Welcome to the Paul Tripp podcast, where pastor and best-selling author Dr. Paul David Tripp

connects the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

There are many Christians who think they know the Bible, but don't have much of a clue of what it's actually about.

In today's episode, we continue through this old radio series on the Bible,

and in it, Paul explains how the Bible provides us with context and helps us have realistic

expectations for life. Here's Paul with The Real World.

Now, when you think about the Bible, what comes into your mind? Do you have visions of long, dry

sermons? Do you have visions of ancient, hard-to-understand history and difficult genealogies?

Do you think of the Bible as a religious book relegated to the religious aspect of your life?

Do you think of the Bible as a list of topics and you sort of wished it was arranged better?

It'd be a lot easier if it was arranged by topic. Do you think of that big family Bible that sat on grandma's

coffee table, had the family tree in it? Do you think of a collection of amazing miracle stories?

Do you think of the Christmas story, the Easter story? Do you think of wise sayings and hard-to-o-o-o-o-be commands? Do you think of wise sayings and hard to obey commands? Do you think of

difficult doctrines and issues of controversy? Do you think of the real life complaints of the

Psalms, the comforts of the promises, the helpfulness of the principles,

what does the Bible mean to you? Now, hear this question, what role does the Bible have in

your life? If you had to answer the question, why is the Bible so important anyway? What would you

answer? Remember, you never stop thinking. You never quit trying to figure out life. Remember,

you are an incessant interpreter, but you were not wired to figure it all

out on your own. And so the way you think about the Bible is very important because you need help.

The question is, where are you looking to get help?

I have to tell you about something special. I have to admit it. I had my Bible for years before I actually began to realize what it was all about. I had my Bible for years before I began to realize how important it actually was. I was raised on verse memorization. I was raised

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