Word of the Week - Scripture (Bible)
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Scripture is Alive and Active: The Word of God is a mysterious and powerful force that encompasses so many dimensions. It points us toward the will of God (Galatians 1:4), the truth of God (John 17:17), the decrees of God (Jeremiah 22:29), the commandments of God (Exodus 20:2-17) the good news of Jesus Christ (John 3:16) and the list goes on. The word is living and eternal. It has the same power and relevance today that it had 2000 years ago and will continue to have forever thus it is timeless. It is profoundly deep yet simple and practical. It is filled with spiritual truths and principals that serve as a true north for God’s people giving us direction as we navigate through this complex and confusing world. Since it is a spiritual book, some of scripture does not seem to make practical sense to us and thus requires childlike faith and trust to come alive and be activated in our lives. Read in faith, God’s Word begins to read us and transform our nature into God’s nature. Scripture is truly an amazing gift that God gave us so that we would know Him at the deepest level and be able to flourish as His children on this earth. I can personally attest to the power of scripture; it has greatly impacted my relationship with God and subsequently every aspect of life. Therefore, I make it my top priority to read or sometimes listen to God’s word daily. It is one of the first things I do each morning. It is the rock that I stand on for protection, peace and life. There is not doubt in my mind that it is alive and useful in our day to day lives!!!!
Scripture is Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 This verse is so powerful because it makes it clear that Jesus is synonymous with the Word of God (the Bible). Jesus is the subject of the entire bible from Genesis to Revelation and we are the object. The verb is giving, God giving us Jesus in love so we can be reconciled to God and have eternal fellowship through the gift of salvation John 3:16. We also know from scripture that God created mankind for the purpose of companionship through personal relationship with Jesus. The bible is the primary source for us to have relationship with Jesus and grow in our intimacy with Him. Therefore, we should see the bible not only as a key to finding salvation but also as God’s manifestation on earth and our way to know God at the deepest level and grow closer to Him through the physical Word (Bible) and the Spirit (Holy Spirit). I have found that the more I abide in Christ through reading and studying His word, the more I know God and feel closer to Him, which continues to transform my very nature to becoming more godly. This is the transformational power of filling ourselves with the Word of God and Jesus.
The Bible helps us know who we are: “The spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:15-17 In Christ we gain our new and true identity as sons and daughters of the living God, which is quite amazing. The bible is the living manual that gives us clarity on our new identity in Christ and continues to reinforce this truth, which is sometimes hard to comprehend. As we live in God’s Word we begin to truly receive this truth and reality that is reinforced throughout scripture. The Word of God also provides a loving but powerful way for us to know ourselves in light of Christ. This helps us see who we really are in terms of our thoughts, attitudes and postures and where we need adjustments. If we truly want to grow and become all God has called us to be, we will allow God’s word to penetrate our souls and do its sanctifying work within us.
I encourage you to make scripture and reading God’s word a part of your daily rhythm in pursing deeper relationship with Christ. When you read God’s word in faith you are communing with Christ and being renewed and transformed into the person you were meant to be in Christ and this is perfectly pleasing to God. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Have a great week…..
-Duane