Friday, May 29, 2015

Pride & Humility - Lesson 1: Introduction

Pride and Humility
Lesson 1: Introduction


1 Peter 5:5-7 [5] Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; [7] casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.


PRIDE
1. Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.

Pride goeth before destruction. Prov.16.

"pride." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/pride (22 May 2015).


HUMILITY
1. In ethics, freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.

Before honor is humility. Prov.15.

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind. Acts.20.

"humility." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/humility (22 May 2015).

HUMILITY
1. the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

"humility." Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 29 May. 2015. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humility>.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The main purpose of this series of lessons on pride and humility is to emphasize what God has shown us – that he resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. These lessons should help show what pride and humility are, how they appear in our own lives, and what the end result of each is, encouraging and exhorting us to put off pride and clothe ourselves with humility.

God resists (or is opposed to) the proud and gives grace to the humble. If you want God to be against you, you only need to be proud. On the other hand, God promises to give grace to those who are humble in heart, mind and actions.

Pride and the Proud. Pride is thinking more highly of ourselves than is right and true. Someone who has pride is proud. Pride manifests itself in many ways, including looking down on others with contempt, self-exaltation, and not listening to advice and counsel from others, especially to those in authority over us. Pride played a part in sin entering the world when the serpent tempted Eve by saying she could be like God (Genesis 3:5), encouraging her to think more highly of herself, and so distrust and disobey God. Pride leads to destruction for the proud.

Humility and the Humble. Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves in the sight of (or in relation to) God the Father Almighty and his son Jesus Christ, our lord. Some would define humility as having a modest opinion or estimate of ourselves. However, this implies having a lower estimate of ourselves than is right. Humility is thinking of ourselves as God has shown us we are, and living in relation to God and to others in keeping with this clear description of ourselves. Humility includes in it willing submission to God and his commands, counting others better than ourselves, serving others, especially the lowly, a willingness to listen to the counsel and advice of others, and not pursuing self-exaltation. Humility brings grace from God to the humble.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are now having a few lessons on pride and humility. This is important because God has said in his word, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

In this lesson, we will give an introduction to pride and humility.

Begin by asking the children if they can explain to you what pride and humility are. They may have trouble providing a definition, so you can expand the question to what does pride look like and what does humility look like. How do you know if someone is proud or if someone is humble? Make two columns and write their answers on the board so they can see. If they are having trouble coming up with ideas, you could ask, If a child tells his parents, I won't listen to you, is he being proud or humble? If a good student helps a poor student instead of making fun of him, is he being proud or humble?

As they give their answers, or after, you can let them know a simple definition of both: Pride is thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought to. Humility is thinking rightly of ourselves as we ought to.

Read the story of the two men who went to the temple in Luke 18:9-14. Before reading the story, ask them to think about being proud and being humble as they listen to the story.

After the story, you can ask them who was proud and who was humble. Why do they think this one was proud and that one was humble? With whom was God pleased? What happened to each one? What does God say he will do for the proud, for those who exalt themselves? What does God say he will do for those who humble themselves?

You could ask the children at the end if any of them remember a time when they were proud? What could they have done instead in that situation to be humble?

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

Luke 18:9-14 [9] He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. [10] “Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.’ [13] But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”


More Stories and Examples:

Genesis 3:1-13 [1] Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. He said to the woman, “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?’” [2] The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees of the garden, [3] but not the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, ‘You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” [4] The serpent said to the woman, “You won’t surely die, [5] for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit, and ate; and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate it, too. [7] Their eyes were opened, and they both knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made coverings for themselves. [8] They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden. [9] Yahweh God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” [10] The man said, “I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” [11] God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” [12] The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” [13] Yahweh God said to the woman, “What have you done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”


Other Verses:

Philippians 2:1-11 [1] If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, [2] make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; [3] doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; [4] each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. [5] Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. [9] Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Proverbs 8:12-15 [12] “I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion. [13] The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth. [14] Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power. [15] By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:1 A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.

Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

Proverbs 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

Proverbs 22:4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.



Wednesday, May 20, 2015

The Bible - Resources

The Bible – Resources


What is the Bible?”
GotQuestions?org.

Questions About the Bible.”
GotQuestions?org
Contains list of topics under this general heading, with links to articles.

Gideon Bible introduction
In many Bibles printed by the Gideons (http://www.gideons.org), the following statement about the Bible can be found. I also found this text at the following links.
The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.


