At FBC McKinney we’ve been walking through a life-changing series entitled, “God’s BIG Story”.  We’re exploring how to read, study, interpret, and apply the Bible.  My premise from the start has been to consider the reason God gave us the Bible in the first place.  Then, given that larger, Divine purpose, allow it to be the lens through which we understand and apply God’s Word.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible…

• is God-breathed. (it’s inspired by God- the writers, prophets, teachers spoke God’s words)
• shows us truth. (it shows us which way to go- it gives us the truth about God, us, and all of life)
• exposes our rebellion. (it shows us when we get off track- reproofs, refutes error, convicts)
• corrects our mistakes. (it shows us how to get back on track- sets straight, corrects)
• trains us to live like Jesus. (it shows us how to stay on track- “trains, instructs, disciplines”

God’s Word does all of this; but to what end?  “…so that…” (“for this purpose”) that we might be able to live IN righteousness- in conformity to the life of Jesus.  So that we might be “fully equipped, completely outfitted, fully furnished, fully supplied” to walk as Jesus did.  Everything we need is in the Bible (minus one thing)- the Holy Spirit.  As you approach God’s Word you cannot do so without the inward working of the Spirit.

None of this happens magically or by osmosis- you must read it alone and study it with others!  And it’s critical to remember that we cannot be obedient to the Lord apart from the work of the Spirit.  So many of us already know more than we’re actually applying.  In the end, Jesus says, it’s not what you believe that counts, it’s what you believe enough to do!

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

In the end, all of Scripture points us to one Person who said “follow me.”  Today, may you “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22) and “walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6).