PRACTICING GOD’S WORD 1

From the Author Meet with God

an official publication of Back to the Bible Copyright © 2007 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Printed in the U.S.A. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

STAFF: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Mindy Kroesche, Matthew Work Design: Brandy Griffin Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.LivingstoneCorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson Cover Photo: www.Shutterstock.com

Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation.

Have you ever wondered why, after years of education and training, when a doctor finally gets a regular job, he calls it “practicing medicine”? We all remember practicing piano or practicing sports. To most of us practice sounds more like “getting better at” than “doing well at.” But practice actually refers to “doing what you know” or “putting what you know to work.” We can’t practice what we don’t know. Even the finest athletes and musical virtuosos benefit from practice. It’s in doing that the knowing stays sharp! Our thoughts this month are designed to encourage all of us to practice our Bibles—even if we’ve got them memorized. We want to remind ourselves of the real danger of not recognizing the Bible’s unique place in our relationship with God. We also want to review the ways the Bible provides much needed help to us every day. And we want to commit together to increase our attention to what God is saying to us throughout His Word. The sharpest sword can’t accomplish its purpose if it remains in the scabbard. The heat of battle is not the best time to start sword drills. But as we get busy with our practice, let’s remember that God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12).

BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501

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From the Author Meet with God

an official publication of Back to the Bible Copyright © 2007 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Printed in the U.S.A. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

STAFF: Editorial Assistance: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Mindy Kroesche, Matthew Work Design: Brandy Griffin Produced with the assistance of The Livingstone Corporation (www.LivingstoneCorp.com). Project staff: Neil Wilson Cover Photo: www.Shutterstock.com

Meet with God is produced 12 times per year and sent with no obligation.

Have you ever wondered why, after years of education and training, when a doctor finally gets a regular job, he calls it “practicing medicine”? We all remember practicing piano or practicing sports. To most of us practice sounds more like “getting better at” than “doing well at.” But practice actually refers to “doing what you know” or “putting what you know to work.” We can’t practice what we don’t know. Even the finest athletes and musical virtuosos benefit from practice. It’s in doing that the knowing stays sharp! Our thoughts this month are designed to encourage all of us to practice our Bibles—even if we’ve got them memorized. We want to remind ourselves of the real danger of not recognizing the Bible’s unique place in our relationship with God. We also want to review the ways the Bible provides much needed help to us every day. And we want to commit together to increase our attention to what God is saying to us throughout His Word. The sharpest sword can’t accomplish its purpose if it remains in the scabbard. The heat of battle is not the best time to start sword drills. But as we get busy with our practice, let’s remember that God’s Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword” (Heb. 4:12).

BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501

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p Your Studyy Companion This week, READIT John 16:1–15 pause and “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, acknowledge He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears the Holy He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” Spirit each (John 16:13). time you pick up your The disciples knew something was about to happen. They could feel it in their bones. It troubled Bible.

their hearts. Minutes before, Jesus had touched those fears directly when He said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus gave them two large reasons not to be troubled: He had work to do elsewhere (14:2–3), and He was leaving behind a built-in Counselor. He said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (vv.16–17). Jesus gave us two parallel promises—the promise of a heavenly home and the promise of a heavenly Helper.

During the Last Supper, Jesus had a lot to say about the work of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Counselor would have a special role regarding Jesus’ words. He said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (vv. 25–26). The Holy Spirit did carry out His immediate primary task in bringing about the writing of the New Testament. He helped those men recall and record what Jesus said (2 Pet. 1:21). Now the Holy Spirit continues His guiding, teaching and indwelling role. His tool is the Word of God. That tool can be light (Ps. 119:105), food (Heb. 5:12–14), scalpel (Heb. 4:12) or sword (Eph. 6:17) for us. Believers grow by leaps and bounds when they stop thinking of the Bible as a book they have and begin thinking of the Bible as God’s Word that has them. They become the people of the Book and in the Book. They carry the Bible as a living document that God’s Spirit uses to speak truth into their lives. They anticipate what God has for them on those pages. Troubled hearts or not, the way into God’s presence leads through His Word, and He has provided a reliable companion to guide every step of the way.

