It is quite simple. To the degree that any one of us neglects the reading, studying, meditating and memorizing of Scripture, spiritual sluggishness and atrophy will be the order of the day. This discipline does not have the goal of simply increasing Bible knowledge, sort of a spiritual academic exercise. The goal, instead, is putting God's Word into practice in our lives. The goal is an increase in obedience. The goal is to be more and more conformed to the image of Christ in every area of our lives.
The Bible is necessary for spiritual strength because of...
...the authority of the Word of the Lord.
The final paragraph of the Sermon on the Mount is often quoted. But when it is, the postscript added by Matthew, is neglected. So, let's begin with this postscript:
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed as His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law (Matthew 7:28,29, emphasis added).
Now, for His sermon conclusion:
"Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who builds his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash" (Matthew 7:24-27).
The Premise: There are two, and only two, choices. Put God's Word into practice or not to put God's Word into practice.
The Promise: If you put God's Word into practice, when (not IF) the storms come, your house will stand. You will have the spiritual strength necessary.
The Prediction: If you do not put God's Word into practice, when (not IF) the storms come, your house will come crashing down. You will sadly discover that you do not have, in yourself, the strength, power and might to withstand the storms that come.
...the sufficiency of the Word of the Lord.
Because our Lord is all-sufficient for every life need and situation, we can trust that His Word is all-sufficient. Our Lord always works in, under and through His Word in our lives.
It, and it alone, is sufficient for SALVATION. "...how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). The Bible, from cover to cover, proclaims the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Every other religion has a book that teaches that we earn our salvation by our good works.
It is sufficient for SANCTIFICATION. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16). We don't mind the teaching and training. But the rebuking and correcting is another matter. The Word tells us that we need all four, like it or not.
It is sufficient to SATISFACTION. "...so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17). Instantly, most will think of self-satisfaction. This plays into the consumer Christianity that has swept over the evangelical church. Such a perspective is not only wrong, it is dangerous. My life in Christ is not about me, my needs, my convenience, my priorities, my likes or dislikes. My life in Christ is about Him and His Lordship in my life and His Gospel and His glory. So, this is not satisfying ourselves, but our desire to live lives that are satisfying to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus was clear that our good deeds were to bring glory to our Father in heaven (see Matthew 5:16).
The prophet Amos predicts a day when the Lord will send a famine of hearing the Words of the Lord. I dread the arrival of that day.
The question for today is: Are you experiencing a self-imposed famine of the Word of God in your life? How much time and energy are you investing into this vital source of spiritual strength?
It is time to turn off the television, close your computer Internet connection, put down the novel or magazine, say no to this or that recreational activity. It is time to invest time into the timeless Word of God. Your spiritual life depends upon it.
