This is part 4 of the 5-part Bible study Knowing God’s Word. This study seeks to understand how knowing the Bible bring us close to God and responding to God’s will. Click here to join the Thomas Nelson Bible email list and receive the full 5-part Bible study.
Proverbs 22:21
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.
In a general sense, it can be said that the Bible was written to convict sinners of sin and to equip believers for service.
It equips for evangelism.
Philip the evangelist uses Isaiah 53 to point the Ethiopian eunuch to Christ in Acts 8:26–35.
QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:
How is God’s Word equipping you to evangelism? Is there an action you need to take?
It equips for counseling others.
In his two letters to Timothy, Paul constantly urges this young man to preach the Word of God (1 Timothy 1:3, 18; 4:13–15; 2 Timothy 2:1, 2, 15). “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6).
QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:
What does it look like for the Bible to be at the center of your deepest conversations with others?
It equips for using one’s spiritual gifts from God.
A spiritual gift is an ability given by the Holy Spirit to the believer for the purpose of edifying the church and glorifying God. In Ephesians 1:17–19 and 4:7, 11–14 Paul says a knowledge of God’s Word will provide us with the maturity we need to use our gifts in the most effective way.
QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:
Is there a specific way God’s Word is calling you to spiritual maturity so you can use your gifts to worship God?
It equips us for doing battle with Satan.
In Ephesians 6:10–17 Paul likens the believers’ armor to that used by Roman foot soldiers. In this comparison, the Word of God is likened to the soldier’s sword (Ephesians 6:17).
QUESTION FOR THOUGHT:
Imagine you are fully outfitted with the armor of God that Paul describes in Ephesians. What would it look like to walk into work, school, and/or church knowing God’s Word, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation?
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This study plan is based on the study commentary in Thomas Nelson’s Open Bible. To learn more about The Open Bible.