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p Your Studyy Companion This week, READIT John 16:1–15 pause and “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, acknowledge He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears the Holy He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” Spirit each (John 16:13). time you pick up your The disciples knew something was about to happen. They could feel it in their bones. It troubled Bible.

their hearts. Minutes before, Jesus had touched those fears directly when He said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). Jesus gave them two large reasons not to be troubled: He had work to do elsewhere (14:2–3), and He was leaving behind a built-in Counselor. He said, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you” (vv.16–17). Jesus gave us two parallel promises—the promise of a heavenly home and the promise of a heavenly Helper.

During the Last Supper, Jesus had a lot to say about the work of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Counselor would have a special role regarding Jesus’ words. He said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (vv. 25–26). The Holy Spirit did carry out His immediate primary task in bringing about the writing of the New Testament. He helped those men recall and record what Jesus said (2 Pet. 1:21). Now the Holy Spirit continues His guiding, teaching and indwelling role. His tool is the Word of God. That tool can be light (Ps. 119:105), food (Heb. 5:12–14), scalpel (Heb. 4:12) or sword (Eph. 6:17) for us. Believers grow by leaps and bounds when they stop thinking of the Bible as a book they have and begin thinking of the Bible as God’s Word that has them. They become the people of the Book and in the Book. They carry the Bible as a living document that God’s Spirit uses to speak truth into their lives. They anticipate what God has for them on those pages. Troubled hearts or not, the way into God’s presence leads through His Word, and He has provided a reliable companion to guide every step of the way.

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CONSIDERIT › What reason did Jesus

give for all the things He told the disciples during the Last Supper?

APPLYIT Read this short passage from John 16 again, asking yourself the question, As Jesus’ follower, what do these verses say about His expectations of me in response to the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence? Start with, “He expects me not to go astray.” What difference does it make to think of the Scriptures as “the place where I meet the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide me”?

EXPRESSIT Perhaps because we are surrounded by books, we might be tempted to treat the Bible like just any other book. What we think and how we prepare ourselves each time we open God’s Word has a lot to do with our openness to God’s message. Think about a brief prayer that would express your heartfelt desire to listen to and obey God each time you open your Bible. Write that prayer down on a card, put it inside your Bible’s front cover and develop the habit of approaching God’s Word prayerfully.

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AS YOU READ JOHN 16:1–15, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› What specific roles does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit carrying out in the world?

› How does Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit’s role encourage you?

› In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

__ __________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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CONSIDERIT › What reason did Jesus

give for all the things He told the disciples during the Last Supper?

APPLYIT Read this short passage from John 16 again, asking yourself the question, As Jesus’ follower, what do these verses say about His expectations of me in response to the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence? Start with, “He expects me not to go astray.” What difference does it make to think of the Scriptures as “the place where I meet the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide me”?

EXPRESSIT Perhaps because we are surrounded by books, we might be tempted to treat the Bible like just any other book. What we think and how we prepare ourselves each time we open God’s Word has a lot to do with our openness to God’s message. Think about a brief prayer that would express your heartfelt desire to listen to and obey God each time you open your Bible. Write that prayer down on a card, put it inside your Bible’s front cover and develop the habit of approaching God’s Word prayerfully.

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AS YOU READ JOHN 16:1–15, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› What specific roles does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit carrying out in the world?

› How does Jesus’ description of the Holy Spirit’s role encourage you?

› In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

__ __________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ __ __________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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Bible g g Engagement REMEMBERIT

READIT

P sa lm 19:1– 14

This week, share with someone an insight you learned reading God’s Word.

1. Jesus reassured the disciples they would never be killed. True/False

Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:11).

2. Jesus said that a time would come when those who harmed the disciples would think they were serving __________________.