Survey Course of the Bible: 1. Introduction to the Bible”
This is a simple presentation providing a basic introduction to the Bible.

Word of God in the Bible.” Nave's Topical Bible Concordance Online.




VERSES

Deuteronomy 11:18-23 [18] Therefore you shall lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul. You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. [19] You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up. [20] You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates; [21] that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth. [22] For if you shall diligently keep all these commandments which I command you, to do them, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all his ways, and to cling to him; [23] then will Yahweh drive out all these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves.

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

1 Samuel 15:22-26 [22] Samuel said, “Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. [23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Yahweh’s word, he has also rejected you from being king.” [24] Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. [25] Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh.” [26] Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected Yahweh’s word, and Yahweh has rejected you from being king over Israel.”

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 19:7-11 [7] Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. [8] Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:97-104 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. [101] I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. [102] I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me. [103] How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! [104] Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Proverbs 30:5-6 [5] “Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar.

Isaiah 5:24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

Isaiah 55:10-11 [10] For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn’t return there, but waters the earth, and makes it grow and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; [11] so shall my word be that goes out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

Jeremiah 6:19-20 [19] Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. [20] To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.”

Jeremiah 8:4-10 [4] “Moreover you shall tell them, ‘Thus says Yahweh: “‘Shall men fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return? [5] Why then have the people of Jerusalem fallen back by a perpetual backsliding? They cling to deceit, they refuse to return. [6] I listened and heard, but they didn’t say what is right. No one repents of his wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Everyone turns to his course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle. [7] Yes, the stork in the sky knows her appointed times; and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don’t know Yahweh’s law. [8] How do you say, “We are wise, and Yahweh’s law is with us?” But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has worked falsely. [9] The wise men are disappointed. They are dismayed and trapped. Behold, they have rejected Yahweh’s word. What kind of wisdom is in them? [10] Therefore will I give their wives to others, and their fields to those who shall possess them: for everyone from the least even to the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even to the priest every one deals falsely.

Amos 8:11-12 [11] Behold, the days come,” says the Lord Yahweh, “that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing Yahweh’s words. [12] They will wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they will run back and forth to seek Yahweh’s word, and will not find it.

Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

Luke 6:46-49 [46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? [47] Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. [49] But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Luke 11:27-28 [27] It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” [28] But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”

John 5:37-40 [37] The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

John 8:31-32 [31] Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 12:47-50 [47] If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. [49] For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

John 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

John 20:30-31 [30] Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 2:13 For it isn’t the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12 [1] Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] and all ate the same spiritual food; [4] and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. [5] However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” [8] Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. [9] Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. [10] Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 [KJV] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12-13 [12] For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

James 1:22-25 [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1 Peter 1:10-12 [10] Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, [11] searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. [12] To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,

2 Peter 1:16-21 [16] For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honor and glory, when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” [18] We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. [19] We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts: [20] knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. [21] For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 3:1-2 [1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:

2 Peter 3:15-18 [15] Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you; [16] as also in all of his letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. [17] You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.



STORIES

Exodus 4:10-16 [10] Moses said to Yahweh, “O Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.” [11] Yahweh said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Yahweh? [12] Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.” [13] He said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.” [14] Yahweh’s anger was kindled against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. [15] You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. [16] He will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God.

2 Kings 22
Josiah finds book of law in temple

Jeremiah 1:4-10 [4] Now Yahweh’s word came to me, saying, [5] “Before I formed you in the belly, I knew you. Before you came out of the womb, I sanctified you. I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” [6] Then I said, “Ah, Lord Yahweh! Behold, I don’t know how to speak; for I am a child.” [7] But Yahweh said to me, “Don’t say, ‘I am a child;’ for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak. [8] Don’t be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you,” says Yahweh. [9] Then Yahweh stretched out his hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. [10] Behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Jeremiah 36:1-32
King cuts up scroll, Jeremiah writes it again

Ezekiel 2:8-10 [8] But you, son of man, hear what I tell you; don’t be rebellious like that rebellious house: open your mouth, and eat that which I give you. [9] When I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was therein; [10] He spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
Ezekiel 3:1-4 [1] He said to me, Son of man, eat that which you find. Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel. [2] So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat the scroll. [3] He said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you. Then I ate it; and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. [4] He said to me, Son of man, go to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.

