Follow Me – Part 6: Why should I dig deeper into Scripture?

Follow Me: Becoming a Disciple of Jesus

Part 6 – Why should I dig deeper into Scripture?

John 8:31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:1-11

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” John 8:31

Two Proofs of Real Discipleship

Proof 1 – Belief that Jesus Christ is Messiah and Son of God.

31 To the Jews who had believed him…. Jesus said,… you are really my disciples. John 8:31

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Proof 2 – Habitually rely on and obey Scripture.

31 … Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Why should I dig deeper into God’s Word?

1. Scripture tells me what God wants me to know.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed… 2 Timothy 3:16a

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,

    a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

2. Scripture tells me what to believe.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching… 2 Timothy 3:16b

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 I gain understanding from your precepts;

    therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:103-104

3. Scripture tells me what is wrong.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,… 2 Timothy 3:16c

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

4. Scripture tells me how to correct my wrongs.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting… 2 Timothy 3:16d

2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2

5. Scripture tells me how to live.

16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Scripture inspires me and equips me for good work!

17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16

Next Steps for Digging Deeper into God’s Word

Step 1 – Treasure the Word.

1 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless,

    who walk according to the law of the Lord. Psalm 119:1

Step 2 – Study the Word.

2 Blessed are those who keep his statutes

    and seek him with all their heart— Psalm 119:2

Step 3 – Apply the Word.

9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity?

    By living according to your word. Psalm 119:10

Step 4 – Memorize the Word.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart

    that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11