. 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

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:

1. Forgiveness of sins -- 1 Jn 1:9; Acts 26:18
2. A new nature (life) -- 2 Cor 5:17; 2 Pet 1:4
3. The Lord's guidance -- Ps 32:8; Acts 16:6-10
4. The Lord's presence -- Mt 28:20 Victory over temptation -- 1 Cor 10:13
5. Provision of all our needs -- Jn 16:24; Phil 4:19
6. Eternal life -- 1 Jn 5:11,12; Jn 5:24
7. 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:*

*Illustration adapted from "The Navigators." Used by permission.

HOMEWORK:

Memorize the books of the Bible
Memorize Psalm 119:9,11
Memorize the Hand Illustration

 

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