Fully Devoted: An Introduction预览

What Is the Bible?

Throughout history, and through the pages of the Bible, people have encountered the presence of God. And they have been radically changed as a result. The Bible is not like any other book. It is the one book where the purpose of its writing is for people to encounter the Author.

Throughout this week, we are going to cover some of the foundational ideas that will help you develop the skills needed to get the most out of reading the Bible. Let’s start with the basics.

What is the Bible and why is reading it even important?

The Bible is a story, written by people and inspired by God, that leads to Jesus and teaches us to live like Jesus. That’s what the Bible is. And that’s also why reading it is important. Because reading the Bible helps us grow closer to Jesus, and it teaches us how to live as His followers.

The Bible is a very special kind of story. It’s not the kind of story you’ll read in a newspaper or some fairy tale you’d find in the fantasy section of your local library. The Bible is the story of God and the story of us. It’s a good story, and it’s a true story. It’s the story of God’s plan to rescue people from sin so we can be made right with Him and be a part of His plan to restore the world. It’s a story about the very real struggles of being alive and the beautiful ways God is working in the world.

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. Psalm 19:7-9 NLT

Another thing that makes the Bible unique is that it was written by people and inspired by God. Throughout history, God chose faithful men and women to write down the things they saw God do and the messages He gave to them. As they did, the Holy Spirit was empowering and guiding them to write in a way that accurately and faithfully represents the truth about God and His desires for people.

All Scripture is inspired by God … 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

The Bible leads to Jesus. Every page and passage of Scripture is intended to lead us to Jesus. He’s the one this story is really all about. Because it is only through what He has done in the past, what He is doing in the present, and what He will do in the future that we can be rescued from sin, made right with God, and restored to our place as children of God. Jesus says this about the Scriptures:

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.” John 5:39-40 NLT

The Bible teaches us how to live like Jesus. As we read the Bible, we are being taught how to live and love like Jesus does. And the Holy Spirit, who was working in the lives of the people who wrote these words, is working in our lives as we read them so we can understand and apply the truths we discover.

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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Journaling Questions

• Write down one of the verses from today’s reading. What stands out to you about that verse? How can you begin to take the wisdom of those words and apply them to your life today?
• What mistakes do people make when they try to understand the Bible?
• What are some things that have helped you read and understand the Bible better?

Memory Verse

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV