Hebrews 3:7-15 That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested Me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried My patience, even though they saw My miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from Me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’ So in My anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter My place of rest.'” Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says: “Today when you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.”
THE BIBLE
The Power of God’s Word: One of the primary sources of strength and guidance for us in recovery is God’s Word. Paul challenged Timothy to know what God’s Word says and means (2 Timothy 2:15). He described how God’s Word helps us as it teaches us what is true, makes us realize what is wrong in our life, points us in the right direction, and helps us do what is right (2 Timothy 3:16). Our praying and thinking are to focus on God’s Word, for it equips us to live as God wants us to live.
2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
THE BIBLE IS PERFECT
God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. Psalm 18:30
The Bible promises us we can’t achieve Christlike character and holy living all at once, but we must grow towards maturity and wholeness. How are you growing in maturity and wholeness through recovery?
THE BIBLE IS TRUE
For the word of the Lord holds true. Psalms 33:4
The Bible promises us God is worthy of our trust and praise. He can heal our character defects. All we have to do is turn our lives over to Him. How are you consciously turning you will and life over to the care of God?
THE BIBLE WILL LAST FOREVER
Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm. Psalms 119:89
The Bible promises us Gods Word stands firm as a foundation on which we can rebuild our broken and fractured lives. How are you applying God’s doctrine and right living to your life?
THE BIBLE GIVES US WISDOM
I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of Your laws. Psalms 119:99
We should discipline our thoughts to be pure – because right actions begin with right thoughts.
How do you react to negative thoughts?
THE BIBLE CAN BE TRUSTED
Your laws are perfect and completely trustworthy. Psalms 119:138
Trust involves confidence in God’s Word. Do you trust the Bible? (explain)
THE BIBLE REVEALS THE TRUTH
Using the Scriptures, he explained to them that Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 18:28
We may know people who seem to have it all together but are missing the essential truth of the Bible in their lives. When did you last explain the Bible and your faith in God to another person?
THE BIBLE IS HOLY
God promised this Good News long ago through His prophets in the holy Scriptures. Romans 1:2
Paul purposely used the Bible to demonstrate his humility and dependence on God. We make progress in the recovery process when we recognize how helpless we are and how much we need God. When did you make a conscious decision to make Jesus you Lord and Savior? Was it a public decision?
GOD’S HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE
We have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us. When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, “Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach Him?” But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16
The power of God in us changes our hearts and gives us confidence to tell the truth about Him and about our powerlessness. With his power, we can overcome every problem in our lives. What’s the biggest problem the Bible has helped you overcome in your character?
THE BIBLE IS AUTHORITATIVE
Those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under His curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” Galatians 3:10
God doesn’t always work in ways we expect. But His chain of command is built on our faith. When we put our faith in Him He may use unexpected channels to get His message across to us and to get us to follow it. What is the strangest way God has delivered His plan and purpose to you?
THE BIBLE IS A CHRISTIAN’S SPIRITUAL WEAPON
Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
The Bible is our defense against the negative influences of this world and of Satan. It is God’s deliverance of power to us so we can walk in His presence and give hope to others who are struggling with life’s problems. How is the Bible helping you to keep moving forward in your spiritual growth?
THE BIBLE IS INSPIRED BY GOD
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is our ultimate guide to healthy living. It is the only accurate measuring tool available to us. It reveals God’s program of life to us and shows us how to properly relate to him and others. How are you relating to God personally?
THE BIBLE HELPS US GROW SPIRITUALLY
Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. 1 Peter 2:2
We can come to God with all our problems and needs and He will fill our hearts with love and help us to be the people He wants us to be. What, if anything is holding you back from achieving God’s purpose for you?
