God’s Word is the ultimate guide or manual to living life as He intended. Do you want ongoing abundant and eternal life -- sure you do! God (via approximately 40 men from diverse backgrounds over 1500 years) wrote a Book for you and me! It intrigues me that he put His divine thoughts down for us to read!
What does Paul mean when he writes of the natural man?
What does it mean that the spiritual man judges all things?
Does a Christian have two natures inside? Yes, the old and the new nature.
How can I overcome a habitual sin?
What is the key to victory when struggling with sin?
What does it mean that to be carnally minded is death...and what does it look like to be spiritually minded?
We already talked about why it’s necessary to learn sound (the Cardinal, Essential) doctrines. So we can know why we believe what we believe, and so we can experience the joyful, peaceful, abundant life that comes from truly knowing Jesus and following His ways.
Together we've studied the following foundational truths about God:
God exists, human beings are made in His image, and He (the Trinity) exists in three Persons – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
God’s Word is radically necessary for us to have true life, now and eternally. This is the second of two lessons that look at foundational truths about God’s Word:
1.) God’s Word is TOTALLY RELIABLE and
2.) Living by (WISELY APPLYING) God’s Word is WHAT IS TRUELY BEST FOR US
Lesson 7: • The authority of Scripture • The inerrancy of Scripture • The clarity of Scripture
Lesson 8: • The necessity of Scripture • The sufficiency of Scripture • The applicability of Scripture
You know how Western Consumers are accustomed to instruction booklets accompanying most products they buy. In addition to this being a convenience, for some items, instructions are required by law; some of these categories include:
The LEGO Eiffel Tower set falls into the “mandatory instruction manual” category. Although most adults have an idea what the Eiffel Tower looks like and can see the image of the completed piece as featured on the product’s box, the manual is likely still necessary to successfully assemble the 10,001 included LEGO bricks into the artful work of Paris. The instructions for this children’s toy total 692 steps.
Now I was raised as an American kid, I would rip into any gift (no matter how expensive) and go play with that toy. As a teen though, I bought 4 VWs.. 2 vans and 2 bugs.. but I totally ignored Volkswagen's product’s manual and then regretted it later because I could have saved a lot of money on oil changes, basic maintenance, and tune-ups. I have come to value manuals, and with the Bible (such a great blessing), I have come to love its ultimate Author (the Blesser) even more.
"Scripture will always teach what is right, show us where we are wrong, how to correct, and train us in right living; so that we are complete, fully equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 nlt
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” Psalm 1:1, 2
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success..” Joshua 1:8
Spiritual Rebirth and Growth in The Word
1. Every Person's Need for Spiritual Rebirth in God's Living Word (Christ):
- All people must experience spiritual rebirth in Christ (involving true repentance and saving faith) to begin their journey of spiritual growth. ""
- Spiritual growth is impossible without the Living Word of God (zero happens apart from Him). The Scriptures act as the foundation for development in truth and faith.
2. Scriptural Foundation: 1 Peter 1:22–25 and Isaiah 40:6–8
- Peter emphasizes that salvation and spiritual growth are rooted in Jesus.. in the enduring Word of God.
- "All flesh is like grass" (1 Peter 1:24) reflects the fleeting nature of earthly life, but contrasts it with the eternal power of God's Word.
- The passage from Isaiah (Isaiah 40:6–8) was referred to to reinforce the idea that while human strength or glory fades, God's Word stands forever.
3. The Natural, Carnal, and Spiritual Man
- The Natural Man: Lost and without Christ, holding onto dead hopes that wither quickly and fade like cut flowers.
- The Carnal Man: They've got too much of the Kingdom to be happy in the world, and too much of the world in them to be happy in God's Kingdom. These people are most miserable -- mugwumps. They need to decide and be all in for Christ. Their mug in on one side fo the fence and their wump is on the other. Struggles between worldly desires and spiritual growth, often driven by fleshly impulses.
- The Spiritual Man: Born again and growing spiritually. This believer is saved and confidently equipped with sound doctrine, experiencing a “living hope” daily through Christ’s resurrection power (1 Peter 1:3) and with the imperishable seed of God’s Word (1 Peter 1:23).
4. Salvation: A Grace Gift of God
- Salvation cannot be earned by good works or purchased. It's a free gift, yes freely given by God’s grace through faith in Jesus to a humble repentant sinner.
- This salvation brings:
- A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3): Unlike worldly hopes, this hope is alive and eternal, rooted in the resurrection of Christ.
