Scripture

By Scripture, we mean engagement with the Bible for the purpose of knowing, worshipping, and living in light of God and the gospel as revealed in the 66 books of the Old and New Testament. We believe that “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (1 Timothy 3:16-17). God uses his word to save (Romans 10:13-17) and sanctify his people (Ephesians 4:11-13). Therefore, feeding on the Scriptures is essential for our life with God.

First, we start with disciplining ourselves to read Scripture. It is important to find a rhythm of quality time where you can read small and large portions of the Bible. A helpful tool for finding consistency and longevity in Bible reading is to establish or adopt a Bible reading plan. There are many helpful plans available, and a few are provided below. It can be especially fruitful to commit to a reading plan with others so you can discuss what you're learning and encourage each other to persevere.

Second, Scripture memorization is important for a strong and rooted life with God. As Dallas Willard once wrote:

The Bible speaks often of storing the Scriptures within us (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and exhorting us to “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16). The best way to start is to memorize a verse and work outward to a paragraph. Below are some resources that can help stimulate and structure Bible memorization.

Third, engaging with Scripture should include the study of Scripture. This is deeper than simply reading. Studying Scripture requires slowing down and actively examining the text. Studying the Scriptures is what prepares us to teach the Scriptures to those who we are called to disciple.

Think about Ezra, the scribe, who studied for the sake of teaching it to others: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). “To study” in verse 10 is the Hebrew word “to seek” (לִדְרֹושׁ). It is an active and concentrated investigation of God’s word to determine what it is communicating. We want to dig into the Scriptures and mine them for all their worth.

Lastly, we want to apply the Scriptures to our lives. The Bible is not an ancient text that is passively receiving our intellectual interest in it. The Bible is a living word that illuminates us, confronts us, and compels us to believe in, trust, and submit to its message. Failing to apply the Scriptures to our lives ignores its purpose: to bring salvation and sanctification into our lives.

• Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the word of God gives us a sight of the crucified and risen Jesus that transforms us into his image (2 Corinthians 3).

• The tasks of reading, memorizing, and studying God’s Word should promote our holiness: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word” (Psalm 119:9).

• Engaging with the Bible should also steer us away from sin: “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

We must allow the Bible to speak discernment into our own lives. This gives us confidence in the gospel and conviction where we are not in step with its truth. A fruitful place to start practicing these aspects of knowing Scripture is Psalm 119. Reading, memorizing, studying, and applying this Psalm’s focus on the benefits of God’s Word serve as motivation for engaging in this practice.