On Sunday, we discussed how the Bereans eagerly examined scriptures to determine if what Paul said was true. They were open to reason and were impartial and sincere (James 3:17). They received the word with goodwill, not suspicious or critical, but open to see if their words were true. They had an eagerness to see and learn from the scriptures. The Scriptures also encourage us to delight in God's word.
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so but are like chaff that the wind drives away.” (Psalm 1:2-4)
To be a follower of Christ is someone who delights in God's word and wants to be instructed by him. We are often halfhearted in our devotion to the Lord and reading of his word. Yet nobody wants to be chaff, rootless, and useless. All of us want to be fruitful and useful. What do we do about that?
Ask the Lord that he will give us delight in his word. Just like any other spiritual discipline, our relationship with the Lord is not dependent on willpower but on what we delight in, what tastes good. “How sweet are your words to my taste” (Psalm 119:103). He will give us what truly our heart desires as we are aligned with his will. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). Ask the Lord to help you see when you read his word. “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law” (Psalm 119:18).
The love of the word of God is essential for a Christian. Put yourself in a position where God can lead you and grow you into maturity. Some brief recommendations that were shared on Sunday:
1. Set aside consistent, undistracted time to read the Bible.
2. Prepare to read the Bible by praying first.
3. Read the Bible inductively.
- Look (What does this passage say?)
- Learn (What does it mean?)
- Live (How must I respond?)
4. Turn the text you are studying into a prayer.
Every day, the Lord desires to meet with you in his word; his message to us. I am amazed that by his spirit, God uses his word to speak to me and guide and direct my life. He has authority over me, and I submit to him by submitting to his word. What a joy it is to be under his authority.
