Talk

People of the Book

Ben Stuart
June 11, 2023

This week, we continue our Church People series with an important question: Why is the Bible so important to the people of God? In this message, Ben shows us why it is crucial for the church to study and proclaim the Word of God.

Key Takeaway

Why are we people of the book? Because this is the instrumental means of the new birth, this is the means of spiritual growth; it's our duty and delight to proclaim it, offer it, hold forth the Word of life, take the hit it requires to deliver this to our generation until we see His face.

Why are we the people of the Book?

  1. This is the means of the new birth. God brings things to life. In Genesis 1, God speaks, and there is life. In Genesis 2, God breathes and brings people to life. You must be born again, and you're born again by the Word of Truth.

  2. It's the appointed means of spiritual growth. The Bible is how we grow. This is sufficient for you to teach people the right information. If you're tired, needing joy, or feeling anxious, the Word will give you hope. It trains, corrects, and instructs you.

  3. It's our duty to deliver it. We're called to preach the Word. When they celebrate you or stone you, preach. Preach it because they don't want to hear it. People's passions will lead them to find preachers who tell them what they want to hear, but they will be led astray. They need people preaching the Word of God. It's your turn to share the gospel with the next generation.

“
"When you take seriously the Word of God it will challenge you. It will rebuke you. But that's what you want because you know you're not sufficient on your own. You want a book that will challenge you, offend you, change you, and deliver you. To rebuke you and to exhort you."
”
Ben Stuart

Discussion Questions

  1. What does the Word of God say about new birth?
  2. How has the Word of God personally brought you growth in this season?
  3. How can you create a habit so that the Bible is your first response when dealing with your feelings?
  4. Where have you seen the Bible change someone from the inside out?
  5. Knowing that God commands us to preach the Word of God, what are some ways you can talk about the Word in your work life?
  6. How can you tell people about Jesus in your personal life?
  7. Do you feel the weight of carrying the gospel to this next generation? How so?

Scripture References

42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
23For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
22I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.”
Ben Stuart
Ben Stuart
Ben Stuart is the pastor of Passion City Church D.C. Prior to joining Passion City Church, Ben served as the executive director of Breakaway Ministries on the campus of Texas A&M. He also earned a master’s degree in historical theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Donna, live to inspire and equip people to walk with God for a lifetime.