Summary

The teaching discusses the challenge of becoming so familiar with the Bible that one becomes numb to its message. Pastor Keith shares a personal experience of witnessing someone hear the crucifixion story for the first time, which made him realize how his own familiarity had dulled his emotional connection to scripture. The message explores both the advantages and disadvantages of deep biblical familiarity, and offers practical suggestions for rekindling a fresh engagement with God's Word.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we acknowledge that sometimes our familiarity with Scripture can dull our hearts to its power. Open our minds and spirits to experience Your living Word anew. Help us to see beyond our preconceptions and hear Your voice speaking to us freshly through these ancient texts. Guide our conversation and show each person here exactly what You want them to receive today. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What was the first Bible story you remember hearing as a child, and do you recall how it made you feel at that time?

Key Verses

• Hebrews 4:12

• Isaiah 8:11

Questions

• The speaker mentions witnessing someone weep upon hearing about Jesus' crucifixion for the first time. Have you ever had a moment when a familiar Bible passage suddenly impacted you in a new or powerful way?

• What are some advantages you've experienced from being familiar with the Bible? What disadvantages have you noticed?

• The message states, 'Your experience of deep familiarity with the Bible has no merit on its own. It doesn't represent your level of spirituality or relationship with God.' How does this statement challenge or affirm your thinking?

• In what ways might you have treated the Bible more as a textbook or encyclopedia rather than as a living, active Word?

• The speaker suggests reading the Bible in a different translation to gain fresh perspective. Have you ever tried this? What was your experience?

• How might putting yourself in the place of a character in a Bible story change your understanding or experience of that passage?

• What practices have helped you overcome spiritual numbness or jadedness when it comes to engaging with Scripture?

• The message distinguishes between the Bible and God Himself. How important is this distinction, and how might confusing the two affect our spiritual growth?

Life Application

This week, choose a familiar Bible story or passage and experience it in a completely new way. You might listen to an audio version, read it in a different translation, watch a visual portrayal like The Chosen, or try reading it from the perspective of one of the characters in the story. Journal about what new insights or feelings emerge from this fresh approach, and be prepared to share with the group next time how God spoke to you through this exercise.

Key Takeaways

• Familiarity with Scripture can lead to emotional disconnection and spiritual stagnation if we're not careful.

• The Bible is a tool God uses to shape us, not God Himself - we should ask God to make His Word alive to us.

• Reading Scripture in different translations or formats can help us hear God's message with fresh ears.

• Putting ourselves in the place of biblical characters can transform our reading from intellectual to experiential.

• Our background with the Bible has advantages we should appreciate while addressing the disadvantages.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for Your living Word that continues to speak through generations. Forgive us for the times we've allowed familiarity to breed complacency. Reignite our passion for Scripture and help us to approach Your Word with fresh eyes and open hearts. As we leave this discussion, may we each commit to engaging with Your Word in new ways that allow Your Spirit to transform us. Help us to see beyond the familiar words to the living God who speaks through them. In Jesus' name, amen.