Turn Your Beliefs into Behavior
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 2, 2014
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV)
I was once asked what the best translation of the Bible is. My answer was, “When you translate it into your life.” That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not studying the Bible the way God intended.
God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply inform us. It should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV).
In other words, God wants our beliefs turned into behavior.
God makes his purpose for the Bible even more explicit in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work”(NLT).
The purpose of the Bible is more than just showing us what is wrong in our lives or how we should live. God gave us his Word to radically transform our lives.
The Bible describes itself in different ways. For example, it calls itself a hammer, a sword, and a scalpel. All of these are tools designed to make radical changes. God intends for the Bible to dramatically change our lives.
The Bible also describes God’s truth as milk, water, bread, and meat. What do all those things have in common? If you don’t eat or drink them regularly, you’ll die. We were never meant to live without the Bible.
The Bible is essential to our lives because it gives us life. In fact, the Bible also talks about Jesus as the Word of God. John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” God gave you the Living Word, Jesus, to be the author and finisher of your faith, and he gave you the written Word to prepare you to live out your faith.
Talk It Over
The Bible is more than a mere wisdom dispenser or repository of information. How do you see God using the Bible to transform your life?
Jesus is the Word of God. Talk or journal about how intimacy with the Bible is connected to intimacy with Jesus.
What are some ways you can practice doing God’s Word and not just read it?
The Time of Favor
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
"...I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."
(2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV)
(2 Corinthians 6:2, NIV)
TODAY'S WORD:
Now is the time of God’s favor! Not next week, not next month, not 20 years from now. No, now is the time God wants to amaze you with His goodness and overwhelm you with His love. Too often we think, “Something great is coming in my future. I know God is going to be good to me.” But, we also need to realize that God wants to be good to us today! Right now! He wants us to know that we are living in the time of His favor.
We are favored first with salvation through Jesus. Then we are in position to receive all of the blessings and benefits that come from being in covenant with Almighty God. What are those blessings? They are found in His Word—eternal life, peace, joy, hope, health, provision, protection and so much more. His favor lasts a lifetime because it will take a lifetime to experience all the good things He has in store for you!
We are favored first with salvation through Jesus. Then we are in position to receive all of the blessings and benefits that come from being in covenant with Almighty God. What are those blessings? They are found in His Word—eternal life, peace, joy, hope, health, provision, protection and so much more. His favor lasts a lifetime because it will take a lifetime to experience all the good things He has in store for you!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, thank You for Your favor today. Thank You for blessing me with every spiritual blessing. I praise You because You are worthy. I love You and believe that You have amazing things in store for me today in Jesus’ name! Amen.
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