Page 87 - Principles for Discipling Others-Student textbook

Study Section 17: The Habit of Reading the Bible

17.1 Connect.

Paul’s final words in II Peter 3:18 is a challenge to the church to “grow in grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” But how is that accomplished? You can’t
just walk up to your child and tell him you want him to grow to be very tall so he can play
sports. Growth is a process and takes time.

But this verse does tell us the means of growth. It is by increasing our knowledge of Jesus
Christ. And just how is that accomplished? The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the logos of God – the
expression of who God is. And He has revealed God to us in His person and in His word. The way we
can grow in Christ is by immersing our minds into His Word. As we learn and apply His Word in our lives,
we grow in Christ. The key to growth is God’s Word. Let’s investigate these thoughts further….

17.2 Objectives:

1. We will learn why it is so important to read and memorize God’s Word on a daily basis.

2. We will be challenged by some ways to memorize the Bible and set goals for every week.

3. We will look at some notable sayings from famous people about the importance of reading God’s
Word.

17.3 The Habit of Reading the Bible (Excerpted from Halley’s Handbook pp.805-813)

Everybody ought to love the Bible. Everybody ought to Read the Bible. It is God’s Word. It
holds the solutions of life. It tells about the Best Friend mankind ever had, the Noblest,
Kindest, Truest man that ever trod this earth.

It is the most beautiful story ever told. It is the best guide to human conduct ever known. It
gives a meaning, and a glow, and a joy, and a victory, and a destiny, and a glory to life
elsewhere unknown.

There is nothing in history, or in literature, that in anywise compares with the simple annals of the Man
of Galilee, who spent his days and night ministering to the suffering, teaching human kindness, dying for
human sin, rising to life that shall never end, and promising eternal security and eternal happiness to all
who will come to Him.

Most people in their serious moods must have some wonderment in their minds as to how things are
going to stack up when the end comes. Laugh it off, toss it aside, as we may, that day will come. You
may ask, “And then what?” The Bible has the answer. And an unmistakable answer it is. There Is a God.
There is a Heaven. There is a Hell. There is a Saviour. There will be a day of judgment. Happy the man,
who, in the days of his flesh, makes his peace with the Christ of the Bible, and gets himself ready for that
final day.

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