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 for every good work. (1 Timothy 3:16-17)
The great 19th century evangelist preacher D. L. Moody once said, “The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.” Clearly Moody is echoing what the apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son in the faith.
The Bible is the Word of God, designed to change us from the inside out. This of course, is all a work of God’s grace. But it demands our participation. We are called to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:2), by reading, re-reading, and re-reading again the Word of God. The more we meditate on and marinate in the Word of God, the more God changes us and conforms us into the image and likeness of His beloved Son Jesus. Now make no mistake, we are to have our own daily quiet time in the Word. But it is not to stop there. We are also to have our time in the Word with our family of faith.
Since we are saved individually, but saved to community, it is vital that we engage in community study of the Word of God. Because we were made for community, community group studies allow for encouragement and accountability. When you know others are looking forward to seeing you and hearing from you about what you learned in your time of study, you are far more motivated to do the work and show up to share. I like to call this, “Wielding the Word!” The more you wield it in view of sharing it with others, the greater will be your transformation.
Remember, the Word of God is far more than facts, figures, and stories of the heroes of the faith. It is God’s Self-Revelation. It is God’s Love letter to you to transform you into the person He is calling you to be to live the life He is calling you to live. So, how is God’s Word transforming your heart and your mind?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 