7 ARROWS : Luke 4:1-13


Jesus resists temptation by trusting the Word of God.

Hearing that the Messiah was subject to temptation would have made him more relatable.

Jesus (the Word, the Logos: John 1:1) trusts in God’s Word to conquer temptation.

Mankind tends to trust in themselves.

Apply God’s Word when temptations come.

Encourage others to do this as well (^ see statement above).

Lord Jesus, saturate my soul with your Word so I can deal with temptation like you. I don’t want to waste my life on what will never satisfy.


7 ARROWS : Luke 3


God’s prophet, John the Baptist, prepares the way and the Messiah, Jesus, steps into the spotlight.

Most 1st Century Jews would have heard of John the Baptist and John’s words and actions toward Jesus would have carried much weight with these people. The voice from Heaven at the baptism points to the deity of Jesus.

God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all showed up and announced the beginning of this ministry. It was kind of a “ribbon cutting” event for the ministry of the Messiah.

All of humanity needs to have their sins paid for. God is “well pleased” to offer the solution- his son Jesus.

Be aware that God’s schedule is right on time every time.

Jesus, you are the Savior of the world. Build my faith in you. Equip and inspire me to point others to your good news.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:39-52


Even in his growing up years Jesus knew his identity and mission.

The middle-school King of the universe leaves scholars and his parent perplexed.

God challenges our presuppositions.

When mortals can’t make sense of a situation our brains get stuck and perplexed.

Sometimes God alone working is the only answer so be sure to give him credit.

People are still perplexed bu the wisdom of Jesus- so be patient.

Lord Jesus, help me recognize when you are at work so I can praise you along the way.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:21-38


God opens the eyes of two old saints about this unique child.

Many faithful worshipers in Jerusalem would have known and respected Simeon and Anna.

God favors those who favor him and Jesus is their great reward.

Faithful saints = direction, not perfection.

Walk closely with God with great anticipation.

Listen to encouragement from elderly saints.

Lord, if it be your will, grant me time and voice to magnify Jesus to the next generation.


7 ARROWS : Luke 2:1-20


Jesus is born!

The Messiah being born in such humble circumstances surely shocked many faithful Jews.

God came near!

All people need a savior- and some people recognize this truth.

Rejoice with Heaven and Earth!

Tell the amazing story of Jesus. Some will gladly receive it.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let every heart (even mine) prepare him room!


7 ARROWS : Luke 1:39-80


God reveals the unborn Messiah [Jesus] to his unborn prophet [John the Baptist] and his parents.

Supernatural news is proclaimed in a supernatural way.

God reveals himself in remarkable ways.

Whan an honor to have a front row view of God’s plan!

Trust God’s message with great anticipation.

Imperfect doesn’t mean unusable.

Lord, focus my eyes and heart on your plan.


7 ARROWS: Luke 1:1-38


God sends his messenger angel to tell two key people amazing news.

Gabriel’s announcement to both Zechariah and Mary was supernatural.

God’s ways are gloriously “out of the box” and beyond human comprehension.

Even God’s faithful servants struggle to fully understand God’s work while it is unfolding; although looking back in the rear view mirror it makes much more sense.

Trust that God will roll out his great plan right on time.

When God reveals something to one of his servants it can be a bit lonely because everyone does not see what they see.

Father, increase my faith to believe your plan more fully and to wrap my life around you.


7 Arrows Bible Study Method

7 Arrows questions:

  1. What does this passage say? [explainer video for arrow 1]
  2. What does this passage mean to its original audience? [explainer video for arrow 2]
  3. What does this passage tell us about God? [explainer video for arrow 3]
  4. What does this passage tell us about man? [explainer video for arrow 4]
  5. What does this passage demand of me? [explainer video for arrow 5]
  6. How does this passage change the way I relate to people? [explainer video for arrow 6]
  7. How does this passage prompt me to pray? [explainer video for arrow 7]

Resources:

  • Seven Arrows: Aiming Bible Readers in the Right Direction is the book written by 7 Arrows developer/creator, Pastor Matt Rogers. Personally, I prefer the short “explainer videos” he did (as listed above)…but the book does have lots of detail and example. My preference is to keep the method as simple as possible (sorry Matt :).
  • I have enjoyed using my new CSB Notetaking Bible to record my 7 Arrows notes. *If I would have waited until October 2019 I could have gotten this nicer binding. I also really like this Pigma Micron 005 pen. It has a super fine tip and does not easily bleed through thin Bible pages. You can also buy these locally at a craft store like Hobby Lobby.
  • I am currently going through the 7 Arrows study with the couples Connection Group (small group) that I am a part of. We are reading about a chapter a week, taking notes, and reviewing them together each week. I am blogging my notes through this week to week from the beginning of September until February 16. You can find those notes here if you like. Our student (youth) small groups and college small groups are also going through John this way.
Here is my CSB Notetaking Bible and Pigma Micron 005 pen (on the left). I like to use a scrap piece of paper to get my 7 Arrows answers together before copying them to my Bible.