“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
For everyone sealed and indwelt by the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ, the Bible is God’s one and only necessary and sufficient means of reshaping them for the life of faithful service God has prepared for them to live. The Bible is God’s perfect, inspired, inerrant Word, given to teach YOU. To rebuke YOU when you’re wandering off the narrow path of following Jesus. To correct YOU when you’re wrong in your thinking, speaking, or acting. To train YOU to live out the righteousness of Jesus that has been credited to you as a gift of God’s grace.
If Jesus is your Lord, then there’s nothing that will change you more over time than daily encounters – substantive encounters – with God’s Word. Try to read your Bible every day. Do it systematically, not randomly, so you’ll hear the whole counsel of God over time. Do it carefully, making notes and thinking about what you read, prayerfully meditating about what it means, and what you should stop, start, change, or continue because of what you read.
The Bible is unlike any other book you’ll ever read, including wonderful books by great and godly authors. Those are terrific and meaningful but they aren’t God-breathed. Let God’s Word work on you, in you, and through you every day you possibly can. The Holy Spirit within you will use the Word you’re reading or listening to, to prepare and equip you to live out the disciple-making calling that God has placed on your life. #FollowJesus