Read Before Watching: If you’ve ever opened your Bible and felt overwhelmed–you’re not alone. Even if you believe it’s God’s Word and that everything it says is true, you might still feel lost or confused.You might wonder what you’re missing when you hear people say they “love” the Bible or they hear God speak to them through it.Trust me, you’re not the only one! The Bible isn’t an easy read–and that’s what makes it fascinating. It’s complex and wonderful–strange and yet beautiful.When you take the time to dig deep, you’ll discover it’s life-changing, too. As you watch the video, think about what it actually means for the Bible to be God’s inspired and authoritative Word.
Discuss: What does it mean for the Bible to be God’s inspired and authoritative Word?
What’s something helpful or new you learned in this video about the Bible?
Why is context important when reading the Bible?
Read: Oftentimes, we read to learn something new, be entertained, or maybe complete an assignment for school. But reading the Bible is different. It calls for life-long engagement and discovery; it helps us answer the questions of who God is, who we are in relation to who he is, and what he wants for our lives.The Bible is how God reveals himself to us, speaks to us, and transforms us.
Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
2 Timothy 3:14-17 – But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Read: In these verses, we learn that the Bible is unlike any other book. It is God’s Word. And God’s words hold power and authority.
Think about this: God spoke and all of creation – all of the planets, the moon, sun, and stars, every bit of life – was formed.This same God who spoke and
did those incredible things is speaking through the pages of this book right now. He is speaking words that have the power to change and transform us. How? Because we encounter God when we read Scripture, and an encounter with him transforms our mind, attitudes, and actions.
As we read the Bible over time, we begin to see things as God sees them and want the things that he wants.The Bible is not only one of the many ways we get to know God, but it is also something God uses to mold and shape us.
Ephesians 4:17-24 – With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.They have no sense of shame.They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.
Discuss: Why do you think the writer of Hebrews compares God’s Word to a sword?
According to 2 Timothy, how is the Bible useful in a believer’s life?
What might it look like for the Holy Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes? What does “new self ” mean in the Ephesians verses?
