Memory Scripture
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
(Romans 15:4)
The Bible: A sacred guide of wisdom, truth and inspiration, revealing God’s love and redemption through Christ.
DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READINGS
Mon. 12: The Word Accomplishes God’s Will Always (Isa.55:10-11)
Tue. 13: The Word Guides, llluminates And Leads (Ps.119:105)
Wed. 14: The Scriptures Testify About Jesus Christ (Lk.24:44)
Thu. 15: The Word Is God (Jn. 1:1-3)
Fri. 16: The Bible ls Inspired By God ‘s Spirit (2 Pet.1:20-21)
Sat. 17: The Word Reveals The Future Truth (Rev. 1:1-3)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
The Bible is God’s guide, showing His plan to save us through Jesus, from beginning to the end.
INTRODUCTION
TEXTUAL SOURCES: GENESIS 3:15: PSALMS 119:105: MATTHEW 5:17-18; LUKE 24:44; ROMANS 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 TIMOTHY 3:16; HEBREWS 1:1-2; 4:12; 2 PETER 1:21
Last year, we focused on: Preparing God’s People for Leadership and saw how strong biblical foundations are key to leading well. Leadership in God’s Kingdom comes from living by the truth of His Word.
This year, we are building on that by exploring: The Bible: God’s Message to the World. Understanding the Bible isn’t just
important for leaders-it is essential for every believer’s walk with God. Glory be to Jesus.
In this first lesson, we will look at what the Bible means, how it is put together, and how the Old and New Testaments are
connected. These parts work together to reveal God’s plan to save us through Jesus Christ.
The Bible isn’t just an old book; it is the living Word of God. still speaking to us today. For Christians, it is our guide to life,
teaching us about God, His creation and His plan to save us through Jesus. To truly understand it, we need to explore its purpose and structure. The Old and New Testaments tell one story of God’s work to redeem Man. From Genesis to Revelation,
every part points to Christ, the fulilmnent of God’s promises.
Let us journey through the Bible together, discovering the wisdom and guidance God has given us for life and leadership.
LESSON OUTLINE
- THE BIBLE: ITS MEANING
- THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE
LESSON EXPOSITION
THE BIBLE: ITS MEANING
(Ps. 119:105; Rom. 15:4; 2 Tim.3:16; Heb.4:12; 2 Pet.1:21)
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine for reproof, for correction, for instruction in.
(2 Timothy 3:16)
a) 2 Pet 1:21: The Bible isn’t just a book; it is God-breathed. It shows God’s will, plan and purpose for us, and guides our relationship with Him. It isn’t man’s idea but God’s, as He spoke through His people by His Spirit.
b) Ps. 119:105: The Bible guides us on how to live. It teaches right from wrong and helps us grow spiritually. It lights our
path in a world of confusion and arkness (cf. Prov.6:23).
c) it points to Jesus, the ultimate Answer to Man’s need. From the first promise of a Saviour (Gen. 3:15) to Jesus’ life, death
and resurrection, God’s plan is revealed (cf. Lk. 24:27; Jn.5:39).
d) Heb. 4:12: The Bible is God’s Word, full of life and power. It guides us to do what is right, shapes our character, and prepares us to serve in God’s kingdom (cf Jas 1:21).
e) Rom. 15:4: The Bible is more than a book of history or morals; it reveals God’s plan of redemption through Christ. From the Old to the New Testament, it points to Christ and shows our need for Him.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIBLE
(Matt. 5:17-18; Lk. 24:44; Rom.15:4; 16:25-26; 2Tim.3:16; Heb. 1:1-2)
For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
(Matthew5:18)
a) Matt. 5:17-18: Jesus didn’t come to scrap the OT but to complete it. The OT points to Christ and the NT shows how
Christ fulfils its promises. Both parts are one united story.
b) The Bible has two parts: the Old and New Testaments. Both work together to show God’s plan to save Man, as fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
c) Lk. 24:44: Jesus confirms that the OT is all about Him. It prepared the way for His life, death and resurrection.
d) Rom. 15:4: The OT was written for our benefits, teaching us about God’s character and His promises. It provides the
foundation for understanding the hope found in Christ Who fulfils those promises.
e) Rom. 16:25-26 show that God’s salvation plan was hidden in the OT but fully revealed in the NT through Jesus. The OT sets the stage, and the NT completes the story.
f) 2 Tim. 3:16: Both Testaments are God-inspired and vital for learning and spiritual growth. Both help us understand God’s will and plan for us.
g) Heb. 1:1-2: God spoke through the prophets in the OT, but in the NT, He speaks through His Son, Jesus.
LESSONS DERIVED
- Read the Bible daily. Recognise it as God’s living Word guiding us to immediate and ultimate salvation through Christ.
- Understand how the Old and New Testaments work together to show God’s plan to save us through Jesus.
QUESTIONS
- How does the Bible guide us in our daily lives and point us to Jesus Christ?
- In what ways do the Old and New Testaments work together to reveal God’s plan of salvation?
