The Bible is a living book. But is it alive for you? Specifically, do you let the word of God dwell in you in such a way that you experience its vital functions changing you inwardly?
Colossians 3:16a(NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.
Hebrews 4:12(NLT) For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Why should you let God’s word dwell in you richly?
God’s word enlightens us – Psalm 119:130(NLT) The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.
The word of God becomes food that nourishes. This means that while God’s Word is enlightening us, it also nourishes us – Matthew 4:4(NLT) But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
The word of God quenches our thirst because it is the water of life. Isaiah 55:10-11(NLV) The rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there without giving water to the earth. This makes plants grow on the earth, and gives seeds to the planter and bread to the eater. So My Word which goes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out My plan well.
The word of God makes us strong in our spirit and also in our soul. 1 John 2:14(NLV) I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him Who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong. You have kept God’s Word in your hearts. You have power over the devil.
The word of God washes our inner being – Ephesians 5:25-27(NLT) For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s Word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.
The word of God builds us up – Acts 20:32(NKJV) So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.
The nourishment we receive from the word of God completes us and perfects us as members of the Body. By letting the word of God dwell in us, we are not only nourished for our growth but perfected in our function. 2 Timothy 3:16-17(NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The Word of God edifies and because the Word edifies, it builds us up, it has the answers to the problems of life. God’s Word solves problems – Acts 20:32(TLB) And now I entrust you to God and his care and to his wonderful words that are able to build your faith and give you all the inheritance of those who are set apart for himself.
I conclude with these words by Eugene Peterson: “When we read Scripture without listening to God, Scripture is sabotaged.”