Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet
Reading God's Word - Rev 1:3
Bryan Schneider · December 29, 2018
Revelation 1:3
sharonrpc.org/sermons/reading-god-s-word-rev-1-3
Summary
- Revelation pronounces blessing on those who read, hear, and keep God's written Word.
- Christians should receive the whole Bible rather than approach it like a buffet from which only familiar or pleasant portions are selected.
- God stoops to speak intelligibly, and Scripture gives truth, defense against temptation, knowledge of Christ, and nourishment for sanctification.
- Reading is meant to produce keeping: the Spirit uses the Word that does not return void to bless and change God's people.
Reflection and discussion
- Do I avoid parts of Scripture that are difficult or confronting?
- Is Bible reading producing obedience or only familiarity?
- What simple plan will help me read the whole counsel of God?
- Which biblical truth do I need ready as defense against temptation?
Key terms
- Public reading
- The voiced reading of Scripture for gathered hearers, reflected in Revelation's singular reader and plural hearers.
- Canon
- The whole collection of God-given Scripture received as authoritative rather than a menu of preferences.
- Keeping the Word
- Holding fast and obeying what God has revealed rather than reading without response.