warm-up

Who is your favorite author? What does s/he write? Why do you like his/her style?

Share a saying or idea that encourages you and that you try to live by.

Tell us about one person who gives you constant encouragement and wisdom. What has s/he done to encourage you?

word

16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Scripture is the Word of God. It is not just a compilation of encouraging words written and thought of by man. God, through the Holy Spirit, inspired many different authors to write His words for His people. He did not just give us His Word for encouragement. He wrote it so that through His Word, we might have a deeper relationship with Him, trusting and obeying His will. All Scripture is useful for teaching, correcting, and equipping followers of Christ.

1
Teaching

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11

As we read the Word of God, we find the way by which we can walk in His truth. In it, we see the heart of God—what He delights in and what breaks His heart. By reading and studying His Word, we also learn how to step out in faith and walk in His truth. The Word of God is how He imparts His truth to us and shows us His will for our lives. What is one of the greatest lessons you have learned by reading the Word?

2
Correcting

If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. Psalm 119:92

If we delight in the Word of God, we will be able to walk rightly in His sight by obeying His law and commandments. His law shows us our wrongdoing, and lovingly offers the gospel to us. As a result, instead of perishing in our affliction, He allows us to live for Him. His grace enables us to live in an upright and godly manner as we delight in, read, and obey His Word. How does God’s Word convict and correct you? How do you respond to it?

3
Equipping

. . . that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17

God gave us His Word so that we may be equipped for every good work. Not just any good works, but good works that, when others see them, give glory to God (Matthew 5:16). By reading, meditating on, and obeying God’s Word, we are equipped to live according to His Word and therefore fulfill His purpose in the midst of a watching world. What does Matthew 5:16 say about how and why we should do good works?

application

Is the Word of God the source and standard of the truth you live by? How can you go deeper in God’s Word this week?

Do you consistently read the Word and are therefore equipped for every good work? Find someone with whom you can share your insights and revelations from the Word this week.

Do you have a family member or friend who does not yet understand how the Bible is the inspired Word of God? How can you share this with him or her this week?

prayer

Thank God for giving us His Word as the source of truth we can hold on to and the law by which we can live according to His will.

Ask God for the grace and strength to commit yourself to read and study the Bible consistently every day. Pray that as you do so, you will grow in a life that honors God.

Pray that you will encourage your family and friends through the Word. Pray that they would also rely on the Word for truth, correction, and equipping.

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© 2018 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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