- A Desire for Holiness: Believers are called to live in holiness, glorifying Christ through their actions.
- Fellowship with Christ and His People: The Holy Spirit plants a love for Christ and other believers in the heart of the reborn Christian (Romans 5:5, 1 John 3:16).
5. Pure Love in the Life of a Christian
- What's your love like? How do you fly? Peter uses two Greek words for love in 1 Peter 1:22:
- Phileo: Brotherly love, that affection shared among believers.
- Agape: Divine love, the selfless love that only the Spirit-filled Christian can display, mirroring God’s love for humanity.
- True Christian love requires exerting spiritual discipline and energy to go love others as God loves us. One might not feel like it. (Q: Do you remember the other Greek words for love?)
6. The Word of God: A Seed of Eternal Life
- Peter compares the Word of God to a seed, as Jesus does in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13).
- Though small and seemingly insignificant, the seed (God’s Word) contains life and power within.
- When planted in a receptive heart, it produces fruit that is eternal, unlike the fleeting things of the flesh.
- The eternal nature of God’s Word is emphasized in 1 Peter 1:24-25, drawing on Isaiah’s words about the enduring power of God’s truth.
7. Spiritual Growth Through Obedience to the Word
- Spiritual growth is impossible without the Word of God, which acts as the foundation and guide for Christian living.
- Just as seeds need fertile soil to grow, believers must be rooted in the Word to bear spiritual fruit.
8. Christian Harmony and the Blessing of Unity
- Obeying the Word of God and practicing love results in harmony within the body of Christ.
- Christian unity is a blessing to the Lord, the Church, and believers themselves, as reflected in Psalm 133.
9. Salvation related to the need for God's Eternal Word
- Salvation is a divine calling (1 Peter 1:1-2, 15), a spiritual rebirth (John 3), and a redemption freely given through Christ (1 Peter 1:17-21).
- The Word of God is eternal, powerful, and life-giving, never becoming obsolete or decaying with time.
- Believers are encouraged to pray, live, and apply the Word in their lives, as it remains the source of spiritual vitality and growth.
The spiritual rebirth is only through Jesus Christ and spiritual growth in Christ is of faith. We each are called to be get rooted in the eternal, life-giving Word of God. As believers, we are called to live in hope, in holiness, and in harmony, growing through the power of the Word and the Spirit's guidance.
"Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.’ And this word is the good news that was preached to you." 1 Peter 1:22-25 esv
Peter is quoting Isaiah 40:6–8...
"All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Isa. 40:6c–8 esv
- Live in Hope with Jesus as Lord (1 Pet. 1:3–12)
- Live in Holiness for the Lord (1 Pet. 1:13–21)
- Live in Harmony in step with the Lord (1 Pet 1:22–25)
Salvation (that we can't earn by good works or buy) gives us a living hope in Jesus, a desire for a holy life that glorifies Jesus, and a wonderful fellowship with Jesus and the reborn people of God. The Spirit of God has loved us and brought us to Christ. Yes, this same Holy Spirit has planted within us a love for Christ and His people (Real Christians. See Romans 5:5, and see 1 John 3:16ff).
In the Bible text, Peter uses two words for “love” in verse 22: one means brotherly love and the other divine love (agape). The Christian possesses brotherly love; but he needs to exert spiritual energy and love others the way God loves him. Even unsaved people can show brotherly love; it takes a Christian, controlled by the Spirit, to show agape love.
Peter likes this phrase “born again”; he uses it in 1:3 and 1:23. We are born again through God’s mercy unto a living hope, and we are born again by the Word of God unto love for the people of God. He compares the Word to seed, as Jesus does in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:1–9, 18–23). Like a seed, the Word is small and seemingly insignificant, but it has life and power within. The Word must be planted to do any good; but when it is planted in the heart, it produces fruit. God’s Word is eternal, and the fruit it produces is eternal; but the things of the flesh do not last. Peter refers in verses. 24–25 to Isaiah 40:6–8. Whatever we do in obedience to the Word of God will last forever! But whatever we do in the energy of the flesh will look beautiful for a time, but will then die.
Christian harmony is a blessing to the Lord, the church, and the believers themselves (Psalm 133). If every believer is obeying the Word and practicing love, there will be harmony.
Salvation is a calling from God To Christ (See 1 Peter 1:1–2, 15).
