Lesson 12 — The Word Principle

University Objectives… (Reviewed)
_________ the Word!
___________ the Word!
_________ the Word!

Semper Vivus: __________________   ____________

“This __________ is ___________!”

“University” Defined:
“An institution of ________________ at the highest ____________.” 

Principle 12 (of 12)
The ____________ Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of a careful, consistent, daily encounter in God’s Word. I must love God’s Word, learn God’s Word and live God’s Word, for in it rests all the keys to true maturity in Christ. I must ponder its pages, practice its precepts, and know its author. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Foundational Premise…

“Premise” Defined:
“A proposition upon which an ___________________ is based or from which a ___________________ is drawn.”

Premise…
Because God’s Word is a living ___________________ of His nature and character, a _______________ of His presence and Person, as well as the attaining of meaningful ___________________ in Christ, requires consistent and focused  _____________________ in His Word. 

Scripture:
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG)

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. — Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of God stands forever. — Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)

“HIGHWAY 119”:  The Way of the Word
(From Psalm 119, The Message)

Scripture:
The revelation of God is whole and pulls our lives together. The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road. The life-maps of God are right, showing the way to joy. The directions of God are plain and easy on the eyes. — Psalm 19:7 (MSG)

1. Road Sign One: God’s Word ______________

Scripture:
By your words I can see where I’m going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path. — Psalm 119:105 (MSG)

2. Road Sign Two: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of you; don’t let me miss the road signs you’ve posted. I’ve banked your promises in the vault of my heart so I won’t sin myself bankrupt. — Psalm 119:9-11 (MSG)

3. Road Sign Three: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. — Psalm 119:91-92 (MSG)

Your righteousness is eternally right, your revelation is the only truth. Even though troubles came down on me hard, your commands always gave me delight. — Psalm 119:142-143 (MSG)

4. Road Sign Four: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn; build me up again by your Word. Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. — Psalm 119:28-29 (MSG)

5. Road Sign Five: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Then I’ll tell the world what I find, speak out boldly in public, unembarrassed. I cherish your commandments—oh, how I love them!—relishing every fragment of your counsel. — Psalm 119:47-48 (MSG)

6. Road Sign Six: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed. I was up at once, didn’t drag my feet, was quick to follow your orders. — Psalm 119:59-60 (MSG)

7. Road Sign Seven: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel. Be good to your servant, God; be as good as your Word. Train me in good common sense; I’m thoroughly committed to living your way. — Psalm 119:64-66 (MSG)

8. Road Sign Eight: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Turn my way, look kindly on me, as you always do to those who personally love you. Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me. — Psalm 119:132-133 (MSG)

9. Road Sign Nine: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right. — Psalm 119:74-75 (MSG)

10. Road Sign Ten: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. — Psalm 119:76-77 (MSG)

11. Road Sign Eleven: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance. — Psalm 119:78-79 (MSG)

12. Road Sign Twelve: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I’m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. — Psalm 119:93-94 (MSG)

13. Road Sign Thirteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
I see the limits to everything human, but the horizons can’t contain your commands! Oh, how I love all you’ve revealed; I reverently ponder it all the day long. Your commands give me an edge on my enemies; they never become obsolete. — Psalm 119:96-98 (MSG)

14. Road Sign Fourteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Let your love dictate how you deal with me; teach me from your textbook on life. I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions. — Psalm 119:124-125 (MSG)

15. Road Sign Fifteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Your words are so choice, so tasty; I prefer them to the best home cooking. — Psalm 119:103 (MSG)

16. Road Sign Sixteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
I’ve committed myself and I’ll never turn back from living by your righteous order. Everything’s falling apart on me, God; put me together again with your Word. — Psalm 119:106-107 (MSG)

17. Road Sign Seventeen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—I always have and always will. I hate the two-faced, but I love your clear-cut revelation. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. — Psalm 119:112-114 (MSG)

18. Road Sign Eighteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Every word you give me is a miracle word—how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. — Psalm 119:129-130 (MSG)

19. Road Sign Nineteen: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Let my cry come right into your presence, God; provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word. Give my request your personal attention, rescue me on the terms of your promise. — Psalm 119:169-170 (MSG)

20. Road Sign Twenty: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well, use your decrees to put iron in my soul. — Psalm 119:175 (MSG)

21. Road Sign Twenty-One: God’s Word ________________

Scripture:
“Salvation” is only gibberish to the wicked because they’ve never looked it up in your dictionary. Your mercies, God, run into the billions; following your guidelines, revive me. — Psalm 119:155-156 (MSG)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
Theologians and Bible scholars often say the Bible is “alive.” Discuss why you think the Bible is different from all other religious or non-religious literature in history. And why do you feel it is entirely appropriate to describe God’s Word as a living extension of His nature and character?  

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Select one or two of the 21 “road signs” from Psalm 119 shared in this study and “pray back” to the Lord the Scripture portion that is used to describe that specific blessing God’s Word promises. Apply that blessing to yourself, a friend or even a need in our culture or the nations.

ROMANCING THE WORD: A PERSONAL CASE STUDY

Scripture:
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. — Psalm 119:97-98 (NKJV)

Great peace have those who love Your law, And nothing causes them to stumble. — Psalm 119:165 (NKJV)

God’s Word is better than a diamond… set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries. There’s more: God’s Word warns us of danger and directs us to hidden treasure. — Psalm 19:10-11 (MSG)

WORD-WORSHIP 21 DAYS OF DELIGHT!

