FOCUS ON READING THE SCRIPTURES
Pastor Dennis Clanton
Woodland Church
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
(2 Timothy 3:14–16, NLT) “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.”
1. A GREAT LIFE REQUIRES A GREAT MIND.
(James 3:18, AMP) “And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].”
2. READ THE BIBLE.
(Proverbs 23:19, GW) “My son,listen, be wise, and keep your mind going in the right direction. ”
(Proverbs 22:17, GW) “Open your ears, and hear the words of wise people, and set your mind on the knowledge I give you. ”
Why Read the Bible?
1. Gives life.
(Philippians 2:16, NLT) “Hold firmly to the word of life; …”
2. Increases faith.
(1 John 2:14, NLT) “ have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.”
3. Increases confidence.
(1 Thessalonians 4:15, Message) “We can tell you with complete confidence—we have the Master’s word on it.”
4. Provides guidance.
(Psalm 119:133, AMP) “Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word.”
5. Makes the foolish wise.
(Proverbs 8:33, NLT) “Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.”
6. Makes the weak strong.
(Jeremiah 15:16, NLT) “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, …”
(Matthew 4:4, NLT) “People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
7. Corrects the erring.
(2 Timothy 3:16, NLT) “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.”
8. Encourages the despairing.
(Romans 15:4, NLT) “The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement …”
9. Inspires the daring.
(Psalm 84:5, GW) “Blessed are those who find strength in you. Their hearts are on the road that leads to you.”
10. Humbles the overbearing.
(James 4:6b, AMP) “God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).”
(Daniel 10:12, NIV) “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”
GROWTHWORK
“…focus on reading the Scriptures…” (1 Timothy 4:13)
S.O.A.P. Acronym for Reading the Bible:
1. Scripture
2. Observe
“When he was reading, his eye glided over the pages, and his heart searched out the sense, but his voice and tongue were at rest.” Saint Augustine Bishop of Hippo, The Confessions of St. Augustine, trans. E. B. Pusey
3. Application
4. Prayer