WHat Scripture is Shaping Me? LGDIS

February 09, 2026

Summary

This sermon focuses on how Christians should approach Scripture to truly follow Jesus rather than just accumulating biblical knowledge. JMT emphasizes that the Bible is meant to shape us into followers of the Jesus revealed in Scripture, not a Jesus of our own making. He explains that all Scripture points to Jesus as the central figure and hero of the story, and we should interpret the Bible through this lens. The message addresses common struggles Christians face with biblical interpretation and application, encouraging believers to move beyond mere intellectual understanding to genuine transformation.

Intro Prayer

Father God, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You want to teach us through Your Word. We acknowledge that You are the author of Scripture and that Jesus is the central figure of the entire biblical story. Holy Spirit, we ask that You would open our eyes to see how Scripture points to Jesus and shapes us to be more like Him. Help us to not just gain knowledge, but to be transformed by Your truth. Guide our discussion today and help us to be honest about where we need to grow. We pray that You would unite our hearts around Your Word and Your purposes. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one book (other than the Bible) that has significantly influenced or shaped your thinking, and why did it have such an impact on you?

Key Verses

  1. Ephesians 3:1-13
  2. Ephesians 4:22-24
  3. Luke 24:44-49
  4. John 5:39-47
  5. 2 Timothy 3:16

Questions

  1. Paul mentions that Scripture is like a 'library' rather than just a single book. How does this perspective change the way you approach reading different parts of the Bible?
  2. The pastor said we should interpret the Bible 'like Christ taught and modeled.' What are some examples of how Jesus interpreted Scripture during His earthly ministry?
  3. When you read the Old Testament, how do you see it pointing toward Jesus? Can you share a specific example?
  4. The sermon mentioned three questions: 'Do I get it? Do I want it? Do I know what to do with it?' Which of these three is most challenging for you personally and why?
  5. How do you distinguish between your interpretation of Scripture and Scripture's actual authority? Why is this distinction important?
  6. JMT talked about checking our attitude for alignment with Jesus. What are some practical ways we can do this in our daily Bible reading?
  7. When was the last time Scripture challenged you to change something specific about how you live? What was that experience like?
  8. How can we help each other grow in biblical interpretation skills while remaining humble about our own understanding?

Life Application

This week, choose one passage of Scripture to meditate on daily. As you read it each day, ask yourself the three questions from the sermon: 'Do I get it?' (Do I understand how this points to Jesus?), 'Do I want it?' (Am I willing to let this change my attitude?), and 'Do I know what to do with it?' (What specific action is God calling me to take?). Journal your thoughts and pray for the Holy Spirit to shape you through this passage.


Key Takeaways

  1. The Bible is meant to help us follow the Jesus of Scripture, not a Jesus of our own making or imagination
  2. All Scripture points to Jesus as the central figure and hero of the story - He is the lens through which we should interpret the Bible
  3. There's a difference between our interpretation of Scripture and Scripture's authority - we must remain humble about our understanding
  4. Biblical transformation requires three elements: understanding the vision (Do I get it?), wanting God's will (Do I want it?), and knowing how to apply it (Do I know what to do with it?)
  5. The Holy Spirit helps us interpret Scripture and aligns our attitudes with Jesus, moving us from knowledge to genuine life change

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the central figure of all Scripture and for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word. We confess that too often we approach the Bible seeking to confirm our own ideas rather than to be transformed by Your truth. Holy Spirit, continue to work in our hearts this week as we seek to follow the Jesus revealed in Scripture. Help us to be humble learners, willing to have our attitudes adjusted and our lives changed. Give us courage to apply what You show us, even when it's costly or uncomfortable. May we be people who are truly shaped by Your Word, not just informed by it. Unite us as a church family around Your truth and Your mission. We pray this in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.