TRAINING GROUND

Big Idea: You can’t follow Jesus if you’re not listening to Him. And the most consistent way He speaks is through His Word. There are spiritual disciplines that shape you into the person God created you to be, and the most foundational is regularly spending time in God’s Word.

Key Points:

Why Do I Need to Read the Bible Regularly?

Reason 1: God’s Word Is His Voice to Us

[2 Timothy 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.”

[2 Peter 1:21] “They were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

• The Bible is God-breathed truth.
• God guided 40 men over approximately 1,500 years in 3 different languages, on 3 continents.
• The human authors wrote using their own personality, style, and experiences, but it was God’s Spirit that guided them to write exactly what He wanted to say.

[John 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.”

[John 14:6] “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”

[Psalm 19:7-10] “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.”

[Romans 1:20] “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”

“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!”

Reason 2: God’s Word Transforms Us

By Correcting Us:

[Hebrews 12:6] “Because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

[Proverbs 3:11-12] “My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

And It Trains Us:

[1 Corinthians 9:24-27] “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

[Romans 12:2] “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

[Psalm 1:3] “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”

“You eventually become what you consume! That’s why David said, ‘I’ve hidden your word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you.'”

“Daily engagement changes you. Period.”

Reason 3: God’s Word Equips Us

[2 Timothy 3:17] “God used it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”

[2 Peter 1:3] “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.”

[Psalm 119:105] “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”

• God’s Word isn’t a spotlight that shows you everything. It’s a lamp that gives you enough light to take your next step.

How to Read the Bible:

[James 1:22] “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

SOAP Method:

• Scripture – Read the passage
• Observation – What does it say? What do I learn about God?
• Application – How does it apply to me?
• Prayer – Talk to God about it

Next Steps:

Ask Yourself:

• How am I approaching the Bible right now?
• What’s shaping my decisions right now?
• Am I actually ready for what God’s called me to do?
• Am I letting God’s Word shape my emotions, schedule, and decisions?
• Have I confused being informed with being transformed?
• What would change if I consistently got in God’s Word daily?

“God’s Word isn’t an accessory; it’s a necessity.”

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