Get a Clue: God’s Word has the Answers LLBC 2011 | Kirk Miller

Let’s Review Yesterday we talked about how the Bible is God’s Word Proofs that the Bible is true Doctrines Inspiration Inerrancy Preservation

Read it! Understand it! Live it! The 3-Step-Method

Step 1: Read it!

WHY? Because it’s useful “All Scripture is God-breathed AND IS USEFUL . . .” Useful for what?

…for teaching/doctrine Teaching what? Stuff about God and His truth (doctrine/theology) The right way to live Psalm 18:30 - This God--his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. This is a way that is both pleasing to God and makes life easier for us The Bible teaches us We can teach others What are some doctrines (maybe one’s we talked about)? Right way to live… SWORD DRILL - Ps 18:30

…for rebuking Tells us when we are wrong and confronts us when we are living sinful We can also use it to confront others and rebuke them in love Building blocks illustration

…for correcting Helps correct are wrong behavior to become right behavior We can use it to help others correct their behavior as well

…for training in righteousness Training - Reading and studying the Bible is like working out spiritually Righteousness – The Bible trains us in the way that is right in God’s eyes Pushups illustration

…for testing and examining Paul told the Thessalonians to test everything (actions, words, etc.) 1 Thessalonians 5:21 - but test everything; hold fast what is good. What are we to test everything with? Right away, sword drill – 1 Thes. 5:21

…for testing and examining The Berean’s examined Acts 17:10-12 - The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore believed . . . .

…for teaching/doctrine Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. Sword Drill – Mt 7:15 Get a kid to come up and refute the false prophets

…for defense Apollos was an apologist Acts 18:24, 28 - Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. (28) for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus. We can use the Bible to defend our faith What are some apologetics we did yesterday?

…for keeping God’s commandments Psalm 119:9-12 - How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12 Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!

…for keeping God’s commandments John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. But first we need to know His commandments. If we love God, we will read His Word. First thing, sword drill – John 14:15

…for keeping God’s commandments God’s way is AWESOME! Psalm 19:7-11 - The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

…for growing spiritually John 17:17 - Sanctify them by your truth; your Word is truth The Sword of the Spirit is the Bible (Ephesians 6:17) We can’t grow without the Bible. The Bible is our spiritual food. Sword Drill – Jn 17:17 Spiritual food illustration

…for growing spiritually Growing in our relationship God. How do we grow closer to God? Just like anyone else, by getting to know Him. How do we get to know God more? By reading about Him and His truth in His Word.

…for good works “. . . that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We complete step 1 (read it!) so we can do step 2 (understand it!) and step 3 (live it!) Thoroughly equipped . . . Back pack illustration

But it’s only useful if we make use of it So, we’ve seen that the Bible is useful for a lot of great things But it’s only useful if we make use of it Step 1: Read it!

The Bible is GOD’s Word to US 2 Timothy – Paul’s last words as he writes to Timothy. 1 Timothy 4:13 - devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Conclusion What’s the most important part of camp? You won’t be at camp for ever. You won’t have your counselors forever. But the Bible should become your counselor this week. Develop a habit this week at camp Set a time Have a Bible reading plan Legalism?