Even in the 21st century there are millions of people in the world who have never even seen a Bible. There are even more people who may have seen one, but because they can’t read they would not be able to understand it if it was open before them. And a shocking number of people have never been given a compelling reason to read the Bible. But many of us face just the opposite challenge. The Bible is too available. The Bible is still such a bestseller in the English speaking world that it isn’t even included on the bestseller lists. You probably own several translations and may even have an entire shelf at home dedicated to storing your Bibles. In many of our lives, the Bible is everywhere. But what would happen if someone came into your house while you were away and took every single Bible, but nothing else? How long would it be before you noticed something was missing? Our theme verse above reminds us there are warnings and rewards connected with God’s Word. The key word in that thought is

3. Jesus promised that after He went away, the ___________ ___________ would come. 4. The Holy Spirit convicts people concerning: a. righteousness b. sin c. judgment d. all of the above 5. Jesus told the disciples that they would be able to see Him after He went away. True/False Answers: 1. False (John 16:2); 2. God (John 16:2); 3. Helper/ Counselor (John 16:7); 4. d (John 16:8–11); 5. False (John 16:10)

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Bible g g Engagement REMEMBERIT

READIT

P sa lm 19:1– 14

This week, share with someone an insight you learned reading God’s Word.

1. Jesus reassured the disciples they would never be killed. True/False

Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward (Ps. 19:11).

2. Jesus said that a time would come when those who harmed the disciples would think they were serving __________________.

Even in the 21st century there are millions of people in the world who have never even seen a Bible. There are even more people who may have seen one, but because they can’t read they would not be able to understand it if it was open before them. And a shocking number of people have never been given a compelling reason to read the Bible. But many of us face just the opposite challenge. The Bible is too available. The Bible is still such a bestseller in the English speaking world that it isn’t even included on the bestseller lists. You probably own several translations and may even have an entire shelf at home dedicated to storing your Bibles. In many of our lives, the Bible is everywhere. But what would happen if someone came into your house while you were away and took every single Bible, but nothing else? How long would it be before you noticed something was missing? Our theme verse above reminds us there are warnings and rewards connected with God’s Word. The key word in that thought is

3. Jesus promised that after He went away, the ___________ ___________ would come. 4. The Holy Spirit convicts people concerning: a. righteousness b. sin c. judgment d. all of the above 5. Jesus told the disciples that they would be able to see Him after He went away. True/False Answers: 1. False (John 16:2); 2. God (John 16:2); 3. Helper/ Counselor (John 16:7); 4. d (John 16:8–11); 5. False (John 16:10)

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CONSIDERIT

AS YOU READ PSALM 19:1–14, REFLECT ON THE

› What two major ways

› How many different

› What good results

has God chosen to reveal Himself to us?

qualities does this psalm ascribe to God’s Word?

are promised from exposure to God’s Word?

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› How do verses 12–14 describe an appropriate response to God’s Word?

APPLYIT “keeping.” It doesn’t mean having or storing. It means knowing and practicing—engaging in God’s Word. All the actions we can take with God’s Word—meditating, teaching, obeying, etc.—depend on knowing. Occasional reading isn’t enough. Until we are thoroughly familiar with God’s Word, we will never be comfortable listening to the way He speaks into our lives. Imagine for a moment that not only were your Bibles suddenly missing, but so were everyone else’s. Or perhaps that you found yourself in a place where you couldn’t have a Bible. How much of God’s Word is internalized in you? What key verses have you memorized? How many chapters can you summarize? If you couldn’t open a Bible for the next year, how much of it could you reconstruct from memory? Many people who claim to be believers not only don’t have the Bible memorized, but they don’t even really know what the Bible says. As you read and think about Bible passages from week to week, you are taking the antidote to the epidemic of the neglect of God’s Word. In an almost funny way, “keeping” God’s Word has a lot to do with giving it away. Letting others know what you are learning from God’s Word can be a subtle but powerful way to spread to good infection!

Think for a moment about your present level of engaging in God’s Word. How would you describe your plan for improvement? When was the last time you read through the Bible, either in a systematic one-year process or some other method? Decide on at least three specific actions you will take in the next year to improve your level of Bible engagement.

