Our Savior Lutheran Church

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for … training in righteousness.-- 2 Timothy 3:16

The study of God’s Word is the secret discipline for spiritual formation because it is the means through which the Holy Spirit works in our lives.. Other books may be useful for information, but the Bible was given for transformation. Timothy had the privilege of reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word from infancy. He learned firsthand how the Scriptures transform us.
Paul explains that God’s Word is profitable “for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” It is a guide that helps us fine-tune every part of our being. Teaching focuses our mind and shapes our thinking. Rebuking pricks our conscience so that we don’t travel the wrong direction. Correction molds our will so that we see the wisdom of God’s plans. Training in righteousness shows us how to act more like Christ.
In this way the Word of God initiates a four-step process of transformation. Put simply, teaching tells us what is right, rebuke tells us what is not right, correction tells us how to get right, and training shows us how to stay right. The Holy Scriptures are the breath of God.
If you want to be productive, useful, and fertile as a Christian, get into the Word of God. Reading the Bible for its teaching, studying Scripture systematically, meditating on God’s Word devotionally, and memorizing it faithfully—each of these are transforming activities that you will not want to miss. It’s the means through which the Holy Spirit work’s His transforming miracle in our lives.

REFLECTION

What role does individual and cooperate Bible study play in my life? Do I need to make a conscience choice to make myself available to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit who works through the Word to change me?

Prayer

Lord, your Word contains the breath of the Holy Spirit. May the Scriptures be our breath-giving life, our daily nourishment, our trainer in the righteousness of Christ. Amen.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long—though I know not how to relate them all. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone. Psalm 71:14-16

Paul Nickel
Director of Christian Education
Our Savior Lutheran Church