Scripture:
In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me?… In God (I will praise His word), In the Lord (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. — Psalm 56:4, 10-11 (NKJV)

I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name… For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. — Psalm 138:2 (NKJV)

1. Step One:
Daily, for the next 21 days, read several of the 12 principles (and their primary passages) aloud. You may wish to begin memorizing these key passages.

2. Step Two:
If not yet accomplished, look up and box the 12 principle “primary” passages. Put a circle with the number of the principle beside this main passage. Underline key phrases in the passage that relate to the principle. See The University of the Word “Easy Reference Guide” for additional ideas. 

3. Step Three:
Print the name of each principle and its primary passage at the front or back of your Bible. (Keep The University of the Word “Easy Reference Guide” with your Bible for future reference.)

4. Step Four:
Begin looking up all the assigned passages for each principle. This will take some time. Don’t be rushed. Box each passage and underline key phrases that speak to you. Keep in mind that a university degree is never earned in just a week or two.

5. Step Five:
Remember to place the number of a principle, circled, in the margin of your Bible by every verse boxed or marked. Be sure that each specific reference also is written in the margin next to the “primary” passage for that principle.

6. Step Six:
Optional: You may wish to begin color-coding all passages as you go. See The University of the Word “Easy Reference Guide” for recommended colors for shading passages. By doing this now, you will become prepared for doing your entire Bible in the future.

7. Step Seven:
Keep in mind that some passages will relate to more than one principle. Thus, you may have more than one number circled beside a passage. However, if using color codes, color a passage for the principle that a particular passage most represents.

8. Step Eight:
After boxing all verses, try doing all of the Psalms. This will help you view every verse in light of the principle it most fits. Remember, many sub-themes are related to each principle. See the “Easy Reference Guide” for a list of the various sub-themes.     

9. Step Nine:
Although the first 21 days will help you get an idea of what it means to mark and cross-reference your Bible, you will soon embark on a lifetime enrollment in God’s University of the Word. After doing the Psalms, do the New Testament and then the Old. Have fun!                              

Principle Twelve Reviewed
The Word Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of a careful, consistent, daily encounter in God’s Word. I must love God’s Word, learn God’s Word and live God’s Word, for in it rests all the keys to true maturity in Christ. I must ponder its pages, practice its precepts, and know its author. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
Discuss what you feel are the benefits from marking one’s Bible and highlighting verses as you go. Share with your discussion group an experience you’ve had in your walk with the Lord in which God’s Word spoke to you in a uniquely specific manner. How would you define “falling in love” with God’s Word?  

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Pray that God will allow you to “fall in love” with His Word. Ask Him to give you a new and fresh passion to study His Word faithfully as a daily discipline. Confess any lacking on your part for failing to engage in God’s Word on a regular basis.

Look up these passages in your Bible, underline key phrases or put a box around them. Put a number “12” in the margin of your Bible by that passage and circle it. Then, go back to your primary passage (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and in the margin write these verses beside it or at the bottom of the page. In this way you will begin to cross-reference your Bible.

• Leviticus 26:3-4
• Numbers 23:19
• Deuteronomy 6:24
• Joshua 1:7-8
• 2 Samuel 22:31
• Psalm 1:1-2
• Psalm 12:6-8
• Psalm 19:7-10
• Psalm 56:5, 10-11
• Psalm 119:9-11
• Psalm 119:28-29
• Psalm 119:41-48
• Psalm 119:59-60
• Psalm 119:64-66
• Psalm 119:74-75
• Psalm 119:91-92
• Psalm 119:93-94
• Psalm 119:96-98
• Psalm 119:103
• Psalm 119:105
• Psalm 119:106-107
• Psalm 119:112-114
• Psalm 119:124-125
• Psalm 119:129-130
• Psalm 119:132-133
• Psalm 119:142-143
• Psalm 119:155-156
• Psalm 119:165
• Psalm 119:169-170
• Psalm 119:175
• Psalm 138:2
• Psalm 138:1-2
• Proverbs 3:1-2
• Isaiah 34:16-17
• Isaiah 40:6-8
• Isaiah 46:8-11
• Jeremiah 15:15-16
• Jeremiah 23:29
• Ezekiel 3:1-3
• John 8:31
• Romans 10:17
• 1 Thessalonians 2:13
• Hebrews 4:2, 12
• 2 Peter 1:19-21

Principle Twelve Reviewed: The Word Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of a careful, consistent, daily encounter in God’s Word. I must love God’s Word, learn God’s Word and live God’s Word, for in it rests all the keys to true maturity in Christ. I must ponder its pages, practice its precepts, and know its author. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
Discuss what you feel are the benefits from marking one’s Bible and highlighting verses as you go. Share with your discussion group an experience you’ve had in your walk with the Lord in which God’s Word spoke to you in a uniquely specific manner. How would you define “falling in love” with God’s Word?  

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Pray that God will allow you to “fall in love” with His Word. Ask Him to give you a new and fresh passion to study His Word faithfully as a daily discipline. Confess any lacking on your part for failing to engage in God’s Word on a regular basis.