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Reading, Studying & Applying Biblical Truths

Discussion Points On Scripture Themes For Group Study


Conversation Topics On: Why Christians Must Read and Study the Bible

1. God Commands It:

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
  • Discussion:
    • What does it mean to have God’s words in our hearts?
    • How can we effectively teach and discuss scripture in our daily lives?

2. To Please the Lord and Know the Truth:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
  • Discussion:
    • What does it mean that scripture is “profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness”?
    • How does knowing scripture equip a believer for good works?

3. To Avoid Deception and False Doctrine

  1. Matthew 24:4-5“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”
    • Discussion:
      • Why is it dangerous to be ignorant of scripture?
      • Why does Jesus warn about deception in the last days? What forms does deception take today?
  2. Colossians 2:8“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
    • Discussion:
      • How do worldly philosophies and traditions lead believers away from true biblical teaching?
      • How do false teachers take advantage of biblical illiteracy?
  3. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”
    • Discussion:
      • How can false teachers appear godly but actually deceive people? What are some modern examples of this?
  4. 2 Timothy 4:3-4“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
    • Discussion:
      • Why do people prefer false teachings over sound doctrine? What is meant by “itching ears”?
  5. 1 John 4:1“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
    • Discussion:
      • How do we “test the spirits” to determine whether a teaching is from God?
  6. 2 Peter 2:1-2“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
    • Discussion:
      • What are “damnable heresies”? How can believers guard against false teachers?

4. Growing in Spiritual Maturity:

  • Ephesians 4:13-15“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
  • Discussion:
    • What does it mean to be no longer “tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine”?
    • How can believers grow into the “measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ”?

5. Desiring the Word as Spiritual Nourishment:

  • 1 Peter 2:2“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
  • Discussion:
    • What does it mean to “desire the sincere milk of the word”?
    • How can we cultivate a deeper hunger for God’s Word?

6. Discernment Through Scripture:

  • Hebrews 5:14“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
  • Discussion:
    • Why is it important to exercise discernment?
    • How does studying the Bible help us distinguish good from evil?

7. Confirming the Truth with Scripture:

  • Acts 17:11“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
  • Discussion:
    • How did the Bereans demonstrate a biblical model for verifying truth?
    • Why is it important to compare teachings with scripture rather than relying on tradition or opinions?

8. Struggle with the Old Nature:

  • Romans 7:17-20, 25“Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me… I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
  • Discussion:
    • Why does Paul acknowledge the struggle between the flesh and the spirit?
    • How does Romans 7:25 give us hope in overcoming sin?

9. Living by Faith in Christ:

  • Galatians 2:20“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
  • Discussion:
    • What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ” yet still live?
    • How does faith in Christ change our daily walk?

10. The Importance of Studying Together:

  • Proverbs 27:17“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
  • Discussion:
    • How does studying the Bible with others help us grow in understanding?
    • In what ways can fellow believers encourage and challenge each other in their walk with Christ?

11. The Final Question: Do We Crucify the Flesh Daily?

  1. Galatians 5:24“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
    • Discussion:
      • What does it mean to “crucify the flesh”? How is this different from just resisting temptation?
      • What does it look like to crucify the flesh daily in practical terms?
  2. Luke 9:23“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
    • Discussion:
      • Jesus emphasizes that taking up our cross is a daily action. How does this practically look in a believer’s life?
      • How does studying the Bible help us surrender to Christ each day?
  3. Romans 8:13“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
    • Discussion:
      • What does it mean to “mortify the deeds of the body”? How does the Holy Spirit help in this process?
  4. Colossians 3:5“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
    • Discussion:
      • Paul commands believers to put to death sinful desires. What practical steps can we take to do this?
  5. Romans 6:6-7“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
    • Discussion:
      • What does it mean that our “old man is crucified”? How does this impact our daily struggle with sin?
  6. 1 Corinthians 15:31“I die daily.”
    • Discussion:
      • Paul speaks of dying daily. How does this connect to crucifying the flesh?

Final Reflection Questions:

  • How intentional are we about crucifying the flesh daily?
  • What are some practical ways to do this (prayer, scripture, accountability, etc.)?
  • What role does the Holy Spirit play in this process?

These scriptures will reinforce the necessity of dying to self daily and living a life led by the Spirit. Discussing these points as outlined will hopefully spark deep conversation and encourage personal reflection.

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