| Course Outline |
|
|
We have seen that becoming a Christian is likened to a new birth. As a spiritual infant it is vital that you grow up to maturity. Peter speaks of the need for newborn babies to desire spiritual milk (see 1Peter 2:2). One of the most important forms of such nourishment is the Word of God, the Bible (see Hebrews 5:11-14). We shall consider how that works.
1. Read Romans 15:4-6. Why was everything in the Scriptures written? (Romans 15:4)
2. The ability to glorify God comes out of a life of following Jesus (Romans 15:5,6). Where do we find the record of how Jesus lived, so that we can follow him?
3. Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Timothy as a young man, discipled and trained by Paul, had opportunity to observe Paul. What was he able to see? (2 Timothy 3:10,11)
4. He knew Paul and was able to follow his life and teaching. But what else did he know that was vital in his spiritual growth? (2 Timothy 3:14,15)
5. List the things for which Paul says the Scriptures are useful (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Review the Scriptures that you have studied in this series of Bible Study outlines. See if you can find at least one passage of Scripture that corresponds to each of these uses in your life. This is a helpful passage of scripture to apply to every portion of Scripture that you read: ask yourself the question, “What is there in these verses that is useful for....”
6. What will be the end result of allowing the Bible to have these effects on your life?
7. Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Paul is describing some of the experiences of Israel in the Old Testament. What is he concerned that Christians should not be, in relation to all these Old Testament stories? (1 Corinthians 10:1)
8. Why is he so concerned that they know all about these historical events? What value do they have hundreds of years later? (1 Corinthians 10:6-13)
9. Read the passage in James. Is just hearing God’s Word enough? (James 1:22)
10. To what does James liken people who hear and then forget God’s Word? (James 1:23,24)
11. What four things does the man who is blessed by God do? (James 1:25)
In Psalm 119, David sang about the blessings of God’s Word. It is mentioned in every single verse. It was clearly a significant key to his maturity. As we read all about his approach to the Scriptures, it emerges that there are five important things that we should do with God’s Word in order to have a balanced diet. These are: Hear, Read, Study, Memorize and Meditate. Talk with the person who is helping you with these studies, how to make these disciplines part of your daily life.
|
|
