Spiritual growth is not a complex journey. As a Christian, it is growing in knowledge of Jesus Christ. What is so important is this builds our relationship with Him and communication is strengthened. We learn to know what is needed and how to live according to His will.
Reading God’s Word is an aid in growing spiritually. When you need help, what better place to go than God’s Word? When needing expertise, we want to go to the source.
“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 3:16-17 NIV
Reading the Bible is Powerful for Spiritual Growth
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
The Bible is not just another book. Reading it changes our life for the better. It is alive and working to help us make better decisions. These words are inspired by God and meant to create action in our lives which moves us closer to Him.
What other book takes every aspect of our lives and opens it to the Holy Spirit to help us overcome our shortcomings? It doesn’t point to passing human thought but to the solid rock that always gives good advice.
The Bible Lights Our Way
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV
It is reported that David is the author of Psalm 119 which is a great chapter to study to learn more about God’s Word.
Verse 105 is short but packed with wisdom. This is a promise from God that if we read His Word, it will light our path and give us incredible insights.
Reading the Bible Helps You Avoid Mistakes
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV
Most people when writing want to only portray good examples. The Bible has been written in complete honesty because its author cannot lie.
While we read the Bible, we are able to see into the lives of people. Those who trusted in the Lord and those who did not. Not only that, but we see the mistakes of people just like us, human.
What better way to learn than from someone else’s mistakes. Its a lot harder to learn them personally.
We Need to Apply What We Read for Spiritual Growth
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8 NIV
According to Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, “Always on your lips” ( Some translations “from your mouth”) refers to muttering when reading. Meditate means “mutter”. When muttering God’s Word you are constantly thinking about it.
A good method to use is to memorize scripture so you can meditate on it. This makes it easier to call on verses when you can’t get to a Bible.
The second thing mentioned here is to apply what you are reading. It’s not doing any good if we read, close our Bible and forget what the scripture reveals to us.
We Must Handle the Bible Correctly
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
There are many versions of who Jesus Christ is. When we read God’s Word we are able to tell exactly who he is to others.
Listening to what God has to say instructs us in how to handle His Word. We begin to discern His truths and they become a part of our heart. We want to be careful to only speak His Words. Opinion is not part of God’s Word.
Wisdom is Found in Spiritual Growth
“My son, if you accept my word and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—
indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:1-6 NIV
Soloman is talking to his son. He explains to him that reading the Bible brings wisdom and from wisdom comes understanding. The scripture has to be read continually for us to understand what God is saying to us.
When we search the scriptures as we would for treasure, we gain far more than we would with gold. Gold has no value compared with the riches of God.
Through the diligent search in God’s Word brings wisdom, knowledge and understanding. How much better our life is with God’s treasure of spiritual growth.
We Need to Love Reading the Bible
“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.” Psalm 119:47-48 NIV
As we grow in the Lord and read His Word, we begin to love it. We want to do His will and comb through His Word to find truths to help guide us.
This verse encourages us to find more of God’s beauty in our life. As the light of His Word shines in our hearts, we will want to share that light with others.
Finding Joy in Our Spiritual Growth
“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty.” Jeremiah 15:16 NIV
As we read the Bible more and apply it to our daily live, the more joy God will bless us with. Knowing how much He loves us and seeing this confirmed in the scripture gives great joy.
When we study and a new truth is revealed, it creates joy. Seeing how God works and realizing how powerful He is assures our soul.
Teaching our Children the Bible
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19 NIV
As we begin to read and study God’s Word, our desire to share increases. We want to raise our children according to His will.
Its not a matter of making sure their beliefs are the same as ours. Our relationship with Jesus Christ is a wonderful experience we want them to have in their life. Christianity is about sharing God’s love. The love Jesus Christ gives to us is beyond measurement, He proved that on the cross.
Ways to Grow Spiritually in the Bible
There are several ways to read the Bible. Reading from Genesis to Revelation is good because you are able to see the thread of Jesus Christ as redeemer throughout the scripture. There are many Bible reading plans online that use different methods to complete it within a year. Bible Gateway is a good place to start.
Don’t be afraid of reading the Bible. There are many translation to choose from, again Bible Gateway has several translations. I like the New International Version because it is easier to understand but holds to the original text.
I also use the English Standard Version because it is a little more literal than the NIV. These are not the only ones I use but the ones I use regularly.
If you have a question about different versions, please add it in the comments. I would be happy to help.
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