TLC Values: Anchored in the Bible

Speaker: Ruth Brown

Notes

Anchors - a traditional anchor is used to stop a ship and stop it drifting. A "sea anchor" can be used to slow a ship down, steer it and prevent it capsizing. The Bible describes the word, hope, maturity and faith as acting like anchors (Heb 2:1, Heb 6:19, Eph 4:14, James 1:6). All come from living according to God's word, the Bible.

The Bible is useful as an equipping tool. 2 Tim 3:16

• Teaching - the Bible has authority (Mark 1:22); we need to hear and obey (John 14:23); it makes us strong in the faith (2 Thess 2:15); beware of false teaching (Heb 13:8-9, 1 Tim 4:1-2)

• Correcting - loving discipline helps us grow (Heb 12:5-11)

• Rebuking - resisting evil, rebuking the enemy (Matt 17:18, Mark 8:33, Luke 4:39); also rebuking sin in others (must be done with love!) (Luke 17:3, Rev 3:19)

• Training in righteousness - the Bible shows us what God is like and how we should live. Use it to train yourself (1 Tim 4:8, Heb 5:14)

The goal is to become perfect in Christ (Col 1:28) and to be mature (Eph 4:14)

Application

Think of some examples of how the Bible can act like an anchor - has it stopped you drifting with the tide? Steered you in the right direction or slowed you down? Or kept you safe in a "storm"?

What do you think are the big issues in life today where we need to stand "against the tide"? How does the Bible help in these situations?

If we are going to find the Bible useful for training, correcting, etc, we need it inside us not just on our bookshelf! What would you recommend as ways of getting God's word inside you?

Breakfast table application

Learn a verse together. On Sunday the kids learnt "In all things God works for the good of those who love him." (Romans 8:28) Recite it; write it out and read it with bits covered up; make up a song about it... How might that verse be useful this week?

Posted: 22 Mar 2009