The corruption inherent in this world-system cannot infiltrate or diminish the reality and truth of God's Word. The life-giving potency of Scripture is evident in the lives of born-again believers. You and I are primarily called to Christ, to have a relationship with Him. To worship and follow Him acceptably. We are chosen by the Father, who gives us the new birth (v. 3). We are set apart by the Spirit, who gave the Word and enables God’s servants to declare it (vv. 10–12), and gives sinners the faith to believe the promise (v. 22). We have been purchased by the blood of God’s Son (vv. 18–21), who died for us, rose again, and is coming for us to give us our inheritance (vv. 3–4, 13). No wonder Peter opened his letter with a song of praise! (See Eph. 1:3–14.).Salvation is a new birth spiritually (3, 23). This is the spiritual birth Jesus tried to explain to Nicodemus (John 3). When you put your faith in Jesus Christ (vv. 5, 7, 9, 21), you are born from above. You receive hope (vv. 3–4, 13, 21) and love for Christ (v. 8) and His people (v. 22). Because we are God’s children, we want to obey Him (vv. 14–16).
Salvation is a redemption Freely given (17–21). If a sinner repents of their sin and believes in Jesus Christ they will freely receive. The apostle is referring to the Passover Feast (Exod. 12). Jesus is the Lamb slain for us, and His blood was sprinkled to shelter us (v. 2). The Jews in Egypt had to be ready to depart, and we must have the same attitude (v. 13). When Jesus comes again, we will make our exodus from this world!
And all of this was “for you” (vv. 4, 10, 12, 13, 20, 25). Are you praising Him?
The corruption of this world can not penetrate God’s Word, deteriorate its reality, or decay its truth. Scripture’s life-giving power in the born-again Christian is readily apparent in many self-authenticating ways. Pray God's word, Live it, speak it, apply it His way.
God’s Word is perennially fresh -- never stale or moldy. In every generation, to every person who picks it up, the Bible is living and fresh. As I reread and again reread some parts of the Bible I am just beginning to understand what they say. I once read the book of Colossians every day for 90 days and, after all of that, the book of Colossians still holds untapped mysteries that I haven’t yet explored. Every time I read the book of Colossians, I gain new excitement and fresh insights. The corruption of this world can not penetrate God’s Word, can not deteriorate its reality, or decay its truth. Scripture’s life-giving power in the born-again Christian is readily apparent in many self-authenticating ways. The Holy Spirit Empowers each Believer to Be a Witness for Christ. Therefore Pray God's word, Believe it, Live it, Boldly speak it, and Daily Apply it ..His way.
God’s Word is never obsolete for you, still very good. Most libraries have backrooms where you can find all of the old obsolete textbooks. In recent years, scientific discoveries make dozens and even hundreds of books obsolete each day. But the timeless truths of the Bible never become obsolete. They are as up to date as the next generation of men and women that needs its message so desperately. “The word of the Lord endures forever” (1 Peter 1:25). God's Word = Timeless Relevance. It's True! God’s Word remains perpetually relevant and vibrant, never succumbing to obsolescence. Across the generations, the Bible offers a living message that can speak anew to each individual who engages with God through Christ. Enduring Significance! Unlike outdated textbooks often relegated to library backrooms, the truths found in the Bible are eternally relevant. In an age where scientific advancements rapidly render numerous publications obsolete, the timeless messages of Scripture remain as pertinent as ever to every generation in need. As stated in 1 Peter 1:25, “The word of the Lord endures forever.”
God’s Word is supernaturally powerful. The Bible is a discerner of hearts. Scripture has a living insight into our lives that is alarmingly precise. The Holy Spirit ministers through God’s Word exposing our faults, needs, weaknesses—and sins. No wonder Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit . . . able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
God’s Word produces spiritual growth when you take heed. As 1 Peter 1:23 points out, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” The great mystery of any living thing is its power to reproduce. And reproduce, says Peter, is exactly what the Word of God does. The only way to be a “son of God” is to be born by the Word of God. When the Word of God is truly heard, and sincerely received into a heart that has been prepared by God, that Word, quickened by the Holy Spirit, becomes a spiritual seed that is imperishable or incorruptible. That seed is the germ of a new creation and it springs into life by making the hearer who believes that Word, a son of God.
Jesus illustrated that concept in His parable of the sower (Luke 8:4–15). The farmer goes out to sow and some seed lands on the road, some seed lands on rocky soil, some seed lands where weeds spring up, and some seed lands on the fertile ground that produces bountiful growth. In explaining the parable to His disciples, Jesus said, “The seed is the word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they will not believe and be saved” (Luke 8:11–12). We're talking about imperishable Seed.
