Pastor Brent Brewer continues our We Gather Mini-Series about the WHY behind the WAY we gather as a church. In this sermon, he teaches about the centrality of reading Scripture and faithful preaching in the corporate worship gathering. 1 Timothy 4:6-16 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. Sermon Notes: Main Idea: Because the church belongs to Christ, it must be shaped by His voice, through the public reading and faithful preaching of Scripture. I. The Word must be Central in our gathering because the church belongs to Christ. II. The Word must be Read in our gathering because we forget easily. III. The Word must be Preached in our gathering because we need to be formed. Discussion Questions: 1. When you come to the Sunday gathering, what do you most look forward to? How might Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 4:13 reshape your expectations? 2. You heard that the Bible is both authoritative and sufficient. Which of those truths do you most need to remember right now in your life, and why? 3. Why do you think God commands that Scripture be read aloud in the gathered church? How does hearing the Bible read differ from reading it silently on your own? 4. How has the preaching of God’s Word shaped your faith and your view of God over the years? Can you share an example of a sermon or passage that God used to transform you? 5. The sermon warned against making worship about personal preferences or consumeristic desires. In what ways are you tempted to approach church with a “consumer” mindset? How can we guard against that as a congregation? 6. What is one practical way you can let God’s Word be central in your life this week—whether in your personal reading, in your family, or in how you talk about Sunday’s sermon with others?