Importance of Bible Study

The Discipline of Personal Bible Study

Psalm 19

Theme:   For the follower of Jesus to understand the importance of studying the word of God not only on a corporate level but also a personal level. 

Statement of Truth:

Many times we don`t feel like reading the Bible, Don’t wait; do it first and feel it later!

To develop the disciple of Personal Bible Study:

You need to pick it up.  {WHY?}

A.    The Bible transforms us.  v7a

B.    The Bible gives us wisdom  v7b

C.    The Bible Gives us Joy  v8a

D.    God’s word dispels the darkness v8b

E.     The fear of the Lord is clean v9

F.     God’s word is true v9

G.    The word of God Promises justice. v9

Questions:

1.  What often keeps you from picking up the Bible and reading it?

2.  What is your personal belief concerning the scriptures?  How does tat belief impact your personal study?

3.  How has the word of God transformed you?

4.  What is the greatest wisdom,  and joy you have ever received from reading the Bible?

5.  As you reflect on your life, do you tend to listen more to the clean truths of scripture or the impure philosophies of this world?

6.  Do you fear the Lord?  {why or why not?}

Excuses, Excuses

I have been preaching through the disciplines that every follower of Christ should develop in his or her life.    One of those disciplines is the discipline of personal Bible study. 

I would dare say many people only study the Bible at church.  This has been my experience as a pastor.  Through the years of ministry I have made it a point to set in Sunday school classes.  Through those years I've seen again and again the sad reality that most people have not studied the Bible before coming to church. 

 I wanted to outline a few reasons I think people give for not studying the Bible:

      1.    People say,  “It is not interesting.”

This is obviously a statement from someone who doesn't know what they're talking about.   This Bible is amazing and When your heart is right God’s word is gripping and there are so many amazing stories in the Bible.

      2.    People say,  “I forget.”

This common... we get in a hurry we  get up and get busy.  How many times have we intended on studying God's word, but something else grabs our attention?  Have you ever forgotten to check Facebook?  How many people have intended on getting in God's word but instead got into  a cup of coffee, and daily news?  Intent does not always become reality.

      3.    People say, “I do not understand it.”

Yes God’s word is sometimes hard to understand, but it is not impossible to understand. If you will  seek to obey what you know, and commit yourself to obey the truth you know god will give you more and more truth.

       4.    People say, “I am too busy”

       We are too busy if we are too busy to get into God’s word!

Just remember, we are truly blessed if we will study the Bible and make it a priority.

Pray Like This

“Pray Like This”  {part 2}

Matthew 6:5-13

Statement of Truth:

Prayers do not ____________ God.  Prayers ___________ faith in God.

Questions for us to Consider:
Q1.   Are My Prayers Real?

Q2.  Are My Prayers Simple?

Q3.  Are My Prayers Worshipful?

Q3.  Are My Prayers   ________________?

Jesus Said, “Pray then like this...”

1.      Knowing God is a good father!

2.     Knowing God is eternally Holy!
#1 YAHWEH-Tsidkenu

#2 YAHWEH-Mekadesh

#3 YAHWEH-Shammah

#4 YAHWEH-Shalom

#5 JEHOVAH – Rapha

#6 JEHOVAH – Jireh

#7 YAHWEH – Nissi

#8 YAHWEH - Rohi

Read and Study Matthew 6 and use your sermon notes to answer the following:

                1.      Surveying your private personal prayer life, can you say that you are a mature believer in Christ?

                2.     In what ways are you struggling in praying prayers of real, simple, worshipful and submissive?

                3.     Take time this week to study the names of God.  What have you learned about God as you study the ways he 

                         has revealed himself through His names?

                4.     In what ways are you trying to sanctify yourself?  What can you do this week in response to what you have 

                         heard?

Learning to Pray

Learning To Pray   

Matthew 6:5-13

Theme:  The journey to become a mature believer in Christ {one who serves} begins with the discipline of a personal prayer life. 

Questions for us to Consider:

Q1.   Are My Prayers Real?

Statement of Truth:

The secret to prayer is prayer in secret.

Q2.  Are My Prayers Simple?

Statement of Truth:

Prayers do not inform God.  Prayers excise faith in God.

Q3.  Are My Prayers Worshipful?

Jesus Said, “Pray then like this...”

DOERS OF THE WORD …………………

Read and Study Matthew 6 and use your sermon notes to answer the following:

1.      Have you noticed a tendency in your life to pray with vain repetitions?

2.     How do you think the religious leaders would have responded to the teaching of Jesus?

3.     Why do you think it is important for us to understand why Jesus emphasizes prayer?

4.     How do you think Jesus redefined what it truly means to pray?

5.     How do you think prayer will impact your daily life as a growing follower of Jesus?

                 6.  If God knows everything we pray before we pray it why is it important to pray?