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EXPRESSIT Turn this lesson’s verse into a prayer. How can you be grateful and attentive to the specific ways God’s Word has warned you? What can you tell God about the rewards you have experienced in keeping His Word?

CONSIDERIT

AS YOU READ PSALM 19:1–14, REFLECT ON THE

› What two major ways

› How many different

› What good results

has God chosen to reveal Himself to us?

qualities does this psalm ascribe to God’s Word?

are promised from exposure to God’s Word?

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› How do verses 12–14 describe an appropriate response to God’s Word?

APPLYIT “keeping.” It doesn’t mean having or storing. It means knowing and practicing—engaging in God’s Word. All the actions we can take with God’s Word—meditating, teaching, obeying, etc.—depend on knowing. Occasional reading isn’t enough. Until we are thoroughly familiar with God’s Word, we will never be comfortable listening to the way He speaks into our lives. Imagine for a moment that not only were your Bibles suddenly missing, but so were everyone else’s. Or perhaps that you found yourself in a place where you couldn’t have a Bible. How much of God’s Word is internalized in you? What key verses have you memorized? How many chapters can you summarize? If you couldn’t open a Bible for the next year, how much of it could you reconstruct from memory? Many people who claim to be believers not only don’t have the Bible memorized, but they don’t even really know what the Bible says. As you read and think about Bible passages from week to week, you are taking the antidote to the epidemic of the neglect of God’s Word. In an almost funny way, “keeping” God’s Word has a lot to do with giving it away. Letting others know what you are learning from God’s Word can be a subtle but powerful way to spread to good infection!

Think for a moment about your present level of engaging in God’s Word. How would you describe your plan for improvement? When was the last time you read through the Bible, either in a systematic one-year process or some other method? Decide on at least three specific actions you will take in the next year to improve your level of Bible engagement.

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EXPRESSIT Turn this lesson’s verse into a prayer. How can you be grateful and attentive to the specific ways God’s Word has warned you? What can you tell God about the rewards you have experienced in keeping His Word?

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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REMEMBERIT 1. David likens the sun to a __________________ coming out of his chamber. 2. A few things are hidden from the sun’s heat. True/False 3. God’s commands should be desired more than __________. a. fresh water b. gold c. cool shade d. the cedars of Lebanon 4. David prayed to be forgiven or cleansed of his ____________ faults. 5. David prayed that his sins would not have control of him. True/False

Answers: 1. bridegroom (Ps. 19:4–5); 2. False (Ps. 19:6); 3. b (Ps. 19:10); 4. secret/hidden (Ps. 19:12); 5. True (Ps. 19:13)

____________________________________________________ APPLY IT ____________________________________________________ Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of ____________________________________________________ a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God’s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides ____________________________________________________ (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective ____________________________________________________ rules for living. If we’ve got God’s eternal landmarks in mind, ____________________________________________________ we’ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our ____________________________________________________ permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God’s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will ____________________________________________________ live by those instructions we find chiseled in the landmark of God’s ____________________________________________________ Word. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ EXPRESS IT ____________________________________________________ Proverbs is filled with short landmark statements that provide ____________________________________________________ us with food for thought and reflection each day. Choose one of ____________________________________________________ the proverbs from today’s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout ____________________________________________________ the days of your journey ahead. ____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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REMEMBERIT 1. David likens the sun to a __________________ coming out of his chamber. 2. A few things are hidden from the sun’s heat. True/False 3. God’s commands should be desired more than __________. a. fresh water b. gold c. cool shade d. the cedars of Lebanon 4. David prayed to be forgiven or cleansed of his ____________ faults. 5. David prayed that his sins would not have control of him. True/False

Answers: 1. bridegroom (Ps. 19:4–5); 2. False (Ps. 19:6); 3. b (Ps. 19:10); 4. secret/hidden (Ps. 19:12); 5. True (Ps. 19:13)

