Bible Basics

We Must Live It

The Bible is literally the revealed word of God, transmitted and translated so that we might read it and understand what God would have us to do to be pleasing in His sight. James says that we are to, “lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). He then tells us how we receive that word, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (v. 22). We can read, study and understand the Bible, but if we do not apply it to our lives and obey it we will not benefit from God’s revelation. Jesus declared, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28). And Paul says it is “the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). When we acclaim the Bible as the truth of God, and yet do not obey it, we demonstrate our lack of trust in God Himself. As Jesus put it, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) Jesus is the perfect example of one who exercised truth both in word and in deed. In fact, His life was summed up in His prayer to the Father, “Not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). Is that your prayer as well? It should be.

                                                                                                               -- Clark Dugger

Bible Basics