How deeply should Christians (disciples of Jesus Christ) take the Word of God? Think again and reconsider! In the examples of Jesus when He was tempted by devil, we find Jesus using scriptures in response to thwart Satan’s temptations. But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse the devil of blasphemy, but simply said, “The Lord rebuke you!” in Jude 1:9
Satan has a frightening scheme under operation in Western Christian culture that is devastatingly effective. It’s called it “Intellectual Unbelief”: numbers of scholarly, highly credentialed people in the world of Christian academics who, in an attempt to explain much of what is unexplainable, theologically drain the Bible of its wonder, its divine inspiration, and snobbishly regard anyone who takes God at His Word as uneducated and gullible.
Yes we love God with our minds as well as our hearts and are committed to growing in biblical scholarship, but if we reduce the Bible to only the facts that demand no faith, we’ve depreciated it to the level of any other religious text. Never let anyone – no matter how smart or impressive – talk you out of thinking huge things about God and His Word!
Actively dialogue with God as you read His Word. God is talking to you through His Word, so start talking back!
Attentiveness to what God is saying is greatly increased when we read a portion aloud. In our daily reading, we can absorb more when we read less but really attempt to meditate on the smaller portion. Try reading it and emphasizing different phrases, then respond aloud to Him. Ask Him what a portion means then look for Him to give you insight in coming days or weeks through various sources or circumatances. You might also comment on what you feel like He’s saying to you personally, or use the portion as a guide for intercession as you pray for others. We are dreadfully far from having all the answers, but these practices help you keep a lively attitude toward your time with God in His Word. Never forget that all Scripture is God-breathed, Inhale the power of the Word of God!
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17
The Word of God is an offensive and defensive weapon wielded against the wiles of the devil. He flees in the face of the wisdom of Christ. A life steeped in Scripture is able to expose the enemy’s half truths. For example, the devil lures a Christian to think the Lord will protect him, even if he acts irresponsibly. But, God is not backed into a corner and forced to rescue a fool. To tempt the Lord is to dishonor Him. Power is reserved for the Righteous One who reigns over all!
Scripture makes us wise into salvation and wise in the ways of the Lord. What Satan means for harm, God grows into good. Yes, the Bible gives us strength for the journey, because walking with Jesus is an everyday exercise. We who are committed to Christ do not coast but make our boast in the Lord as we busy ourselves with His work. Spiritual shenanigans like playing church are replaced by sincere service. Wisdom from the Word moves us to make a difference.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God gives you courage and conviction to engage the enemy. You study the Bible and apply its principles, so you can overcome the spiritual principalities that war against Almighty God as our absolute authority. Educated fools attempt to marginalize the Bible as an out of date history book, full of inconsistencies, but on the contrary, it is the living, breathing, inerrant word of the Lord that reveals Jesus Christ in all His glory. Scripture exposes Satan’s lies.
Therefore, what is your system for embedding Scripture in your heart, mind and soul? Is your spiritual sword sharpened by success and suffering, or is it dulled by disillusionment? Your daily drip from a facet of faith will feed your soul and revive your spirit. Read a chapter in Proverbs based on the day of the month, or memorize verses in Psalms that speak to your felt needs. Keep your mind engaged in eternal truths, and you’ll successfully attack temporal untruths. The Bible is your baseline for beliefs and behavior. Bring it to mind, and you will mind the ways of God!
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5