2 Timothy 3-16-17 (ESV)
Transformation comes in the life of the believer when we know God. We can know God through His Word and by applying His Word in our life. You can only know someone by as much as they are prepared to reveal about themselves.
We have a creator God who reveals Himself through His Word, through Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives. He reveals Himself that we might know Him. How awesome that we have access to the most high God, maker of heaven and earth, and He wants us to know Him deeply and intimately.
Why Read the Word?
Hebrews 1: 1-3 - God revealed His plan through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus leads us to repent because He provided purification for our sin and revealed the kingdom of God for us.
1 Peter 2:2 - The Word sustains us. We need it to grow and mature and live the Christian life.
Psalm 119:105 & Ephesians 5:25 - We receive instruction and guidance by the Word.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - We discover our identity through the Word. Who we are and who we are becoming.
Transformation can only come through devotion to the Word of God. If we make it truth and honour it, it will shape our lives. You cannot pick and choose what to believe or use it to simply shape views. You must humble yourself before it and allow it to work out the truth and knowledge of the kingdom of God in you.
James 1:22-25 - If you are going to look into the things of God, you must spend time in the Word. We must delve in and explore it, pushing into its depths. Taking it up, believing it, doing it and proving it.
James 1:2-8 - When you consistently apply the Word of God you can stay on course and know the right direction and keep going in it. You can resist and push back against the things that are trying to get you off course. You can build on the Word and make the foundations of your life strong.
James 1:9-18 - Whatever your situation in life, circumstances can change quickly, sometimes for the worse. But the Word of God remains and will never change. If you follow Him and plant yourself in His truth, you will persevere and remain, no matter what happens. When desires and temptations come to lead us astray, being planted in the Word will empower you to discern and decide what is right.
James 1:19-21 - Only with divinely initiated humility can we walk with Christ. To be a new creation means doing the Word. Be kind, be quick to listen instead of speak. Whatever you speak, make sure your words only build people.
James 1:22-25 - If we hear the Word and do not do it, we have forgotten who we are. Like a mirror, the Word will show you what is and how it is. If we do not stay in the Word or keep looking into it, we easily forget the true nature of God and become vulnerable. Being a doer of the Word leads to a blessed life. Taking on God’s yoke leads to freedom. It does not matter where you are on the journey, if you are on the journey with Christ.
James 1:26-27 - Love people. Love all people. Keep yourself pure in heart by loving God and being a doer of the Word.