Matthew 4:1-11 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” [5] Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’ and, ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don’t dash your foot against a stone.’” [7] Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’” [8] Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. [9] He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.” [10] Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’” [11] Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served him.

Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15
The sower sows the word

Acts 8:26-40 [26] But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.” [27] He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. [28] He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. [29] The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.” [30] Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” [31] He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. [32] Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth. [33] In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” [34] The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?” [35] Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus. [36] As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” [37] [] [38] He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. [39] When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

Acts 17:10-12 [10] The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. [11] Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. [12] Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek women, and not a few men.


Thursday, May 14, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 4: How to use the Bible

The Bible
Lesson 4: How to use God's word, the Bible


Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.


MEDITATE
1. To dwell on any thing in thought; to contemplate; to study; to turn or revolve any subject in the mind; appropriately but not exclusively used of pious contemplation, or a consideration of the great truths of religion.
His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Ps.1.

"meditate." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/meditate (14 May 2015).


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

In the previous lessons, we learned that the Bible is God's word. He gave it to us to hear and do. We should tremble at his word. God's word is important to us because it shows us the path to God, to eternal life.

With that in mind, what should we do with the Bible, with God's word? How should we use it that it may be to us the blessing God intended? In his word, God gives instructions regarding his word, some clear and explicit, and some implied.

READ. Included in “reading” is listening, giving ear, hearing, etc. While this may seem obvious (for isn't a book printed for the purpose of being read?), it needs to be stated. We must read the word of God. Further, we should read it regularly. God commanded the kings of Israel to read from his word all the days of their life. This was a wise command for them, and should be followed by God's people today as well.

MEMORIZE. The Psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). An important part of hiding God's word in our heart is memorization. Parents should help their children memorize scripture. We help them memorize the multiplication table. Of how much greater value, both for this life and for the next, is the word of God stored up in the heart and mind of a child.

MEDITATE. The blessed of God are those who meditate on God's word. We should spend time thinking about the things God has said, done and commanded. We are charged to set our mind on things above. Spending time to meditate on God's word is one way to do this. Meditating on the law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) is a way to love the Lord with all our mind.

STUDY. We should study God's word, seeking to understand what God means. We study alone with God in prayer; We study God's word with others; We listen to others who have studied and lived according to God's word. Studying God's word is, in a sense, part of the larger definition of meditating of the word of God.

DELIGHT IN / TREASURE. We should delight in God's word, and treasure it. We may begin to do this by choosing to spend time with God's word instead of other things. As we spend time reading, memorizing and meditating on God's word, obeying all that we understand, we will find that the delight of the will (the purposeful and disciplined choosing) begins to include a delight, a joy in God and his word, the God who gives us life indeed.

PRAY. Prayer should accompany our reading of the Bible. We should ask God for wisdom and understanding as we read. We should pray for grace and mercy to walk according to the commands of God we read in his word. While prayer should accompany the reading of the Bible, we should also pray the Bible. The Bible records the prayers of many of God's people. Many Psalms are prayers to God. We should become familiar with and make use of these prayers, both as words and principles in praying.

SPEAK. The word of God should be ready on our lips. When spoken in love and wisdom, it is surely a wholesome word that is good for edification. When we speak (or read aloud) the word of God, we can more easily remember it. We should sing God's word. Many portions of scripture have been put to music. Many (if not all) of the Psalms were to be sung. Sing them.

Above are several things we should do with God's word. Yet, these are not ends in themselves. (See Deuteronomy 17:18-20.) We should do these things with the goal of learning (at least) two things. As we use the Bible, we should aim to learn to fear the Lord; and to learn to keep, to do, his word, to walk according to his commands. The purpose of learning these things is that we may have a humble heart towards God and men, and that we may faithfully follow God and his command. The result of gaining this purpose is a long life (eternal life) with God in his kingdom for yourself and for your children.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we are continuing a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about how to use the Bible, God's word.

Do a quick overview of the previous lessons with the children by asking them questions. Where does the Bible come from? (From God, through apostles and prophets, and Jesus. Hence we call it the word of God.) We should hear it and...? (Obey it, or do it.) What should be our attitude towards God's word? (We should tremble at God's word.) Why? (Because God means what he says.) Why it God's word important to us? (It shows us how to see God, or how to get to God.)

This lesson does not have a specific story.

How should we use God's word, the Bible? What should we do with it? (You should read it.) You can read it alone and with others. Can you listen to it? (Yes.)

