MODULE 4
Meeting 1
DISCUSS the Script video using the discussion questions below.
Written by Phil Wiseman, videography by Jay Wilde
THE POINT OF THE VIDEO: Christians are characters in God’s great drama, and the Bible is our script.
Questions
1. What does it mean for the Bible to be our “script?”
2. How does understanding the Bible as a script differ from viewing it as an instruction manual, newspaper, or novel?
3. Today, people live out many different scripts. What are some of the false scripts that threaten to draw our attention away from the truth of scripture?
4. We’ve laid out the Bible in four “acts.” Take a moment to review:
Act 1 is Creation. We read about this in Genesis 1-2. An all-powerful, loving God forms the universe. He then places his image bearers inside this world to represent him, and he calls it “very good.”
Act 2 is called The Fall. This happens in Genesis 3, and it keeps getting worse, all the way through chapter 11. It’s where God’s people stop trying to reflect God and instead try to be God. All of creation is now broken, and things start to fall apart.
Act 3 is Redemption. It starts in Genesis 12, where God puts his rescue plan into action. He begins by calling Abraham and his descendants to show the world how He made them to live. It leads us to one Israelite named Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection show us how everything can get back on track. This is the act that we are still living out today.
Act 4 is called Completion. We read about this in the book of Revelation. It’s where God will one day make all things right again, and we will live with Him, and nothing will get in the way.
On the one hand, the Bible is complete, with nothing to be added or taken away (Revelation 22:18). On the other hand, we’re still living out the story of scripture (Act 3). How might understanding Acts 1 and 2—as well as what’s to come in Act 4—help us live out Act 3 today?
5. Choose one of the following passages to read together: Deuteronomy 6:1–12, Psalm 51, Matthew 6:25–34, or Colossians 3:1–17. Spend some time reflecting on the passage, sharing any ways that it speaks to you today.
6. We’ve discussed the four great Acts of the Bible. How does your passage call forth redemption (Act 3) in your own life as well as the world around you? How is it inviting you to join God in renewing what was broken in the fall?
7. Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on scripture in this way, what might it mean for us to “live out” the Bible? How is this more than simply knowing scripture, understanding scripture, or even obeying scripture?
ASSIGNMENT: Before your next meeting, work through the Scripture Practices below. Also watch the video, Beginning, in preparation for the next meeting.
Written by Phil Wiseman. Videography by Jay Wilde