The Book
Many of us own a copy. In fact, the stats say 85% of U.S. households have a Bible, and the average house has 4.3 Bibles. The problem with that stat is this: just because you have one doesn’t mean that you’re using it! So why is this book important? What is the point?
The point of the Bible is to know God and to understand His ways.
God could have easily simply created us and said, “Well, I hope you find me.” Instead, He gave us His Word. It’s a gift. It’s a love letter from God to us—written with precision and purpose—so that we can know Him and know His heart for us and His heart for the world.
In this episode of Locker Room we’re going to hit the fundamentals of how to get into God’s Word and make it part of our daily lives.
LOCKER ROOM DISCUSSION GUIDE S10E14 - Two Words: The Book
Would you classify yourself as a reader? Why or why not? If so, what’s one of your favorite books?
When you hear the phrase “the Bible,” what’s the first thought that comes to mind? Who introduced you to the Bible, and what was their approach?
Read Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2, and Acts 17:10-11. Physically speaking, the majority of us wouldn’t eat one meal each week and expect it to sustain us over time. Why is it difficult for us to view our spiritual nourishment from this same perspective?
How would you describe your experience with reading and studying the Bible? What are some of the barriers you’ve encountered that hinder your ability to make it a part of your daily rhythm?
Which stories or books of the Bible do you naturally connect with? Why? Which passages are the most challenging or intimidating to read? Why?
Read Psalm 119:9-11, Matthew 7:24-27, and John 8:31-32. We are all being formed or shaped by something or someone to develop our worldview. If you were to take an honest inventory of your daily input (books, music, podcasts, radio shows, television, etc.), what would you say is currently shaping your worldview? How does this align with having a Biblical worldview?
Read John 17:17, Hebrews 4:12, and Revelation 22:18-19. We all have a temptation to read the Bible with a highlighter in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other. Which of the following do you tend to wrestle with the most as it relates to reading and studying the Bible:
- Is it true?
- Is it loving?
- Is it God’s best for me?
- Can I trust Him?
Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Romans 12:2, and James 1:22-25. The purpose of reading the Bible is to help us grow in our relationship with God so that we can live out our faith in real, tangible ways. Simply stated, we read for transformation not just information. How has reading and studying the Bible transformed your life?
What strategies or tools have you implemented when reading and studying the Bible? How would you encourage someone who is beginning their journey?
Scott mentioned the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) as one potential approach to reading and studying the Bible. Using this strategy, commit to the 20/20 challenge he referenced (20 verses for 20 minutes) over the course of this week.