We should memorize it. Do any of you have a verse memorized that you can recite? (Let them recite a verse they know.)

We should meditate on it. Explain that meditate means to spend time thinking about something. Do any of you know a good story from the Bible? What is your favorite story? You could spend time thinking about that story. If you can't fall asleep, think about a story from the Bible. If you have to sit for a while with nothing to do, try meditating on a story from the Bible that you remember.

We should study it. Do any of you study the Bible? Do you ever ask someone to explain what something from the Bible means? That is the beginning of studying it.

We should delight in it. Do you choose to read the Bible? If it is important, and if it can be such a help to us both for this life and for the next, shouldn't we like the Bible, and like to read it?

We should pray it. Can you think of any part of the Bible that we could pray? (The Lord's Prayer.)

We should speak it. Why should we speak the word of God? (So others can hear it. So I can learn it better.) Do any of you sing the Bible? Do you know songs from the Bible? You can sing one or two Bible songs with them.

Finally, you can ask the children: Why should we do all these things? (So that we can know God and obey him.)

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:


More Stories and Examples:


Other Verses:

READ

Deuteronomy 17:18-20 [18] It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites. [19] It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear Yahweh his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; [20] that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left; to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the midst of Israel.
God commanded through Moses that the future kings of Israel should write for themselves a copy of God's word and then read from it every day. He was to read from it for specific reasons. He should read it seeking to learn to fear the Lord. He should read it to learn to keep, to do, God's commands. He should read it seeking to learn humility before God and men. He should read it desiring to learn to be faithful to God and his commands. If the king daily reads God's word for these goals, as he learns and lives out these things, the result will be a long life in the kingdom, both for himself and his children, in the midst of God's people. This counsel was good for the kings of Israel. It is also good for us today. We should daily read God's word. Yet, we should not read it just for the sake of reading it. Rather, we should read it with these specific goals in mind. Such a use of God's word must lead to eternal life in God's eternal kingdom.


MEMORIZE

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

2 Peter 3:1-2 [1] This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you; [2] that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior:
The apostle Peter wrote his second epistle so that God's people would remember the word of God spoken through the prophets and apostles. Taking time to memorize God's word is one way we can help ourselves to remember what the apostle Peter thought so important to keep in our thoughts.


MEDITATE

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

Psalm 1:1-3 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalm 119:97-99 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

Proverbs 22:17-21 [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. [19] That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. [20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, [21] To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.


STUDY

2 Timothy 2:15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 [KJV] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.


SPEAK

Proverbs 22:17-21 [17] Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching. [18] For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. [19] That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you. [20] Haven’t I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge, [21] To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.


PRAY


DELIGHT IN / TREASURE

Psalm 1:1-2 [1] Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; [2] but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.

Proverbs 7:1-2 [1] My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you. [2] Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,



Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Bible - Lesson 3: Why is God's word important to us?

The Bible
Lesson 3: Why is God's word important to us?


2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.


The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is to provide some basic instructions and principles regarding the Bible, so that the scriptures may be found to be that which makes wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and not that which will judge in the last day (John 12:48).

God's word is important. When God spoke through his son, and through the apostles and prophets, it was important. Today, that word has been written down for us to read as the Bible. It is still just as important for us today.

Why is God's word important to us? In his word, in the Bible, God shows us the path that leads to eternal life with him. Jesus said, the pure in heart will see God. If we want to see God, we must be pure in heart. Then, how can we be pure in heart? The Psalmist tells that a young man can keep his way pure by living according to God's word. Do you want to be found pleasing to God on the judgment day? How should you live today? Where can you find out what God requires of us? The prophet Micah said, He has shown you, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).

God, in his word, provides us with strong encouragement regarding the importance of his word.

God's word is the wisest choice. That is, hearing and obeying God's word is the wisest choice you can make, both for this life and for the next. Do you want to do what is best for yourself? Then hear and obey God's word. Such people will have a firm foundation in this life and the next.

God's word is many things for and accomplishes many things in those who hear and obey it. It is a lamp to our feet and light to our path. It warns us, enlightens us, and keeps our way pure. It is profitable for those pursuing righteousness, to help make the man of God complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. God's word can makes us wise for salvation, and is able to save our soul.

Jesus said that he is the only way to the Father. Where can we learn of Jesus that we may follow him, and so get to the Father? In the volume of the book it is written of him (Hebrews 10:7), that is, God tells us in his word of Jesus, who is himself the path of life.

