Three questions we’ll answer today:

• Why do I need to read the Bible regularly?

• Where should I start?

• What am I supposed to do with it?

Why do I need to read the Bible regularly?

As a follower of Jesus, you can’t say you actually follow him if you don’t know him, and you can’t say you know him if you don’t know what the Bible actually SAYS about him!

• Jn 17:3, “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”

“But [God] knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.” Job 23:10-12

• It’s by reading/knowing the Bible that I learn to walk the path that God wants me to walk
• David said the same thing, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations.” Ps 119:105-106

Reading the Bible regularly, and obeying it, is one of the ways I know that I actually KNOW God.

• 1 Jn 2:3-6, “And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”

Where should I start?

My question would be “What are you most interested in?”

• There’s no BAD place to read the Bible
• 2 Tim 3:16, ““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.”

• OR open your Bible app and pick a reading plan.
• OR buy a devotional and read one a day.

What am I supposed to do with it?

This is the meat and potatoes of the thing, where the rubber meets the road, where push comes to shove.

• Have a dumbbell, lifting the dumbbell isn’t the same as knowing what to DO WITH the dumbbell
• I’m going to give you ONE METHOD
• Pray David’s prayer in Ps 119:18, “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.”

Scripture memory.

• Psalm 119:11-16, ““I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.”

Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?

2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?

3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?

4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?