Andy's Seminar

At re:generate, Andy Morgan did a brilliant seminar on why and how to read the Bible. Here is part one. Read it, digest it, and then let me know that you read it by making a comment (as simple as "thanks" will do)
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What we will look at this morning is not just HOW to engage with the Bible but WHY we should. It is not until we know WHY that we can understand and appreciate the HOW.

QUESTION: What makes someone healthy?

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
1Ti 4:7-8

To be truly healthy is more than just having a six pack. You need to be spiritually healthy as well – Paul says here train yourself for godliness, which is MORE valuable than going to the gym. You can be extremely healthy and fit but still be in hell!

QUESTION: Why do you think we should read & study the Bible?

The Bible helps us to become healthy. And this means we need to get into the Bible.

The size of your Bible, or Reading the Bible does not make you more Holy. It helps us to begin to know God’s character, to know what it is he wants from us, to understand how we can continue in relationship with God, deepen it and to grow in it. We must read the Bible and THEN DO WHAT IT SAYS.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
2Ti 3:16-17

The Bible trains us in righteousness, makes us capable and equips us for every good work. What the word “Capable” means here is competent; able to meet all demands.

The Bible will train us and make us able to meet all demands of life and equip for the things God has in store for us.

The Dictionary defines the word “study” as the devotion of time and attention to acquiring information or knowledge.”

Not a bad definition. And there are people who acquire lots of information and knowledge about God. But if just acquiring knowledge and information about God is the goal of reading scripture then no wonder people can be bored reading or studying the Bible.

The POINT of devoting time and attention to acquiring information and knowledge about God is so that we can get to know God’s character. Once we start to know God’s character, we are able to move beyond the plain facts that we learn and start experiencing the truth that lay behind the facts.

So our definition of studying the Bible could be: To devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge and information about God so that we can start to know and understand something of God’s character so that by the Holy Spirit we can experience the truth of who God is.

When we realize that reading the Bible is about experiencing the truth of who God is and getting to know his character, then we should devote time and attention to it.

The facts and truth of scripture become reality through the Holy Spirit that is within us. Remember the disciples – they had three years with Jesus himself – a fine seminary education – yet Jesus told them, just before he departed to go back to his Father, that they should go to Jerusalem and wait. Wait for what? THE HOLY SPIRIT!

Growing in our walk with God – being a disciple (which means learner) is to be trained. And the Bible is our training manual.

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.
2Ti 3:16-17

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
Tit 2:11-12

We read the Bible to be trained – the word used in the original language is paideia – which relates to the upbringing of children who need direction, teaching, instruction and discipline.

To be trained in righteousness, to correct us, and to help us know what is of God and what is not of God. And this in turn helps us to live a godly life in our culture today. Look at what the Psalmist says: (Psalm 119)

Before we look at the HOW to read the Bible I just want to say that the Bible is NEVER dry. If it is, it is because we are dry. The Bible is always alive. It is the Word of God. So if you ever hear someone say that the Bible is dry, what they really mean is that they are not experiencing the truth of who God is as they read it.

(to be continued...)