Throwdown 2023

OLD VS. NEW Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning. DIGGING DEEPER 1. Describe your history and current relationship with the Bible. Are you: Familiar and comfortable with it? Been reading it for years? Regularly engage with it as a way of spending time with God? Like the New Testament but avoid the Old or the other way around? Try to read it, but feel lost or overwhelmed? Brand new to it or never cracked it open? Etc. 2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible makes many claims about its purpose and value. The Apostle Paul in his second letter to his protege sums up some of these claims in this passage. What do we learn about Scripture here? How have you experienced the Bible as God’s inspired (breathed out) word in your own life? 3. Read Psalm 19:7-11. How does the Psalmist describe God’s Word (the Law)? Do you approach the Bible with the same premises? Why or why not? 4. Read Luke 24. What claims does Jesus make about the Scriptures (the Old Testament). How should this affect the way we read the Old Testament and the Bible as a whole? 5. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s word is “living and active”, so this exercise is intended to help you connect the Word from your mind, to your heart and into your daily life: Read Psalm 19:7-11 again slowly a few times. What word or phrase stands out to you? Sit with this for a few moments and examine your heart. What does this word or phrase stir up in you? With whatever arises, respond to God in prayer and invite Him to help you live this out in your life. KEY SCRIPTURE 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Hebrews 4:12 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. TAKE A NEXT STEP If this Digging Deeper whets your appetite to grow more in your understanding and application of God’s Word, a great step would be to take one of our Grow classes starting in just a couple weeks! You can sign up here: Alpha: https://www.gatewaychurch.com/event-details/?id=97806 God’s Redemptive Story: https://www.gatewaychurch.com/event-details/?id=97551 How to Read the Bible: https://www.gatewaychurch.com/event-details/?id=97525 FOR THE PARENTS Hey, families! Here’s a look at what we’re covering with your kids so you can help them continue to grow at home during the week. THIS WEEK This week, kids learn from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount about how to love their enemies. THE BIBLE: Jesus taught us how to love our enemies. THE BIG IDEA: Matthew 5:43-48 ASK THIS Because sometimes you and your kid need a conversation-starter that isn’t, “So . . . how was church?” What can you do when you’re finding it hard to love someone in the moment? What is something that can remind you to love your enemies every day? REMEMBER THIS This month, your kids are memorizing the Bible verse John 13:15 (NIV), in case you want to work on them together. EC: “…you should do as I have done for you.” John 13:15b Elem: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” John