“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Why do we neglect spiritual disciplines, such as reading the Bible, memorizing and meditating on scripture?
• We are busy people – John Ortberg – “Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life.”
• We are preoccupied with other things
• We lack desire
• We simply don’t know what to do

We must begin to see the value of God’s Word. It’s though the scripture that we come to know God personally. We learn about his character, his desires, his likes and dislikes, and we learn his will for our lives.

Psalm 119:47-48 says, “for I delight in your commands because I love them.  I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.”

So how do we read the Bible for spiritual growth….

• We must have the right attitude.  We don’t read the Bible to be smarter or to gain more knowledge.  We read it to be more like Jesus. Every time you open the Bible, believe that God will speak to you through his Word.

• We must read the bible consistently. You wouldn’t feed your physical body once a week, but that’s what so many people do spiritually. I’m a huge fan of starting the day in God’s Word. It really does set to tone for the rest of your day.

• We must read the Bible with a willingness to obey. Without obedience there is no spiritual growth. So as we read let’s be looking for God’s word to give us instruction.

Here are some questions you can ask:

 • Is there a Sin to confess?
 • Is there a Promise to claim?
 • Is there an Example to follow?
 • Is there a Command to obey?
 • Is there a Stumbling block to avoid?

Today’s Challenge: Make a commitment to read or listen to God’s Word for spiritual growth. We never do spiritual disciplines to simply check a box or to think we are earning our salvation. We read God’s Word because we want to, and because we desire to grow. And if you don’t have that desire, ask God to give it to you, and He will. 

Discussion Questions:

• Do you struggle with being consistent in God's Word? Why do you think this is the case?
• What do you love about the Bible?
• What steps do you want to take to engage with the Bible for spiritual growth?

Recommended Resource: How to Read the Bible for All it's Worth by Gordon Fee

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