The Bible

July 2, 2023

According to numerous studies, the single greatest predictor of spiritual transformation is the time a person spends reading their Bible. Still, a recent Lifeway Research study revealed that only 32% of Christians read their Bible daily. Join us for part 5 of Essentials, where we learn the secret to reading the Bible for spiritual transformation.

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Essential # 4

The Bible is God’s ________.

Principles

__________ is the Bible’s main character, His ____________ is its primary plot, His ________ are its best interpretation, and God’s __________ is its highest goal.

__________ is the Bible’s main character

(John 5:39-47; Luke 24:25-27; Matthew 5:17)

Jesus’ ______________ is the Bible’s primary plot. (John 1:14)

Focusing on the Bible as a revelation of God’s truth to the exclusion of His grace results in ________________ and __________________.

Focusing on the Bible as a testimony of God’s grace to the exclusion of His truth results in ________________ and __________ ____________________.

Jesus’ __________ are the Bible’s best interpretation.

God’s __________ is the Bible’s highest goal. (Romans 16:25-27)

Practice

For the next ____ ________, commit to a __________ __________ ______________ ________.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

When did you first realize that you would never be good enough to earn God’s grace?

HEAR

Read Romans 5:1-5

What is the “therefore” there for? Summarize what Paul has said up to this point in Romans.
What is the source of the hope Paul describes?
Do you have an example of a time when suffering worked in your life as Paul describes it in verses 3-5?

Read Romans 5:6-11

What difference does it make that Christ died for us while we were still weak (v. 6) sinners (v.8)?
If God didn’t wait on our good behavior to save us, does our behavior make any difference after He saves us?
What does it mean to be “reconciled”? How did Jesus reconcile us with God?

Read Romans 5:12-21

Based on this passage, compare Adam and Jesus.
How does the law increase the trespass? What is the result of the increased trespass? What does this mean for us?

HUDDLE

What words best describe you before you placed your faith in Jesus? What words describe your life since you’ve surrendered to Jesus? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Readings

Our summer Bible reading plan will focus on passages related to our essential beliefs. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to affirm what is essential. How will this essential affect your life today?

Day 1: John 5
Day 2: Psalm 119:1-96
Day 3: Psalm 119:97-176
Day 4: Matthew 5
Day 5: Matthew 6
Day 6: Matthew 7
Day 7: Romans 5

Think Deeper

How much time do you spend reading your Bible?
Does the way you read the Bible affect how you apply its principles? If so, how?
What is your biggest obstacle to reading the Bible, and how might you overcome it?