Alpha Course, Week 6

Here's a look at the worksheet for tomorrow's meeting.

Alpha Course, Week 6

Why and How Should I Read The Bible?

Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

1. God Has Spoken Revelation in the Bible

  • It was inspired by God
  • Difficulties in the Bible
    • Historical difficulties (Luke 3:1-2)
    • Moral difficulties (such as issues of suffering)
  • It is God-breathed and provides authority in: (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
    • For Teaching
    • For Rebuking
    • For Correcting
    • For Training in Righteousness

2. God Speaks Through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15, John 5:39-40)

  • To those who are not Christians (Romans 10:17, John 20:31)
  • To those who are Christians
    • To become like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18)
    • To provide joy and peace during the storms of life (Psalm 23:5)
    • To provide guidance (Psalm 119:105)
    • To provide health and healing (Proverbs 4:20-22)
    • To provide defense against Spiritual attack (Matthew 4:1-11)
    • To provide power (Hebrews 4:12)
    • To provide cleansing (John 15:3)

3. How Do We Hear God Speak Through The Bible?

  • Set aside time to study the Bible
    • Plan ahead to make time for God
    • Develop a regular pattern of study
  • Set aside a place to read the Bible
    • Find a “solitary place” (Mark 1:35)
  • Find a method to study the Bible
    • Ask God to speak
    • Read the passage
    • Ask yourself questions
      • What does it say?
      • What does it mean?
      • How does it apply?
    • Respond in prayer
    • Put your learning into practice (Matthew 7:24)

Conclusions:

  • God speaks to us through the Bible
  • Make a habit of reading the Bible regularly

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important to read the Bible? What does the Bible mean to you?

2. Nicky mentioned that many people struggle with the content of the Bible and the idea we serve a loving and benevolent God. How do you reconcile that struggle? How do you explain that to others?

3. D.L. Moody said, “We were not given the Bible to increase our knowledge, we were given it to improve our lives.” Do you agree with Moody’s assessment of the Bible? Why or why not?

4. Nicky talked about reading the Bible to develop our relationship with God. In what ways, if any, has your relationship with God changed or grown through your reading of the Scriptures?

5. Nicky gives a formula for finding time to read the Bible and how to get the most out of reading the Bible. What has been your experience with reading the Bible? What are some of the barriers to setting aside time to study God’s word?

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