Closer walk: Use the Word
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Just a closer walk with thee. . .
Just a closer walk with thee. . .
Transformation happens from the inside out, what we know, what we believe will impact what we do. You want to have a closer walk with God, with Christ, with the Spirit, that is what this series has been about and will continue to be about helping us to grow, to mature in Christ for a closer walk with Christ.
We have looked, discussed, encouraged and challenged each other about a closer walk through:
Being a disciple of Christ
Blessings and responsibilities of a disciple of Christ
The assembly as the body of Christ
Effective prayer and prayer life of the righteous
Practiced prayer of the righteous
Today, we are going to look at a closer walk with thee through the Word of God (Act2:52; 1Pt2:3-3)
(Insert Simply Christians slide here)
A very important part of our walk with Christ comes from the word of God, in fact our slogan here, is “Simply Christians studying God’s Word Together.” Bible study, we may do it Sunday mornings and an occasional Sunday night, Wednesday night, but the challenge is to make it a daily thing. It may be difficult to get started doing it, but it is an important duty, part of being a Christian
42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Devoted: very loyal, loving; given over to the display, study, or discussion of.
Peter says:
2 like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, 3 if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
Study, do it so that you may grow in respect to your salvation!
Today may we look at
Why Bible study is important
Why Bible study is easily, often, neglected
Some suggested methods for Bible study
Some simple suggestions, applications for bible study.
(transition) If you want something to grow, you water it right? According to Eph6 we are watered by the water of the word, so studying the word is like water to our soul and we need it.
Why Bible Study is important
Why Bible Study is important
We could open and look at Psm119 for that entire Psalm is about the Word. I think today we will look at various places on why it is important. The word has the power of sanctification and of preservation because of the salvation needed because of the condemnation made known.
Sanctification, to be set apart as holy and for God’s purpose (Ps119:160; Ps19:7-11; Jn17:17)
The Words is God’s mean of communication on how to be set apart. The sum of the word, well look at how the Psalmist put’s it
160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
We need the Word from Genesis to Revelation, the whole counsel of God as Paul says in Act20:27.
David even used words of praise when it came to the Word of God, so why would we not want to study it. Check it out
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
It is perfect and converting (v.7)
It’s statutes are right, brings rejoicing to the heart (v.8)
It is purifying and enduring, it is true, and righteous (v.99)
It is precious and sweet (v.10)
It, the word, when kept brings great reward (v.11)
Look what Jesus said when praying for the Apostles
17 “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.
God the father to sanctify the apostles by the word! We too are sanctified by the word of the apostles and the prophets when we study the Word of God, see, it is important if we study it if we want a closer walk with thee
The Word has power of preservation (Hos4:6; Ps119:9; Act20:28-32; 1Tim4:3-4)
The problem of people today of not studying the word is not a new problem, it is an old problem with a modern solution because we have the full counsel of God now. Here is what the problem was shown as before.
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.
Destroyed, rejected, forgotten - why? Because of lack of knowledge, rejection of knowledge, so lack of the word or accepting the word.
In this world where it is hard, how can the young, the impressionable keep their ways? Through the Word
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word.
Keep pure by keeping the word, it gives us everything we need for life and godliness according to 2Pt1:3.
Paul exhorted the elders of Ephesus to keep the church by the word
28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears.
We need to be on the alert because of people who want to arise and speak perverse things that are contrary to the Word. Look what Paul said to Timothy
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
The Word has power of salvation and condemnation (Jm1:21; Jn8:31-32; Jn12:48)
21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
The implanted word is able to save your soul, for the Word is truth and truth sets you free
31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
For the Word is what we will be judged by one day
48 “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.
So, will the Word save us or condemn us? It will be known and there is no excuses, it is available to all for it is the power of God unto salvation!
So, there is a problem still, it is often neglected, that very thing that can save your soul.
Why Bible study is easily, and often neglected
Why Bible study is easily, and often neglected
There are some simple reasons why bible study is easily and/or often neglected and we should take a few minutes and look at that.
Some don’t study they just take preachers word (Act18:24-26; Act17:11; 2Tim2:15; 1Jn4:1-2; 2Cor11:13-15)
There was an eloquently speaking man with a heart for God who was preaching Jesus but still had it wrong.
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John;
26 and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
Don’t take my word, be a good Berean
11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
You are not going to be judged one day because of my words as a preacher but by Gods very words that are given to save your soul and to remind the saved they are saved! You need to know it yourself! So be like what Paul told Timothy.
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
for we need to know:
We are responsible to test the spirits (ref. 1Jn4:1-2)
We need to be able to identify false prophets, teachers (2Cor11:13-15, also 1Jn4:1-2)
I just can’t understand or get anything out of it (Eph3:3-4)
I think on this one many neglect study because they do not put aside time to do it on a regular basis, which is more than on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening.
