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Being Transformed by Scripture
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
1. Opening Prayer
2. Scripture Reading
Read aloud the Bible passage at the top of this page (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Group Discussion
(1) Considering Art Lindsley’s article “Christ and the Bible,” what was Christ’s doctrine of Scripture? Why is this significant?
(2) In Taking God at His Word, Kevin DeYoung argues that “the Bible is without error,” and that the doctrine of inerrancy “is at the heart of our faith.” (See Taking God at His Word at pp. 38-40.) What basis does DeYoung offer for his arguments?
(3) In his book, Kevin DeYoung discusses four attributes of Scripture: God’s Word is Enough, God’s Word is Clear, God’s Word is Final, and God’s Word is Necessary. What difference do these attributes of Scripture make for everyday life and godliness? (See discussion in the last section of chapter six.)
(4) What insights did you gain from the Bible Study of 2 Timothy 3:10-17?
4. Prayer Requests
5. Closing Prayer
Homework
1. Reflect
Within a day or two after the meeting, prayerfully reflect on the meeting and its content.
2. Prepare for Next Meeting
Coming Next: Theme 7: Trusting the Bible—Meeting B
(1) Read Habits of Grace, by David Mathis, pp. 173-194 (chapters 16-18: BELONG TO HIS BODY (FELLOWSHIP): Wash in the Waters Again; Grow in Grace at the Table; Embrace the Blessing of Rebuke) (~21 pages)
(2) Read article “How to Read the Bible, Part 4: How is the Bible Useful?”, by Bill Kynes, found on CSLI website (from Knowing & Doing, Summer 2020, ~7 pages.
(3) Read Reflections, “What God Wants of You” (1 page)
(4) Watch Teaching Video, Being Transformed by Scripture, with Scott Redd, President and Stephen B. Elmer Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Washington DC.
As you watch the video, consider: What are Professor Redd’s primary points? What support does he provide for each of these points? Which one (or ones) do you find most relevant to your life at this time? What from the video might you like to share with family members and friends? What about the video might you like to discuss in the next small group meeting?
(5) Complete Bible Study, Psalm 19.
- Read. Carefully read this psalm. As you do so, consider: What does the text say? What was the original intent? What does the passage mean? How does the passage apply to my life, and the lives of others, today?
- Reflect. According to Psalm 19, how does God speak to us through both His creation and His Law?
(6) (Optional) The article by Bill Kynes listed above, “How to Read the Bible, Part 4: How is the Bible Useful?”, is the final article in a series of four articles on how to read the Bible. In introducing the series, Kynes explains:
In this series of four articles, I want to help people who want to read the Bible but aren’t sure how to do it. I begin with a general introduction, considering what the Bible is, providing an overview of its central story line and its central message. In the next two articles, we’ll delve into the subject of interpretation: how can we rightly interpret the Bible in its various literary forms? Finally, we’ll address the way in which God can work through the Bible to change our lives. My goal is to help you become avid Bible readers so that you can grow as lovers of God.
While Kynes includes summaries of the first three articles at the beginning of Part 4, if you would like to read the first three articles, they are:
“How to Read the Bible, Part 1: Introduction and Overview of the Bible” (~6 pages)
“How to Read the Bible, Part 2: The Science and Art of Interpretation” (~7 pages)
“How to Read the Bible, Part 3: The Bible’s Center Is Jesus Christ” (~ 6 pages)
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