If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
Introduction
The Bible is a living book, it effects those who read it. We live in a materialistic world that has difficulty accepting this life, but when we experience it, there can be no doubting. This impact of the Bible on life is not some magical attribute, or amoral power to be used as we desire. The Bible is the Word of God; as we live in unity with Jesus, then His Word begins to affect us.
Bible Zone
- The Word - The divine origins of the Word.
- Seed for Life - The Word is instrumental for spiritual life.
- Feed on Living Word - The word feed spiritually as bread does physically.
- Blessing in Word - Through the Word of God we receive His blessing.
- Cleansed by Word - Jesus uses the Word to cleanse us.
- Set Apart by Word - Jesus prays for His disciples to be set apart by the Word.
- Living Word - The Word of God exposes our thoughts and attitudes.
The Word of God is highly esteemed. It is intricately involved with Jesus. It brings life.
John 1:1-4, 14.
- What are the attributes of the Word mentioned here?
- What does the Word do?
- What do you think are the consequences of the Word being like this?
John 1:1-5 1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,* and his life brought light to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.*
14 So the Word became human* and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.* And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.
God uses His Living Word word to bring about new life, and to nurture it. 1 Peter 1:23-2:3
- What is the seed for new birth?
- How does the word of God influence the form this new life takes?
- How can we foster this life?
- How can you receive the Word practically for it to work in this way?
1 Peter 1:23 - 2:3 23 For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.24 As the Scriptures say,
"People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field.
The grass withers and the flower fades. 25 But the word of the Lord remains forever."*
And that word is the Good News that was preached to you.
1 So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.
Listening to God’s Word feeds us. When we take it in and think about it it has an impact on our lives.
- What appeal is made here?
- What is eating and drinking equated to?
Isaiah 55: 1 "Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink— even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk— it's all free! 2 Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food.
The Word if received has an effect on us that lasts. Acts 20:32
- What can God’s Word achieve?
- Have you experienced this in your life?
Acts 20:32 "And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.”
In Ephesians 5:25-27 Paul equates Jesus’ relationship with His Church with that of a husband to his wife.
- With what attitude is Christ dealing with the church - His bride?
- What is the Word used for?
- How does Jesus desire to bring about this cleansing in you?
Ephesians 5:25 ... Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God's word.*27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
In Jesus’ high priest prayer at the end of His life He included this. John 17:16-19
- What was God’s Truth, or Word to do in Jesus’ followers?
- What was the aim of this preparation?
- How could God’s word prepare you to be sent out into the world?
John 17:16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do.17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.
The Living Word - Touches Hearts
The Bible is not just some book, it is alive and it has an impact on our lives. If we pray and invite God to use the words of the Bible in our lives they can challenge and direct us. Have a look at Hebrews 4
- How are God’s words described?
- Where in our lives does the Bible work?
- How would you know if the Bible was working like this in you?
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
WORDS OF GRACE
