Vital signs- Monday, May 17th, 2021

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

If we want to live holy lives, to be sanctified and powerful in the Lord, we must learn how to be faithful in studying God’s Word. Today and tomorrow we will look at four ways to do just that.

First, if we want to understand the Bible, we must receive the saving Author of the Bible. Without Christ, we are spiritually blind, as 1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Anyone can read the Bible and appreciate its beauty, history, and moral precepts; but a person will never know the deep meaning of God’s Word until being born again. When Christ is in our hearts, our eyes are opened, our hearts are stirred, and our minds are enlightened to the things of Scripture. Only then can we understand and obey His commands.

Secondly, we must recognize the sovereign authority of the Bible. All Scripture is “breathed by” God, inspired by Him. The Bible interpreted by the Holy Spirit is the final authority—not human reason or conscience.

• Why is it important that you receive Christ before you can receive His Word?

• How does the authority of the Bible impact your life?

Think about what it means for the Bible to have authority in your life. Make a list of everything you can think of that would change in your life if you gave the Bible complete authority?