1.5. The Word of God: ESSENTIAL
a. KEY VERSES: Matthew 4:1-11; Jeremiah 15:16
b. KEY THOUGHT: The Word of God is given to us by God that we might feed upon and draw life from it as one would rely on daily bread.
c. KEY QUESTION: How did Jesus view the Word of God?
d. DISCUSSION WITH REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
i. Read Matthew 4:1-11. Where is Jesus in this passage? Where is Satan? What is happening in this scene with Jesus and Satan?
ii. What is the first temptation Satan throws at Jesus? How does Jesus counter Satan with this temptation? What does Jesus compare the Word of God to in this interaction? Why do you think He does so?
iii. How does Jesus confirm throughout the rest of this scene that God’s Word is central for all of the believer’s life? What phrase does Jesus repeat in verses 4, 7, and 10? What do we learn by His use of the Word of God?
iv. Note that Satan also has the Word of God memorized! What does the craftiness of our enemy, Satan, force us to realize as we seek to know the Scriptures?
v. Read Jeremiah 15:16. What effects did God’s Word have on Jeremiah?
vi. How does Jeremiah’s response to receiving God’s Word set an example for us?
f. APPLICATION: If Jesus quoted the Word of God to overcome temptation, perhaps we need to consider memorizing the Word also. Perhaps you might begin to memorize the verses we just studied!
The Discipler’s Handbook by Dana Yeakley. A NavPress resource published in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.