Loving God's Word Psalm 119:9-16, 24,97, 105, 127 Scripture Practice (Practicing the Way) • We are always being formed by something — culture, media, friends, stories. • There is no such thing as an accidental disciple. • We will either be formed by Jesus or by something else. 3 Big Questions for Today Why don’t we read and love the Bible? Why should we read and love the Bible? How can we grow to love reading the Bible? Why don’t we read and love the Bible? We Don’t Understand What the Bible Is • Not just a manual, road map, or reference book. • It is God’s Word meant for formation, not just information. • Tozer: “The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God.” The Bible Is Difficult to Read • Written in different languages, to different cultures, with unfamiliar context. • Origen (3rd century): God placed stumbling blocks in Scripture to drive us deeper. • Scripture is meditation literature — designed to be revisited and soaked in. We Allow Other Priorities to Come First • Work, family, media, and technology often crowd out time in Scripture. • Digital distractions trick us into believing we have “no time.” • The challenge: Will we be more formed by our devices or by God’s Word? Why should we read and love the Bible? Because We Love God • Like keeping letters from someone we love — the value is in who wrote them. • Jesus: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Because Scripture Guides Us • Psalm 119:9 — “How can a young man keep his way pure?” → By living according to God’s Word. • Scripture reshapes our imagination, emotions, words, and actions. Because God Meets Us in Scripture • Unlike any other book, the Author is in the room with us. • Reading the Bible is not about checking a box, but about meeting God. How can we grow to love reading the Bible? Practical Steps: Engage different translations Engage different styles Read in community Read spiritually Read regularly Closing Challenge • Do I approach God’s Word with love and delight, or with duty and distraction? • This week, take one intentional step to grow in your love for Scripture. Questions for Discipleship Groups Formation by Culture vs. Scripture • The sermon mentioned that we’re always being formed—by media, friends, and culture. What are some examples in your life where you’ve noticed culture shaping your values or habits? • How does engaging with Scripture push back against that formation? Our Attitude Toward Scripture • “How do I approach God’s Word? Would it be said of me that I love the Scriptures and desire to store them up in my heart?” How would you honestly answer that for yourself today? What barriers do you personally face in reading or loving the Bible? Why We Don’t Read the Bible • The sermon gave three reasons: Misunderstanding what the Bible is, The Bible is difficult to read, Other priorities taking over. Which of these resonates with you the most, and why? Why We Should Read the Bible • Share a time when God’s Word clearly guided or corrected you in a decision, relationship, or season of life. • “The Bible is unlike any other book, because unlike any other book…the author is in the room with us.” How do you respond to that idea? Have you ever experienced God’s presence or voice while reading Scripture? How We Can Read the Bible • Of the practices suggested, which do you already engage with? • Which new practices might you try out to enhance your love for the Scriptures? Read Psalm 119 • Read the Psalm out loud and discuss it together (you could read all of it, or just a portion of it)