____________________________________________________ APPLY IT ____________________________________________________ Most of the physical landmarks that we deal with are part of ____________________________________________________ a long-standing but not eternal creation. But the truth of God’s Word stands for time and eternity. The directions God provides ____________________________________________________ (even the painful ones) give us a dependable route and effective ____________________________________________________ rules for living. If we’ve got God’s eternal landmarks in mind, ____________________________________________________ we’ll adopt a pilgrim mindset, never thinking of this world as our ____________________________________________________ permanent home. We will make it a habit to check God’s landmark presence every day for correction and encouragement. And we will ____________________________________________________ live by those instructions we find chiseled in the landmark of God’s ____________________________________________________ Word. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ EXPRESS IT ____________________________________________________ Proverbs is filled with short landmark statements that provide ____________________________________________________ us with food for thought and reflection each day. Choose one of ____________________________________________________ the proverbs from today’s reading, and express it in a prayer. Ask God to keep bringing His words of direction to mind throughout ____________________________________________________ the days of your journey ahead. ____________________________________________________

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Disarmed This week, take an hour to explore a question you have from the Bible’s point of view.

READIT

E phesia ns 6:1–20

Without Bible engagement, we will be caught unarmed by the tough questions that have plagued people throughout history. These questions aren’t new or unanswerable—but they will seem that way if we don’t know that God has provided truthful answers in His Word.

›

Our worldview as well as our God-view will be distorted if it isn’t consistently and continuously informed by God’s Word. Apart from God’s view, we are left with peoples’ opinions and confusing contradictions.

›

The integrity of our lives and choices will be undermined if we’re unclear about the teaching of God’s Word. The immorality in our society today can be directly traced to the silencing and removing of God’s Word from the public square.

›

Ineffectiveness in spreading the Gospel comes from ignorance of God’s Word. We can’t defend or even explain what we believe.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17).

Imagine we’re watching a movie. Somewhere along the way, the hero of the story has lost his weapon. Now, this is a serious problem, but not as serious as the fact that he doesn’t even realize he’s lost it. Then there’s that crisis moment when the enemy attacks and our hero reaches for his gun or sword and finds the holster empty. Now he knows he’s in trouble! He looks out at us from the screen, but we can’t help him! When it comes to the role of God’s Word as our weapon, the dangerous spiritual situation many of us face is equally serious. During this month we will come to realize that believers are being progressively disarmed and that they are often “losing their weapon” without realizing it. Neglecting God’s Word is spiritual disarmament. Here are five situations that should drive us to make sure we have our spiritual weapon in our hands and in our hearts:

›

›

Without Bible engagement, we will experience continued spiritual immaturity. We can’t grow without direct input from God’s Word.

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We need to take up God’s Word as if our lives depended on it. As a mater of fact, they do. We don’t worship the Bible, but worshiping and loving God involves giving serious attention to what He says. Until we are adept at using God’s Word, we can’t say we have “put on the full armor of God” (Eph. 6:11). And if we haven’t done that, then we can’t expect to stand. “Stand therefore … [with] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (6:14,17).

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Disarmed This week, take an hour to explore a question you have from the Bible’s point of view.

READIT

E phesia ns 6:1–20

Without Bible engagement, we will be caught unarmed by the tough questions that have plagued people throughout history. These questions aren’t new or unanswerable—but they will seem that way if we don’t know that God has provided truthful answers in His Word.

›

Our worldview as well as our God-view will be distorted if it isn’t consistently and continuously informed by God’s Word. Apart from God’s view, we are left with peoples’ opinions and confusing contradictions.

›

The integrity of our lives and choices will be undermined if we’re unclear about the teaching of God’s Word. The immorality in our society today can be directly traced to the silencing and removing of God’s Word from the public square.

›

Ineffectiveness in spreading the Gospel comes from ignorance of God’s Word. We can’t defend or even explain what we believe.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17).

