Taking every thought captive for obedience to Christ (2 Cor. 10.5)

Disciplines
The Word of God
Many Christians find it difficult to maintain a consistent practice of reading, meditating on, and studying the Scriptures. Many reasons could be cited for why this is so, but a primary one relates to our simply not understanding what our relationship to the Bible is or can be. If we only ever see time in the Word as a duty, we’re not likely to regard this discipline very highly. The clearer our understanding of what God intends for us in His Word, the greater will be the likelihood of our establishing and maintaining a right use of Scripture for our walk with and work for the Lord.

Here we can gain a little help and encouragement from our forebears in the faith.

The Westminster Confession of Faith1.8 (1648), offers an important reminder concerning the nature of our relationship to the Scriptures. In mentioning the need to translate the Scriptures into the languages of the people, the Confession notes,“The Old Testament in Hebrew (which was the native language of the people of God of old), and the New Testament in Greek (which, at the time of the writing of it, was most generally known to the nations), being immediately inspired by God, and, by his singular care and providence, kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the church is finally to appeal unto them. But, because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God, who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded, in the fear of God, to read and search them, therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar language of every nation unto which they come, that, the Word of God dwelling plentifully in all, they may worship him in an acceptable manner; and, through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, may have hope.”

Concerning the people of God and their relationship to the Scriptures, the Confession insists on five points it is important for us to keep in mind, so important that efforts of translation must be carefully undertaken to make the Scriptures available to all God’s people in their own tongues.

First, the people have a right to the Word. Scripture is given to us by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3.15-17; 2 Pet. 1.19-21). The Bible is His special gift for all who believe, that they might know Him better and grow in Him day by day. Reading, delighting in, and knowing the Bible are not privileges only of those called to ministry. It is the right of every Christian to own a Bible, to read it carefully, and to be taught of God’s Spirit, as He compares one part of the Scripture with another (1 Cor. 2.12, 13). It is therefore the duty of shepherds to make every effort to establish all the people in their care in the discipline of the Word, ensuring, to the best of their ability, that they know how to read and search the Scriptures, and that they are in fact doing so.

Second, the people of God have an interest in the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the words of life; they are able to equip us for every good work; they shed divine light on our path each day, so that we know the Lord’s will and are able to walk in it (Jn. 6.63; 2 Tim. 3.15-17; Ps. 119.105). The Scriptures lead us into the presence of Jesus Christ, where we see Him in glory and bask in the joy and pleasure of His presence (2 Cor. 3.12-18; Ps. 16.11). We should be interested in discovering the many benefits Scripture has in store for us, for by these words we come to know Jesus and are transformed increasingly into His image.

Third, believers are commanded by God to read and search His Word, keeping in mind the fear of God, that is, His readiness to discipline any who refuse to obey His commands and submit to His ways (Heb. 12.3-11). Failure or refusal to practice our right and cultivate our interest in Scripture is not just a betrayal of our own wellbeing; it is an act of disobedience to God.

Fourth, the Confession insists that people must so read and search the Scriptures that the Word will dwell plentifully in all of them (Col. 3.16). This gets at both the quantity of time invested in reading and studying the Scriptures as well as the quality of that time, which is improved through reflection and prayer.

Finally, God intends that the result of this discipline is that we will be renewed in our minds and walk, not according to the world but according to the Spirit of Christ,which is our reasonable service of worship (Gal. 5.16-23; Rom. 12.1, 2). Thus all who faithfully seek the Lord in His Word may expect to be confirmed in the hope of glory, which is the privilege and possession of all who stand in the grace and salvation of God ( Rom. 5.1, 2), and to live for the glory of God in all aspects of their lives (1 Cor. 10.31).

Scripture provides an endless banquet of spiritual food and drink, which we neglect to our peril. Reading and studying God’s Word is every believer’s right, interest, and obligation, so that the Word of God may dwell in us richly and we may live as His children and ambassadors in the Kingdom of Christ.

For reflection
1.  How well does your own time in the Word match up to the expectations set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith?

2.  How can believers encourage one another to make better use of the Scriptures?

3.  What is one thing you could do to improve your time in the Word of God?

Next steps: Share these questions, and your answers, with a Christian friend. What can you do to encourage one another to make better use of the Bible in your walk with and work for the Lord?

Gaining a better overall understanding of Scripture can help to improve your reading and study of the Bible. Order a copy of Kingdom Documents from our online store (click here), and discover the primary themes of Scripture and how the various parts of the Bible relate to one another.

The Week features insights from a wide range of topics and issues, with a view to equipping the followers of Christ to take every thought captive for Jesus. Please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.