Art by: Carol Purkins
Like the words of a concerned parent or the encouragment of an excellent coach, the Bible brings life. It is the source of everything needed for life lived with eternal prupose and meaning.
Here’s the problem. Many times we resent a parent’s instructions or take the coach’s instructions personal. We become convinced we are no good. We think to ourselves, “my parents just don’t understand or the coach is mean.” We simply decide to no longer play or listen because the instructions are to hard. We treat God and his word the same way.
We say, “God’s words are to hard, I’m not good enough, if God really loves me he will love me the way I am.” Honestly, what we want is to live life the way we want. This simply does not work. Left to our own devises we will create our own rules and those rules simply fall short.
The solution is not as simple as obeying our parents, learning from the instructions of our coach, or turning to God’s word for advice. We need to submit to a consistent, trustworthy, tried and true truth. We need to be devoted to truth that gives life and overcomes all adversity. We need Faith in God, his word, and his love expressed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will reveal this through God’s word, it is the solution to our problems.
The word of God is inspired, inerrant, sufficient and has final authority over a Christ follower. As we follow Jesus, we don’t place our traditions, culture, feelings, and opinions over the word of God.
What “things” do we put over the word of God?
chad sprirggs
“All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, far correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man / women of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.“ 2 Timothy 3:16-17
REMINDERS OF THE POWER OF GOD’S WORD
(List from John Piper on Scripture)
- Therefore, it is true (Psalm 119:142 and all together reliable (Hebrews 6:18).
- It is powerful, working its purpose in our hearts (I Thessalonians 2:13) and not returning empty to the One who sent it (Isaiah SS: 10-11).
- It is pure, like silver refined in a furnace seven times (Psalm 12:4).
- It is sanctifying (John 17:17).
- It gives life (Psalm 119:37, 50,93, 10 ; John 6:63; Matthew 4:4).
- It makes wise (Psalm 19:7; 119:99-100).
- It gives Joy (Psalm 19:8; 119:16, 92, 111, 143, 174) and promises great reward (Psalm 19:11).
- It gives strength to the week (Psalm 119:28) and comfort to the distraught (Psalm 119.76) and guidance to the perplexed (Psalm 119:105) and salvation to the lost (Psalm 119:155; 2 Timothy 3:15).
DO THIS
Let go of those rules, opinions, and convictions that do not align with God’s word. Lean in to others that are seeking to move toward God and others. Lead others that God puts in your life that can benefit from your relationship with God and what he is teaching you through his word.
GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is scripture so important?
What relationship does scripture and experience have?
What Can you begin to do that will elevate the importance of scripture in your daily life?
C4 