Imagine we’re watching a movie. Somewhere along the way, the hero of the story has lost his weapon. Now, this is a serious problem, but not as serious as the fact that he doesn’t even realize he’s lost it. Then there’s that crisis moment when the enemy attacks and our hero reaches for his gun or sword and finds the holster empty. Now he knows he’s in trouble! He looks out at us from the screen, but we can’t help him! When it comes to the role of God’s Word as our weapon, the dangerous spiritual situation many of us face is equally serious. During this month we will come to realize that believers are being progressively disarmed and that they are often “losing their weapon” without realizing it. Neglecting God’s Word is spiritual disarmament. Here are five situations that should drive us to make sure we have our spiritual weapon in our hands and in our hearts:

›

›

Without Bible engagement, we will experience continued spiritual immaturity. We can’t grow without direct input from God’s Word.

14

We need to take up God’s Word as if our lives depended on it. As a mater of fact, they do. We don’t worship the Bible, but worshiping and loving God involves giving serious attention to what He says. Until we are adept at using God’s Word, we can’t say we have “put on the full armor of God” (Eph. 6:11). And if we haven’t done that, then we can’t expect to stand. “Stand therefore … [with] the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (6:14,17).

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CONSIDERIT

› How does the audience change between verses 1–9 and verses 10–20? Why?

APPLYIT Review the five situations briefly described above, and identify which ones would be a problem for you right now. Decide right now what you will do to deal with that situation. Start by attaching a Bible passage to each of those situations.

EXPRESSIT Pray your way through the spiritual “suiting up” the apostle Paul describes in this passage. Thank God for each piece of armor, describing what it means. Talk with Him about what it means to wear that part of your spiritual equipment today.

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AS YOU READ EPHESIANS 6:1–20, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› In the context of these

› What resources does

› How often and in

verses, what does it mean to stand firm?

God provide to help us stand firm?

what ways do you “put on the full armor of God”?

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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CONSIDERIT

› How does the audience change between verses 1–9 and verses 10–20? Why?

APPLYIT Review the five situations briefly described above, and identify which ones would be a problem for you right now. Decide right now what you will do to deal with that situation. Start by attaching a Bible passage to each of those situations.

EXPRESSIT Pray your way through the spiritual “suiting up” the apostle Paul describes in this passage. Thank God for each piece of armor, describing what it means. Talk with Him about what it means to wear that part of your spiritual equipment today.

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AS YOU READ EPHESIANS 6:1–20, REFLECT ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› In the context of these

› What resources does

› How often and in

verses, what does it mean to stand firm?

God provide to help us stand firm?

what ways do you “put on the full armor of God”?

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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Basic g Training REMEMBERIT

READIT

1. “Do not bear false witness” is the first command with a promise. True/False 2. We should put on the armor of God to _______________. a. stand against the devil’s schemes. b. prepare for serving others. c. declare our allegiance to God. d. none of the above. 3. Our fight isn’t against __________________ and blood. 4. Paul tells us to take up the shield of __________________. 5. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. True/False

Answers: 1. False (Eph. 6:2); 2. a (Eph. 6:11); 3. flesh (Eph. 6:12); 4. faith (Eph. 6:16); 5. True (Eph. 6:17)

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1 Ti m ot hy 4:1– 16

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8).

This week, ask someone to help you evaluate your spiritual training plan.

Motivation needs a plan. In the last three lessons, we’ve heard God’s Word reminding us of its crucial role in our spiritual health. Without a plan, motivation is like running in place—using a lot of energy to get nowhere. Concern about our level of neglect of God’s Word won’t take us far if we don’t devise a plan and then put that plan into action. When the apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy, he included a chapter that spelled out a plan for spiritual health. Each of the sections in this chapter offers an important step in implementing a system for spiritual training. First Timothy 4:1–5 reminds us that commitment to grow in the faith will immediately put us among a minority. Many go with the world or “go with the flow.” Most people who call themselves Christians aren’t deliberately ignoring holiness; they’re simply trying to maintain a life we could call “spiritually comfy.” But a few are determined to grow in the faith, and they know the process won’t always be comfortable. You want to be among them. In fact, you

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Basic g Training REMEMBERIT

READIT

1. “Do not bear false witness” is the first command with a promise. True/False 2. We should put on the armor of God to _______________. a. stand against the devil’s schemes. b. prepare for serving others. c. declare our allegiance to God. d. none of the above. 3. Our fight isn’t against __________________ and blood. 4. Paul tells us to take up the shield of __________________. 5. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. True/False

Answers: 1. False (Eph. 6:2); 2. a (Eph. 6:11); 3. flesh (Eph. 6:12); 4. faith (Eph. 6:16); 5. True (Eph. 6:17)

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1 Ti m ot hy 4:1– 16

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8).

