Eat the Word
Pastor Joel Sutton, January 6, 2013
Series: Eat the Word
Where there is love and relationship there are words.
Authority of Bible is shorthand for authority of God.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What the Bible is not:
- Not a book of commands.
- Not primarily a book of doctrines.
- Not an owner's manual for Christian living.
What the Bible is: A story
- Act 1: Creation
- Act 2: The Fall
- Act 3: Israel, God's Chosen People
- Act 4: Life and Ministry of Jesus, God's Son
- Act 5: The Church
"As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you" 1 John 2:27
Ezekiel 3:1-3: Eat God's Word
"Son of man, eat what is before you, eat this scroll; then go and speak to the house of Israel." So I opened my mouth and gave me the scroll to eat. Then he said to me, "Son of man, eat this scroll I am giving you and fill your stomach with it." So I ate it. And it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth."
Take Home Idea: Only God's Word can speak with authority into our lives.
Discussion Questions
Opening:
Describe a time when you couldn't communicate with someone you loved? How did it make you feel?
Look at the Take Home idea. Explain it in your own words.
Dig:
What is one of the problems with believing in the authority of the Bible? Why does our modern age struggle with taking the Bible seriously?
How do you respond to those problems and questions about the Bible's authority?
Why do we think Bible has authority (cf. Luke 24:27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:16).
Should we expect any more writings to be added to Scripture? (Read Hebrews 1:1-2; Revelation 22:18-19).
Take a look at the list that Pastor Joel gave of what the Bible is not. Do you agree or disagree with that list?
Why is it important to see that God spoke to us through a story? What does that tell us about God?
How does each "Act" in this story help us understand how to read the Bible? How does Christ's work change our relationship with the Law?
Pastor Joel referred to three different categories of Old Testament Laws: Civil Laws, Ritual Laws, and Moral Laws. How does that help you in understanding how to read the Old Testament?
Pastor Joel said, "Both Testaments are primarily concerned with the human heart." Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
Look at Ezekiel 2:9-3:3. What is on the scroll? (vs. 10) How does it taste to him?
Reflect:
If you were to rate yourself as to how you are doing when it comes to "eating God's Word", what would you say? A) Overstuffed B) Enjoy it, but no more please C) Starving D) Other
Close by sharing your answers and then praying together.