Saturday, September 28, 2024
Speaker: Ben Snyder, Lead Pastor
Title: Foundational Strength
Memory Verse: Ephesians 3:16-17 (NLT) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
Bottom Line: Scripture is the foundation of our strength.
John 8:31-32 (NLT) Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Isn’t that what we want? To find freedom!
Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT) “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Scripture helps us see God’s BIG PICTURE over our little screen (Stronger than Stress, Chapter 4, pg 52).
Daily Declarations: Verses from the Bible that remind me what is true about God, about me, and about what’s happening around me.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Galatians 4:5 (NLT) God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.
Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:31 (NLT) If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
John 16:33 (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
SOAP Framework for your Bible Reading: Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
Read the SCRIPTURE for today.
Write down any OBSERVATIONS you noticed (questions you have, things that captured your attention, truths about God, reflections about ourselves).
Consider how you can APPLY this verse to your life today.
Make it your PRAYER for today.
James 1:22-25
Resources:
Purchase an NLT Study Bible
YouVersion Bible App
Bible Project
Bible Recap
Through the Word
References:
Ways we have treated stress: Carter’s Little Pills, Electroshock Therapy, Coke-a-cola, Ovaltine, Lucky Strikes, Stress free Christmas shopping for men, Garanimals, Stress Boss Doll
Mind Over Milkshake study, or video
Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: When stressed, do you stuff it, spend it, spew it, guzzle it, or laugh at it?
Why does it seem easier to rely on ourselves rather than Jesus?
Read Matthew 7:24-27. What observations do you have about these verses? How can you apply them to your life?
What do you currently do to fortify your foundation with Scripture?
What is one way you'd like to incorporate reading and learning Scripture into your habits? How can you accomplish this?