PATTERNS AND PRINCIPLES

Pastor Bryan – PATTERNS AND PRINCIPLES

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

John 10:27

BIBLICAL TRUTH: The better you , the better you will

The bible shows us God is more than it gives us .

WHAT YOU READ MATTERS – BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE

¹⁴ But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. ¹⁵ You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 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. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

II Timothy 3:14-17

• Better .
  • 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness.
  • 32% less likely to experience anger issues.
• Better .
  • 40% less likely to have major issues especially in marriage.
  • 231% higher odds of discipling other people.
• Better .
  • 59% less likely to view porn.
  • 57% less likely to get drunk.
• Better
  • 60% less likely to feel spiritually stagnant.
  • 228% more likely to share their faith.
  • 407% more likely to memorize scripture.

⁸ The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

HOW DO I ENGAGE WITH THE BIBLE?

¹⁵ Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. ¹⁶ Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.

I Timothy 4:15-16

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.

II Timothy 2:15

1. See it as a .

Meta-narrative” – An academic term for a comprehensive story that explains everything.

        2.  Read it as literature.

Literary Genres of the Bible:

• Historical Narrative (ie. Exodus, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, Acts)
• Wisdom Literature (Songs, Sayings, Poetry) (ie. Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job)
• Prophecy (ie. Major: Isaiah, Jeremiah; ie. Minor: Amos, Hosea, Joel)
• Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
• Epistles (ie. Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians)
• Apocalyptic (Daniel, Revelation)

Understand the difference between  & .

Everyone “must do this” is different than “you will benefit from” this.

Descriptive VS. Prescriptive

        3.  Make a .

A FEW THOUGHTS:

• Have a defined .
• Get a Bible you are .
• Use a Bible .
• Before the Bible .

¹⁷ Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. ¹⁸ Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.

Psalm 119:17-18

THE ULTIMATE GOAL:

• Church.
• your Bible.
• Read your Bible with .
• Keep .

⁷ As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! ⁸ I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!

Psalm 119:7-8