Bible Intake

Why is Bible intake important?

• God tells us about Himself. The Bible unfolds God’s revelation to us through means such as the law, historical narrative, wisdom literature, prophets, gospels, and letters of the Apostles. 
• In this, we see that we are sinners against a holy God but that Jesus Christ died in our place revealing God’s love for us.
• No where else can this be found except in the Bible. 

What is the purpose of Bible intake? 

• The purpose of Bible intake is not to earn favor with God or benefit Him but for our own spiritual growth.
• We hear from God’s Word (Romans 10:17).
• Because of the Bible, we are able to have faith and grow in our faith.

Statistics

• Reading through the Bible takes 71 hours, less time than an American spends in front of the TV in 4 weeks or less. 
• Why is this the case?

How do we read the Bible for our own spiritual growth? 

• Write down observations
• Consider applications

Bible Reading Methods

• Seven Arrows
  
  • What does this passage say?
  • What does this passage mean to its original audience?
  • What does this passage tell us about God?
  • What does this passage tell us about man?
  • What does this passage demand of me?
  • How does this passage change the way I relate to others?
  • How does this passage prompt me to pray?

Ephesians 2:1-10       1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Sword Bible Reading Method

• What does this passage say about God?
• What does this passage say about man?
• Is there sin to confess/avoid?
• What example/command is there to follow?

Galatians 5:2-12    2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. 4 You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love. 7 You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion is not from him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

What is one thing you can do to improve your intake of God’s Word? 

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