Here are the notes for the Bible Study.
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Be blessed!
Chris
1. Being Spirit-Led
Being spirit-led means your mind, your soul is being dominated by the Rhema word of God.
Luke 4:4 But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” (NKJV)
It is not about do’s and don'ts. It is about a relationship. Like a parent teaching a child.
God speaks to us primarily through His Word.
Sometimes we are out seeking the will of God, asking Him to speak to us, when really, the Word of God is so near to us, so easily within our reach.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. (NKJV)
2. Sower and the Soils
Changing our behaviour is not the key. Letting the Word change us is. Goodness of God that causes us to repent (change our minds).
Mark 4:13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables? (NKJV)
Matthew 13:18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (NKJV)
You keep the seed. Bearing fruit is the responsibility of the seed, not the soil. The soil’s job is to provide the optimum environment for the seed.
3. Soil #1 – Did Not Understand the Word
Matthew 13:19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. (NKJV)
Understand – mull, think, consider, piece together.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)
Can understand one part of scripture, but not another. Must not allow devil to steal any part of it from us, or we won’t bear fruit in that area. We want to be the servant who had 5 talents, made 5 more and was given the extra one!
Seek to understand. Come for FNBS. STUDY the word.
4. Soil #2 – Did Not Grow Roots to Stand On
Matthew 13:20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. (NKJV)
The Word needs to take root so that we can stand on it. God’s promises should go deep enough for us to believe them, even if the circumstances don’t look like they are in our favour.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (NKJV)
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJV)
Test of your FAITH, not test of your patience!
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
The Word brings right teaching, which gives right belief, which results in FAITH.
5. Soil #3 – Choked, Unfruitful
Matthew 13:22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. (NKJV)
Not sin, but cares and deceitfulness of riches.
What you see, hear, read affects you also.
Love of money
1 Ti 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (NKJV)
Money is neutral and is very good in the right hands! Poverty is bad. Love of money is bad.
6. Soil #4 - Fruitful
Soil just has to be the good soil. Give priority to the Word.
NO TIME = NO PRIORITY
Matthew 13:23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (NKJV)
• Understand the Word
• Believe and stand stubbornly on it by faith
• Don’t get sidetracked – Guard the Word!
• Bear fruit
WE CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WE HAVE NOT READ,
WE CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW.
7. A Method for Studying the Word
Have a methodical way of studying the Word, not just reading.
May be led by the Spirit to look at certain things, but the basis is a methodical study.
• Have a habit – set a time
• Read to understand, not to finish
• Ask God to reveal Himself in this
• Read as if it was your first time
• Read till something strikes you
• Your thoughts - WRITE THEM DOWN!
8. Read multiple tracts
1 part in the Gospels – Start with John
1 part in the rest of the NT
1 part in the Old Testament
1 part in Psalms/Proverbs
9. Taking Notes
Folder file
1 sheet for each chapter of the bible
Write down your understanding of the verse, all your thoughts concerning it.
Keyword and highlight if it helps.
10. Example
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (NKJV)
11. Mix it with Faith
Word must be mixed with faith to profit
Hebrews 4:2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (NKJV)
Speak faith words – your self-talk affects you a lot, so speak God’s Word to yourself.
“I know God’s Word says He loves me, but I don’t feel loved.”
Change this to
“I don’t feel loved but I know God’s Word says He loves me!”
His Word must be good enough, which is why scripture says:
Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (NKJV)
Word must take precedence over what you see
Immerse yourself in an environment of faith people, not faithless people.
Not a religious behaviour, not to say you separate yourself, but who do you look to for advice? Who affects your thoughts?
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. (NKJV)
Fill your mind constantly, daily with the Word of God through:
• What you think/say
• What you read
• What you see
• What you hear
• Whom you associate with
Do the things that build faith, not fear.
Meditate, guard the Word of God. The battle is for your mind.
12. The Take Away
• Understand the Word through reading, studying and good teaching to build faith
• Stand on the Promises of God by faith
• Fear and Faith don’t mix – choose Faith
• Do everything to get the Word in
• Guard the Word in you carefully
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