One word of caution: The Bible is not a magic wand. We should read the Bible, but reading alone, without humble obedience, may serve only to bring upon us greater condemnation at the judgment day. We must remember that the difference between the wise man and the foolish man is that while both heard the word, only the wise man did it. Great was the fall of the foolish man, the man who heard the word and did not do it.


Suggestions:

To open the lesson, pray for the teacher and the students.

Let the children know that we will have a few lessons on the Bible. In this lesson, we will talk about why God's word is important to us.

Begin by asking the children why they think God's word is important. Write down some good ideas they may have.

Read Matthew 5:8. How can you see God? [by being pure in heart] How can you have a pure heart? How do you know what a pure heart is?

Read Psalm 119:9. Explain that God's word shows us how to keep our way pure. So, if you don't want to see God, is God's word very important to you? No. If you do want to see God, is God's word important to you? Yes.

Tell the story of Adam and Eve in the garden. Was God's word important? Did they listen to it? [yes] Did they obey it? [no] What were the consequences of not keeping God's word?

As you tell these stories and ask them questions, be sure to connect God's word that he spoke to God's word written down in the Bible.

You can play a game by reading verses below and asking them to tell you what each verse says about the importance of God's word.

To close the lesson, pray with the children and have all the children read the Lord's prayer together.


Stories:

Genesis 2:8-10,15-16 [8] Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there he put the man whom he had formed. [9] Out of the ground Yahweh God made every tree to grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food, including the tree of life in the middle of the garden and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. [15] Yahweh God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. [16] Yahweh God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden;
Genesis 3:1-24
God spoke to Adam and Eve. He gave them his word. They could choose to hear and do his word, or hear and not do his word. When they chose to disobey God's word, they found death.

2 Kings 22:1-20
During the reign of Josiah, the book of the law was found in the house of the Lord. When Josiah heard it, he chose to obey what God said by humbling himself and praying, seeking for mercy for the sins of his people. Walking in the path of God's word, Josiah found grace from God and life.


More Stories and Examples:

Here is a short list compiled from scripture of the things God's word does for God's people:

Restores the soul
  Rejoices the heart
Makes us wise
  Enlightens the eyes
  Gives me understanding
Warns us
  helps me to not sin against God
  Written for our admonition
Great reward in keeping God's word
  Keeps our way pure when we live according to it
  We have a house built on rock when we hear and do God's word
  Makes us truly his disciples and sets us free (when we abide in it)
A lamp to our feet
  A light to our path
Live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God
  His commandment is eternal life (implied: when we hear and do)
Testify about Jesus who gives us life
  Helps us to believe in Jesus, and so have life in his name
Is part of sanctifying us
Written for our learning, helps us to find and have hope
Is the sword of the Spirit for us
Makes us wise for salvation (through faith)
Profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness
Helps us to be complete
Equips us for every good work
Divides/discerns soul and spirit and thoughts and intentions
Implanted word is able to save our souls
We can grow by it


Other Verses:

GOD'S WORD IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS THE WISE CHOICE

Proverbs 3:1-4 [1] My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments: [2] for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you. [3] Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.


THE BENEFITS / VALUES OF GOD'S WORD

Psalm 19:7-11 [7] Yahweh’s law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh’s testimony is sure, making wise the simple. [8] Yahweh’s precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh’s commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh’s ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:97-104 [97] How I love your law! It is my meditation all day. [98] Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. [99] I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. [100] I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts. [101] I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word. [102] I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me. [103] How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth! [104] Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

Matthew 4:1-4 [1] Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. [3] The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” [4] But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”

Matthew 7:24-27 [24] “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. [25] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. [26] Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. [27] The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

John 5:37-40 [37] The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. [38] You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. [39] “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. [40] Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

John 8:31-32 [31] Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. [32] You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 12:47-50 [47] If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. [49] For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

John 17:17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

John 20:30-31 [30] Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

Romans 15:4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:1-12 [1] Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] and all ate the same spiritual food; [4] and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ. [5] However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness. [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” [8] Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell. [9] Neither let us test the Lord, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents. [10] Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come. [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

2 Timothy 3:14-17 [14] But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. [15] From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. [16] Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12-13 [12] For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.

James 1:22-25 [21] Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. [22] But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; [24] for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. [25] But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.

1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,