It could be they need some good bible study methods, habits to help
Some have not stopped and shopped for a bible translation that is easy for them to understand
Now, Paul did assume that people could understand the bible, the scripture if they would read it.
3 that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4 By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
I just don’t have the time (Mt6:33)
Time is a precious commodity, we can get so busy doing things that we don’t get anything done (expand on this from personal experience)
Priorities, we need to seek God for Godly priorities
33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus commanded it
Now, please prayerfully consider praying asking God to help you in this area (expand personal story of time)
(Transition) Time is precious and we need to make time, take time with the Creator of time to study His Word there are may different methods to studying the bible, let me touch on just a few.
Methods of Bible Study
Methods of Bible Study
Method, maybe better define it before displaying it. Method (noun) a particular form of procedure for accomplishing or approaching something, especially a systematic or established one.
Directed Bible study
Some of our studies here have been like this. Lessons prepared, outline given with encouragement for further study of the lesson given either in class or at home.
We did a very directed study when we did Gospel of John in small group, if you would like a copy of that study so you can do it yourself, please ask me.
Subject Bible study
Things such as the steps to salvation
Promises of God
There are endless ways, subjects that can be done here. This series A closer walk with thee is an example of that kind of study (be sure to get your outline on line or when we are able to meet again in person so you can further study.
Book Bible study
This one we have done here quiet a bit where we go chapter by chapter verse by verse, this is know as an expository bible study method
There is also bible reading in a year, and that takes about 10-15 minutes a day to do that, and that helps you get a great flavor for the word and oftentimes can lead to a deeper study.
This is the method I personally use and am willing to sit with anyone and go over in great detail how this method can be very beneficial to maturing in Christ, but hey, don’t take my word, takes God’s word in Bible study and find out for yourself.
(Transition) So we have some methods now how about some suggestions to help you in using the Word, in doing bible study to show yourself approved?
Simple suggestions for application
Simple suggestions for application
Remember why the people were destroyed (Hos4:6)? Lack of knowledge, well you have the ability to have knowledge. You have the ability to gain understanding, and when applied they bring wisdom and maturity as well as a closer walk with thee.
So may we take a few minutes and briefly look at some suggestions for bible study.
Set some regular time
Pray before, during and after (Ps119:18, Ps119:5-6; Ps119:10-11)
Prayer needs to be a vital part of studying the bible, it is asking God to help you clear you mind and your heart so you can focus on Him and His word so you can gain knowledge, understanding and application
18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.
oh and did I mention that Ps119 is all about the Word, you want a good place to start a good subject bible study, do Ps119!
5 Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed When I look upon all Your commandments.
Pray that your study will be for established application!
And yes, finish with prayer too
10 With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.
Study with application so that you may not sin against Him! Pray for the application of God’s Word.
Bible study helps, tools, utilize them
Find good translation
Personally I preach from the NASB, I study from the NKJV at this time, but you need to find a version that you are comfortable with and that makes sense to you. KJV is classic, but can be archaic too in the wording and hard to grasp.
Be sure you study from a translation not an interpretation of one man (i.e. Message, NLT, or a denominational version such as New World (JW)) - they can be great study resources and I have referenced them from time to time being sure to qualify it when I do as a interpretive not a translation passage.
Utilize dictionary, concordance, Encyclopedias)
These resources are available on line on many different bible sites such as Biblegateway, Blue Letter bible, or Bible hub.
If you prefer holding in your hand, see me and you can borrow my resources that I have in print.
Bible commentaries
Warning, warning, warning, do not turn to commentaries until you have wrestled with the scripture first.
Commentaries can vary greatly and should only be turned to for further understanding of what you have already studied and should be turned to as a last resort, and don’t get me wrong I read lots of commentaries in preparation for lessons.
(Transition) As you study, you will grow, you will find the resources that you like that help you in your own personal study, the point here is find your resources that you are comfortable with that help you to grow and use them. So in summing up a closer walk with thee through the word a few quick things.
Study to show thyself approved, not me approved, you approved!
Set your priority as it says in Mt6:33 and do that as you pray for open eyes, heart and then apply
Find a bible study method or methods that help you in your closer walk using the Word and apply that method.
(Invitation slide -1 - ask yourself)
Ask yourself some simple questions about bible study and a closer walk with thee.
Do I take time to study the bible daily?
Do I take outlines from lessons preached, taught so I can further study them to see if what was preached is true and for further personal growth?
If you are not currently studying, are you willing to put aside time daily to help you have a closer walk with thee? Prayerfully consider this.
A closer walk comes from knowing Christ (invitation)know Christ and make Him known (invitation slide 2 - know Christ and make Him known) prayer (exit slides)