This week, ask someone to help you evaluate your spiritual training plan.

Motivation needs a plan. In the last three lessons, we’ve heard God’s Word reminding us of its crucial role in our spiritual health. Without a plan, motivation is like running in place—using a lot of energy to get nowhere. Concern about our level of neglect of God’s Word won’t take us far if we don’t devise a plan and then put that plan into action. When the apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy, he included a chapter that spelled out a plan for spiritual health. Each of the sections in this chapter offers an important step in implementing a system for spiritual training. First Timothy 4:1–5 reminds us that commitment to grow in the faith will immediately put us among a minority. Many go with the world or “go with the flow.” Most people who call themselves Christians aren’t deliberately ignoring holiness; they’re simply trying to maintain a life we could call “spiritually comfy.” But a few are determined to grow in the faith, and they know the process won’t always be comfortable. You want to be among them. In fact, you

19

CONSIDERIT › How many of the

elements of the “latter times” (v. 1) can you see in the world today?

AS YOU READ 1 TIMOTHY 4:1–16, REFLECT ON THE

› What benefits have you experienced as a result of your commitment to these studies and other spiritual exercises?

› How many pieces of a personal spiritual exercise plan do you have? What are you missing?

need to identify other growing believers and make yourself accountable to them. First Timothy 4:6–11 points out the parallels between physical exercise and godly exercise. Both require a commitment to immediate discomfort in the expectation of short-term and long-term benefits. Physical exercise does profit “a little” in healthy living and longer life expectancy. Spiritual exercise—“godliness” (4:8)—profits a lot in every area of life as well as “that which is to come” (v. 8). Most people who walk, jog or exercise report that it’s rarely easy to start, but there’s almost an immediate good feeling in starting every day. It’s the same with spiritual exercise. First Timothy 4:12–16 includes some of the elements of spiritual training. Note the six targeted growth areas: words, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity (4:12). We need to be reading God’s Word, encouraging others and developing clear understanding of the truth (v. 13). Our God-given abilities and gifts should be applied (v. 14). “Meditate” (v. 15) also means practice. Note the tone of perseverance in these verses. Our goal is not perfection but that our “progress may be evident to all” (v. 15). Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy that he needs the help of others in this life-task and that others need his help. Our best experiences of godly fellowship go beyond being together with other believers and must include intentional exercises that promote spiritual growth.

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FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› List the six growth areas Paul mentions in verse 12 and for each note at least three activities or habits that would promote progress in that area.

APPLYIT If you have made these studies a habit, congratulations! You are engaging in spiritual exercise. Listing the benefits may encourage you to expand your godly training regime. The core exercise that prepares for all others is a systematic and continual exposure to God’s Word. Identify one way you could increase your level of time in God’s Word, and you will have begun to implement a plan for greater spiritual growth. Remember: the goal isn’t perfection but real progress!

EXPRESSIT It’s important to talk about spiritual exercise plans with others, but it’s crucial to discuss them in prayer with God. Ask Him what He wants you to do, and then sit quietly for a while and allow His Spirit to bring up habits, relationships, projects and tasks that may be His priorities for you right now.

21

CONSIDERIT › How many of the

elements of the “latter times” (v. 1) can you see in the world today?

AS YOU READ 1 TIMOTHY 4:1–16, REFLECT ON THE

› What benefits have you experienced as a result of your commitment to these studies and other spiritual exercises?

