Sermon Series: “Deeper” – 3 of 4
November 16, 2008
Pastor John Fanous
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.” 2 Tim 3:16-17 (LB)
THREE WAYS TO GET A “GRASP” ON YOUR BIBLE
The Three-Legged Stool Illustration
I. HOW TO HEAR GOD’S WORD
“Faith comes from hearing the Word of God.” Rom. 10:17
Ways to Hear God’s Word
- Church services & studies
- Sermon tapes
- The Bible on CD/mp3
PROBLEM: We forget _____ % of what we hear after 72 hours.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR HEARING
1. Set your expectations ______________.
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Ps 119:103
2. Deal with ______________ that prevent hearing God (Mark 4:1-20)
(Jesus) “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you-and even more.” Mk 4:24
– A _____________ Mind: Is fear, pride or bitterness preventing me from hearing God?
– A _____________ Mind: Am I really serious about wanting to hear God speak?
– A _____________ Mind: Am I too busy and concerned with other things to concentrate on what God has to say?
3. Confess any _________ in your life.
“… Get rid of all moral filth and humbly accept the Word…” James 1:21
4. Take __________ on what you hear.
“We must pay more careful attention to what we’ve heard, so that we do not drift away!” Heb. 2:1
5. __________ on what you hear!
“Whoever … does not simply listen and then forget, but puts it into practice – that person will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25 (GN)
II. HOW TO READ GOD’S WORD
“Happy is the one who reads this book … and obeys what is written in it!” Rev. 1:3 (GN)
How often should I read God’s Word? ____________________
“(The Scriptures) shall be his constant companion. He must read from it everyday of his life so that he will learn to respect the Lord his God by obeying all of his commands.” Deut. 17:19 (LB)
SUGGESTIONS
- Read it ______________________.
- __________________ key verses.
- Choose a _____________________ and stick with it.
Study Bibles:
· The Best Personal Study Bible:
“The Life Application Bible” (Tyndale)
· The Best Background Study Bible:
“The NIV Study Bible” (Zondervan)
“(Those) who are always meditating on His Laws … are like trees along a river bank bearing fruit … they never wither and whatever they do prospers.” Ps. 1:2-3 (LB)
Meditation is ________________ on a Bible verse in order to discover how I can apply its truth to my own life.
WHY MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE?
1. It is the key to becoming like ________________.
” … Your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Pr. 4:23 (GN)
” … Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2
“As we … contemplate the Lord’s glory, we are being transformed into His likeness …” 1 Cor. 3:18
2. It is the key to ____________________ prayer.
“If you live your life in Me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like, and it will come true for you.” John 15:7 (Ph)
3. It is the key to ____________________ living.
” … Meditate on (the Word) day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Josh. 1:8
TWO WAYS TO MEDITATE ON A VERSE
1. _________________ it! Visualize the scene in your mind.
2. _________________ it! Put yourself in the story.
III. HOW TO APPLY GOD’S WORD
“Do not fool yourselves by just listening to the Word. Instead, put it into practice.” James 1:22
” … Whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:19
HOW TO APPLY SCRIPTURE
1st ask: What did it mean to the original ________________?
2nd ask: What is the underlying timeless ________________?
3rd ask: Where or how could I _________________ that principle?
“Now that you know these things – do them! That is the path of blessing!” John 13:17 (LB)