The Word of God

Read

• Hebrews 4:12-13 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. How is God's word described?

2. What does it reveal?

3. Why might being completely known by God be uncomfortable?

4. Why might it also be helpful?

For yourself

What has today's passage helped me notice about my own thoughts or motives? How could I respond honestly to God?

Read

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What does Paul claim about Scripture?

2. What purposes does he give for it?

3. What is the intended result?

4. What would it mean to actually use Scripture in these ways?

For yourself

Which of Scripture's purposes do I most need in my life at present? How could I make room for it this week?

Read

• 1 Timothy 4:15-16 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What two things is Timothy told to watch closely?

2. Why do you think both matter?

3. What does perseverance look like?

4. What could happen if someone's beliefs and life move in different directions?

For yourself

Where do my beliefs and behaviour agree, and where do they pull in different directions? What could I work on?

Read

• John 8:31-32 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Who is Jesus speaking to?

2. What condition does He put after belief?

3. How does Jesus describe a disciple?

4. What connection does He make between teaching, truth and freedom?

For yourself

What would holding to Jesus' teaching look like in one area of my life?

Read

• John 12:47-48 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. Why does Jesus say He came?

2. What happens when His words are rejected?

3. What authority does Jesus give His message?

4. What response would make sense if His claim is true?

For yourself

Is there a teaching of Jesus I find difficult to take seriously? What would help me consider it honestly?

Read

• Mark 7:6-9 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Proverbs 3:5 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Proverbs 14:12 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Think about it

1. What danger does Jesus identify?

2. Can religious traditions ever compete with what Scripture says?

3. What warning do the Proverbs give about relying entirely on our own judgement?

4. How could someone test their beliefs honestly?

For yourself

Which of my beliefs rests mainly on tradition or my own judgement? How could I examine it against Scripture?

Read

• James 1:22-25 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• 2 Timothy 2:15 - Read NIV on YouVersion

• Romans 10:17 - Read NIV on YouVersion

Look back

1. What attitudes towards Scripture have you seen this week?

For yourself

How do you think you should approach the Bible if you genuinely want to discover whether its claims are true?

What is one thing I have read this week that I could begin putting into practice?