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How would you prioritize the three reasons given in this lesson for studying the Bible: “It is essential to knowing and loving God;” “It is essential for growing up in God;” and “It is essential to serving God”? What is the basis for how you prioritize them?
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To me they are the same.
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In my walk, these three are tied together. Because I am growing in the Lord, I am growing in his service, and in his grace. I study the bible to know Jesus, to grow, and to understand what his will is for my life.
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1) to grow in God’s Word 2) to be equipped to serve 3) to be able to train others in the Word
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I would not change the priority of the three reasons in this lesson. According to Matthew 22:34-37 when the Pharisees experts in religious law attempted to trap Jesus (the Word in Flesh) which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses? (NLT). Jesus stated “you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind v.37. Once we learn to love God then we would want to grow in Christ to know more of Him and who we are in Jesus. Which leads us to the third essential which is to service God and serving others. V. 38-39 tells us that “This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NLT) So my basis is the same as Jesus laid them out, which this lesson does so beautifully. The “loving God first” for me changed my life. For years I did not understand “the Love of God” even as a believer. But once I allowed God’s love to penetrate my heart my view of God changed. I now know that God loves me and that everyday I love Him more and more. Not perfect, but the burden of trying to be perfect is not longer a factor Phil. 1:6; 2:12-13. (NKJV)
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In my opinion, all three of the above are equally important. It is suitable for each stage of development, if we don’t know how to love God. When we fall in love, we must grow our relationship with God and there will be a time when we have to help others start this process