Our images of God influence the whole of our Christian life. This section looks at the greatness of God in creation, the love of God in Jesus and the power of God in the Holy Spirit, and how to discover this God in the Bible.

Play the tape of the talk if group members have not heard it.

Session 4: Discovering the Bible

Introduction

Through the scriptures we can learn about God who made us, Jesus who came to save us and the Holy Spirit who makes Jesus alive in us today. John wrote his Gospel in order that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through faith in him we can have life. (John 20:31). "God's Word" is alive and can lead to life. What greater promise could any book contain?

Making sense of the Bible

The Bible is a library of 66 books of many different styles, many different writers. We all have different preferences and ways of studying.

Why read the Old Testament? One theologian's response is 'Because it is the spiritual inheritance Christ received, it is what he filled his mind with, it is the soil in which his thought grew, it is the alphabet in which he spelled, it is the body of doctrine which he took over and transformed. So whenever I am reading the Old Testament I am asking, "What does this mean when it is transformed in Christ?"'

Discussion
2 Timothy 3: 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living. If the Bible is so good why do you think so many people do not read it regularly?
1 Timothy 1:15 How do we know which parts of the Bible are most important? Why is the death of Jesus so central to its message?

Ten commandments for making sense of the Bible

1. You shall pray for God the Holy Spirit's help in understanding the Bible, as he is the overall author.
2. You should allow what the Bible teaches to mould your opinions - not vice versa!
3. You shall constantly try to obey the Bible's teaching in daily life.
4. You shall always look at the passage's setting.
5. You shall check whether the real meaning of a passage is as seems at first sight.
6. You shall, where possible, use one part of the Bible to make sense of another.
7. You shall not ignore the bits you don't like.
8. You shall not overemphasize one truth out of proportion, so that it contradicts something else the Bible teaches.
9. You shall not be too sure this side of heaven that your understanding is always right.
10. You shall never twist the Bible's words to win your point.

Discussion
There is a variety of ways in which we can study the Bible. Try to share ways that you find helpful. Discus the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. If you use Bible notes explain where you obtain them from and why you find them helpful. Why do we differ in the way we read the Bible? Which passages do you find helpful in time of trouble?

Read Ephesians 1:15-17
1. Thank God for those who have taught you. Pray for those who are teachers or writers, especially those who teach the young.
2. Pray that the Holy Spirit will make us wise and reveal God to us through the scriptures.
3. Pray for courage and wisdom as we try to share what God teaches us through his word.