Churches develop disciples by teaching them how to properly interact with the Bible.
Jesus taught his followers that being faithful to his teachings is a core principle.
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NLT)
In order for us to continue in the Word or remain faithful to it, we first need to read and study it.
It is impossible to be a proper disciple without making the study of the Scriptures a top priority.
But our interaction with the Bible cannot stop with acquiring knowledge: God wants us to become what James called “doers of the Word.”
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 (NLT)
Obedience to Christ’s teachings is the crossroad where the wide path mere churchgoers follow diverges from the narrow path pursued by true disciples.
It is a form of self-deception when we hear or read the Bible, agree in principle with it, but fail to put it into practice.
Conversely, Jesus promised that those who do obey his teachings will gain even more understanding of the meaning of what the Bible teaches.
Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. John 7:17 (NLT)
One of the unique things about the Word of God is that it can only be properly understood by those who practice it.
Disciples have a reverence for the Bible and its teachings.
Revelation from the Holy Spirit is the key that unlocks its contents and makes it “come alive” to us.
The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible and the conduit of revelation. Since he is the Bible’s behind the scenes author, he alone knows what it really means, and he has the power to open hearts and minds to its life changing power. Disciples have the Holy Spirit living within them as our personal tutor.
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. 1 John 2:27 (NLT)
The Bible is not just a book to read and study. It is a living document, whose author indwells all disciples.
We have been given permanent access to the Holy Spirit, who works to open our hearts and minds to the truth and help us to live it out.
There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. 14 He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’ John 16:12-15 (NLT)
Followers of Christ need to be taught how to interact with the Bible under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
This living relationship with God’s Word allows the Bible to transform us on the inside.
There are basic principles of interpretation called “hermeneutics” that can be useful tools, as long at they do not become hard and fast man-made rules that eliminate our reliance upon the Holy Spirit. The Bible’s meaning sometimes transcends our current understanding. Although principles of interpretation are good, the Holy Spirit is not bound by them. We should make our disciples aware of general principles of interpretation to guard them from “going off the deep end” into error, while insisting that we remain open to the Holy Spirit, our teacher.
God speaks to us directly through the Bible via the Holy Spirit, making it truly alive and powerful.
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. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
