Four Words (Plus Four More Words)

In his novels, Dickens would dedicate a significant amount of ink building out a character in detail. After you’re done reading page after page after page describing the character, you’ve almost forgotten what the original plot of the story was!

That’s sometimes how reading the Bible can feel. You’ll come across a portion of Scripture—maybe a genealogy or law or map or list of numbers—and you’ll have forgotten what you had read previously. Because after all, what in the world did all those outdated historical details have to do with anything you’re facing in life today?

But the Bible is not a historical textbook. And while it’s not a novel either, the Bible does have a plotline. The plot of the biblical narrative can be summarized with four words. I briefly referenced these last week, and I want to expound on them further.

Creation. Slavery. Redemption. Restoration.

These four words unify the plot from Genesis through Revelation. They’re also helpful to keep in mind whenever you are interpreting Scripture, no matter what part of Scripture you are in.

Whether you are reading something old and familiar, confusing and seemingly irrelevant, or new and exciting, Creation, Slavery, Redemption, and Restoration will help you understand the Bible and connect the transforming power of Scripture to everyday life.

Creation

You could argue that the four most important words in the bible are the first four words: “In the beginning, God…” These four words are meant to shape the way you read, interpret, and apply every word that follows in the Word.

We all believe that God was on site before we were—but we don’t always live that way. Of course, we would never declare that we made ourselves and are therefore autonomous, but our words and actions declare that in our everyday life and relationships.

Sin just makes us go crazy. We write our own moral rules. We tell ourselves that we know what is best for us. We willingly step over God’s wise and protective boundaries. We run after what God says is wrong and we chafe against what he declares is right. We deny him as King and set ourselves up as the kings of our little worlds. We forget his glory and live for the glory of our own pleasure, power, comfort, and ease.

This is why daily Bible reading is essential. Every page of Scripture is there to remind us of God’s existence and his authority over our lives as Creator.

It takes transforming grace for me to become a person who surrenders self-appointed authority to the authority of God. It takes revealing grace for me to acknowledge that there is a Creator and that he is not me. It takes rescuing grace for me to forsake the purpose of my kingdom and take up the purpose of God’s kingdom.

By grace, when we read the Bible every day, the Spirit of God will transform us from delusional self-sovereigns to people who willingly and joyfully submit to the plan and purpose of our Creator.

Jesus submitted himself to the Father’s will, even to death, so that you and I would have the grace we need to do the same. The Bible is that story of Jesus, our Creator and Savior.

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:15-17)

A Prayer for Today: Lord, I recognize and submit to the fact that you are the Creator of all things, including me. Thank you that you are the ultimate authority in the universe. Would you help me live day-to-day in a way that willingly submits to your authority, and would you forgive me for when I try to steal your authority and live in a way that puts me at the center of my life and not you? Thank you for the grace you lavish on me all day, every day, and thank you that despite my attempts to control my own life, you are patient with me because of Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf. I submit myself to you now in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God bless,

Paul Tripp

Discussion Prompt for Children:

• Why do you think it’s important for you and me to recognize that God is in charge of everything, everywhere, all the time?

• Do you think we act like we know better than God? Why do you think we do that? Why is it so foolish to live that way?

• What do you think “submit” means? Why is submitting to God a good thing even though it’s so difficult to do it? How can I help you submit more to God? How can you help me submit more to God?

Reflection Questions

1. Why is it so essential to live in a way that recognizes God as Creator and Authority over everything in the universe, including you? If God made you, he owns you—what do you think that practically looks like all day, every day (that you are owned by God)?

2. Why is daily Bible reading more than just a box to check each day? Why do you need to be reminded of the truth in Scripture every day? How can daily time in the Word practically remind you of God’s existence and authority? Why is his existence and authority an important daily reminder?

3. Why is it foolish to tell yourself that you know what is best for you? How have you seen the pursuit of pleasure, power, comfort, and ease sabotage your life in specific ways? Why do you think God’s protective boundaries exist in Scripture?

4. How can the Word of God transform you into someone who willingly and joyfully submits to God’s plan and purpose? Give specific examples of what that might look like in your life. Now take some time and thank the Lord for his grace in your life and how that grace has patiently shaped you day after day.