A. INTRODUCTION
1. Why do most people read or study the Bible?
a. Required
b. Curiosity
c. To find an answer or research a topic
d. Follow a routine
e. Search for truth
f. To find God
g. To go to heaven (and not hell) when they die
2. What is the motive of the true born again believer? “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight” (Jer. 15:16, NLT). “I have . . . treasured His word more than daily food” (Job 23:12, NLT).
3. Bible study can transform your life. “Now you with unveiled face look to Me to see My brightness reflected in the mirror of the Word of God. Then you will continually be transformed into My image by the work of the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18, BBJ).
B. SEVEN RESULTS OF BIBLE STUDY WITH JESUS
1. To find truth. People ask, “What is truth?” (John 18:38). The answer, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17), and “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Truth has two definitions:
a. Truth is consistent with itself.
b. Truth is perfect reflection of reality.
2. To find God. Paul in Athens said, “I worship the One you don’t know . . . God wants all to search for Him so they might find Him, because God is not far from each of us” (Acts 17:23, 27, BBJ). “Everyone can plainly learn that an intelligent Creator put the laws of nature in place to control everything” (Rom. 1:18, BBJ).
3. To find life beyond the grave. “It is appointed that each person will die once” (Heb. 9:27, BBJ).
4. To overcome ignorance or blindness. Jesus said, “If you have eyes to see then you will understand the spiritual application” (Matt. 13:10, BBJ).
5. To find salvation. In Scriptures, “Accept the implanted Word that saved you. Do not merely listen to the Word . . . do what it says” (James 1:17-18, BBJ). “You were born again to new life . . . you were born again to new life that will last for eternity. This life comes from . . . the Word of God” (1 Peter 1:23, BBJ).
6. To know Christ. “That I may know Christ” (Phil. 3:10, KJV). “Make this your personal mission; to experience Me and the power of My resurrection . . . you can become a “Christ dominated person” for which I originally purchased you . . . daily forget past accomplishments and failures . . . daily look forward . . . to win the prize of your upward calling in Me” (Phil. 3:10, 13-14, BBJ).
7. To carry out God’s plan for your life and fulfill the Great Commission.
a. God’s plan. “I know the plans I have for you . . . plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future” (Jer. 29:11, NLT).
b. God’s gifting. “God gives different spiritual gifts to each, but they come from the same Lord. The Holy Spirit works through each of you, but He is the same source. There are different kinds of service, but we all serve the same Lord. God works in different ways in each of us, but He is the same God working through each of us” (1 Cor. 12:4-6, ELT).
c. Great Commission. “May you be strong and continually steady so that all glory goes to God My Father. May you understand the mystery . . . of His church which is now revealed to all but kept secret in past ages. May the preaching of Jesus Christ bring all nations (ethna groups) to the obedience of faith” (Rom. 16:25-26, BBJ). “Because you know My Father will judge you, work hard to win people to Me” (2 Cor. 5:11, BBJ).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
All PBC lessons are available online at trbc.org/pbc. Go to www.Hopenow.tv for the current program schedule.
www.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-elmer-towns
Dr. Towns' email is ELTowns@liberty.edu
Dr. Towns’ web address is www.elmertowns.com
