Reading the Word, Part 1

Can you relate to the following scenarios:
1) You always knew you should be reading the Bible but weren’t sure how to get started. You may have even asked someone, but couldn’t find anyone to help you.
2) You didn’t know you should be reading the Bible but were “awakened” to the calling and then decided to get started (maybe with enthusiasm or maybe not!).

Reading the Bible is not like reading any other book. It was given to us by God for quite a few reasons, including a means to cultivate relationship with His people. God reveals who He is, who we are, what His redemptive plan is for the world, what our mission is, etc. Because His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) and we make the mistake in thinking God is like us (Psalm 50:21), we need His Word to transform us into His image.

Unfortunately, it is more common to meet women in the church who do not commune with God through His Word than who do. Again, based on the two scenarios, it is not because there aren’t hungry women out there. They need women who are intentional enough to ask something as simple as, “What is God teaching you from His Word recently?” Or “Are you reading somewhere in the Bible right now?” We show our love for other women by asking intentional questions in hopes we might help hungry women grow and mature in Jesus. There are hungry women who need an “older woman” to tarry with her.

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me” (Colossians 1:28-29).

Let me back up. I want to give an excerpt from the book I have written (hopefully to be published in February!!!) to solidify why God has given us His Word. Then my next post will share a tool I use to help someone get started. Maybe it will help you get started or maybe these posts will be something you want to pass onto another woman for encouragement, something you can talk about together, etc. I hope it is another tool for your growth and another tool for you as you help other women.

What is the Purpose of the Word?

One, God reveals Himself through words (I Samuel 3:21). Through His Word, we learn more about God and His ways. If we are not in the Word, we are more susceptible to our own ideas. We will say what we think God is like or what we think God would do or how we think God would feel. God has actually revealed a great deal about Himself in His Word.

Two, God feeds us spiritually with His Word and it brings delight and joy to our hearts (I Peter 2:2 and Jeremiah 15:16). It is essential to our spiritual growth. One major “health benefit” is the promise of joy and delight. We may not experience these feelings every time we read, but rather these are built up over time as the Word transforms our hearts and minds.

Three, the Word bears witness about Jesus (John 5:39). Jesus is speaking in this verse. He affirmed the Scriptures we now call our Old Testament. There are attributes of God and Jesus we simply will never understand without being saturated in the whole Bible.

Four, the Word is good for teaching, rebuke, correction, and training in righteousness. It equips us for every good work (II Timothy 3:16-17).  If we are not in the Word, we are vulnerable to being ill-equipped to do the work God wants us to do. We run the risk of continuing in our own ways because we never allow the Word to rebuke, correct, or teach us.

Five, the Word pierces the heart and spirit. It discerns the thoughts and intentions of people (Hebrews 4:12). Simply put, only God’s words can penetrate the deepest parts of our (and others’) hearts and minds.

Six, the Word is an offensive weapon against satan and the kingdom of darkness (Ephesians 6:17). Jesus was tempted by satan when He was alone and hungry. Satan often comes to us when we are weak and vulnerable. Yet with each temptation, Jesus fought back with His sword, God’s Word.

Notice the Bible uses symbols to represent what the Bible is like and its function. For example, the Bible is like food, milk, water, honey, gold, a sword, an anchor, a mirror, light, a lamp, and seed. So there are many reasons God has given us His Word. I have simply highlighted a few.

Lastly, Jesus has given us a covenant. God has given us His Word for many reasons as stated above, but let us remember it fosters our relationship with Him inside His covenant. Using any sermon, devotional, article, song, etc. for substance is learning about God second hand. That’s a relationship by proxy. It would be the same as another woman going on dates with your boyfriend and then calling you to tell you all about him. Technically you could learn about him, but would not you rather be on the date yourself? Furthermore, the relationship probably would not last very long. God desires to spend time with just you. He wants to speak to you. Let there be set apart time when you spend time in His Word with the Holy Spirit to foster your relationship with God. Books, devotionals, etc. are all good things, but let them be like a friend you consult for opinions and wise counsel. They alone cannot be the sole source of your relationship with God.