Foundation of Faith // God's Word

3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. Psalm 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. John 8:31-32 NASB 31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. Ephesians 6:17 NIV Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Philippians 4:13 NIV I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Revelation 3:20a NIV Here I am! I stand at the door and knock… 1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known. Proverbs 1:7a NASB The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge… 2 Timothy 2:14-17a NIV 14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. 3 Understandings to Always Consider When Studying Scripture: 1) Scripture was Written FOR us… not TO us. 2) Some Scripture is PRESCRIPTIVE and Some is DESCRIPTIVE. 3) The CONTEXT of Scripture Always MATTERS. Questions: 1. What does it mean that Scripture was written FOR US even though the people writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit were not writing TO US? How are they different? 2. What does it mean for a Scripture to be PRESCRIPTIVE? What does it mean for a Scripture to be DESCRIPTIVE? Why does understanding this matter? 3. Why is context so important? What does it mean for us to use the entirety of the Bible as the lens for viewing all things?