› How many pieces of a personal spiritual exercise plan do you have? What are you missing?

need to identify other growing believers and make yourself accountable to them. First Timothy 4:6–11 points out the parallels between physical exercise and godly exercise. Both require a commitment to immediate discomfort in the expectation of short-term and long-term benefits. Physical exercise does profit “a little” in healthy living and longer life expectancy. Spiritual exercise—“godliness” (4:8)—profits a lot in every area of life as well as “that which is to come” (v. 8). Most people who walk, jog or exercise report that it’s rarely easy to start, but there’s almost an immediate good feeling in starting every day. It’s the same with spiritual exercise. First Timothy 4:12–16 includes some of the elements of spiritual training. Note the six targeted growth areas: words, conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity (4:12). We need to be reading God’s Word, encouraging others and developing clear understanding of the truth (v. 13). Our God-given abilities and gifts should be applied (v. 14). “Meditate” (v. 15) also means practice. Note the tone of perseverance in these verses. Our goal is not perfection but that our “progress may be evident to all” (v. 15). Lastly, Paul reminds Timothy that he needs the help of others in this life-task and that others need his help. Our best experiences of godly fellowship go beyond being together with other believers and must include intentional exercises that promote spiritual growth.

20

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

› List the six growth areas Paul mentions in verse 12 and for each note at least three activities or habits that would promote progress in that area.

APPLYIT If you have made these studies a habit, congratulations! You are engaging in spiritual exercise. Listing the benefits may encourage you to expand your godly training regime. The core exercise that prepares for all others is a systematic and continual exposure to God’s Word. Identify one way you could increase your level of time in God’s Word, and you will have begun to implement a plan for greater spiritual growth. Remember: the goal isn’t perfection but real progress!

EXPRESSIT It’s important to talk about spiritual exercise plans with others, but it’s crucial to discuss them in prayer with God. Ask Him what He wants you to do, and then sit quietly for a while and allow His Spirit to bring up habits, relationships, projects and tasks that may be His priorities for you right now.

21

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REMEMBERIT 1. Who says that some will leave the faith in later times? a. James b. Paul c. Jesus d. the Spirit 2. Paul warns Timothy against old-wives’ tales. True/False 3. Paul told Timothy that no one should look down on him because he was _________________. 4. Paul instructed Timothy to be a godly example to all believers. True/False 5. Paul told Timothy to not neglect his ________________.

Answers: 1. d (1 Tim. 4:1); 2. True (1 Tim. 4:7); 3. young (1 Tim. 4:12); 4. True (1 Tim. 4:12); 5. gift (1 Tim. 4:14)

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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22

REMEMBERIT 1. Who says that some will leave the faith in later times? a. James b. Paul c. Jesus d. the Spirit 2. Paul warns Timothy against old-wives’ tales. True/False 3. Paul told Timothy that no one should look down on him because he was _________________. 4. Paul instructed Timothy to be a godly example to all believers. True/False 5. Paul told Timothy to not neglect his ________________.

Answers: 1. d (1 Tim. 4:1); 2. True (1 Tim. 4:7); 3. young (1 Tim. 4:12); 4. True (1 Tim. 4:12); 5. gift (1 Tim. 4:14)

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________

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The Bible—Best-selling; least-read. It’s time to take it back. Today America faces a great crisis: the Book that has played an integral role in developing and forming our nation is now the same Book that few read and even fewer understand. The neglect of God’s Word among Christians encourages Satan’s attacks to weaken and inhibit an intimate relationship with our Savior. But there is hope.

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Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Using radio, the Internet and other media, we share the Gospel message and help Christians grow to spiritual maturity. With broadcasts in 25 languages and an Internet reach to millions, Back to the Bible teaches the Word and touches the world. Contact us for more information: BACK TO THE BIBLE P.O. Box 82808, Lincoln, NE 68501 1-800-759-2425 | www.backtothebible.org BACK TO THE BIBLE - CANADA P.O. Box 10, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2G2 1-800-663-2425 | www.backtothebible.ca

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