See 1 Peter 1:23, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” The remarkable aspect of any living entity is its capacity for reproduction, and Peter asserts that the Word of God fulfills this role. To become a “son of God,” one must be born of the Word of God. When the Word is genuinely heard and sincerely welcomed into a heart prepared by God, it becomes a spiritual seed—imperishable and incorruptible—serving as the germ of a new creation. This seed springs to life, transforming the believer into a child of God.
Receptivity is important. Jesus illustrated this concept through the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4–15). In this parable, a farmer sows seeds that land in various places: some on the road, some on rocky soil, some among thorns, and some on fertile ground that yields abundant growth. In explaining the parable, Jesus identified the seed as the Word of God, highlighting that those beside the road represent individuals who hear the Word, but the devil swiftly removes it from their hearts, preventing them from believing and being saved (Luke 8:11–12).
1 Peter 1:22–25 draws from Isaiah 40:6–8 to convey a powerful truth about the impermanence of human life compared to the enduring nature of God's Word. Peter reminds his audience that while everything in life—our achievements, beauty, and glory—fades like grass and flowers, God's Word remains unchanging and eternal.
This passage underscores three key themes: hope in Jesus, living a holy life, and walking in harmony with God. In the Bible, three types of people are mentioned: the natural man, who is spiritually lost and whose hopes, like cut flowers, quickly fade; the carnal man, who struggles with sin despite faith; and the spiritual man, whose rebirth in Christ grants him an imperishable, living hope. This living hope is anchored in the resurrection of Christ and sustained by the enduring Word of God.
Salvation, which we cannot earn by good works or purchase with wealth, grants believers not only this hope but also a deep desire for a life that glorifies Jesus. It also fosters fellowship among those who have been spiritually reborn. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ and instills within us both a love for God and a love for others. This love, which Peter describes using both "brotherly love" and "agape" love, requires spiritual effort. While anyone can show brotherly love, true divine love—agape—comes only from a heart transformed and guided by the Spirit.
Peter emphasizes the power of being "born again." Through God's mercy, we are reborn to a living hope and a love for God's people. He compares God's Word to a seed, much like Jesus does in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1–23). Though small and seemingly insignificant, the Word carries life and power. When planted in a prepared heart, it bears fruit that is eternal. In contrast, the works of the flesh are temporary and fleeting, no matter how impressive they may appear.
The harmony that arises from obedience to God's Word and love is a blessing to the Lord, the church, and to the believers themselves. When believers are united in their faith and love, they create a spiritual harmony that reflects the beauty of Psalm 133.
In 1 Peter 1, salvation is depicted as a divine calling (verses 1–2, 15). We are called to a personal relationship with Christ, chosen by the Father and set apart by the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to believe the Word. Salvation is also described as a new birth (verses 3, 23), similar to what Jesus explained to Nicodemus in John 3. This new birth grants believers hope, love for Christ and His people, and a desire to obey God. Salvation is a free gift of redemption, given to all who repent and believe in Christ.
The Word of God is indestructible, untouched by the decay of the world. Its life-giving power is evident in those who are born again, and it is constantly fresh and relevant. Unlike the temporary knowledge found in worldly books, which often become obsolete, God's Word endures forever, remaining as vital and necessary today as it was centuries ago.
The Bible is not only eternal but also powerful. Hebrews 4:12 describes it as living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. The Word of God produces spiritual growth, as 1 Peter 1:23 highlights. The seed of the Word, when received into a prepared heart, brings forth new life, transforming the believer into a child of God.
Jesus illustrated this truth in the Parable of the Sower (Luke 8:4–15). The seed, representing God's Word, lands on different types of soil, which symbolize the hearts of those who hear it. Some hearts are hardened, and the Word is quickly stolen away, while others are rocky or filled with thorns, preventing the Word from taking root. But when the Word falls on fertile soil—a heart prepared by God—it produces abundant spiritual fruit, transforming the hearer into a child of God.
The Word of God is not only a source of hope but also a means of spiritual growth and transformation. It is eternal, powerful, and life-giving. By living in obedience to God's Word, we produce fruit that lasts forever, building lives grounded in love, faith, and harmony with Christ. Come to the Living Word today!
Read the word daily. Read through comprehensively, yes, go all the way through from cover to cover, repeatedly, and not too fast. Zero in on passages that address your own weaknesses.
We Christians are to regularly muse upon God's truth, and meditate upon the Word of God. When you walk in a dirty world, then you're going to need cleansing. First when you repent and believe in Jesus, then there will be other times of confession and repentance as God sanctifies each of us in the truth.
In a very real sense, we are giving our brain a bath in one sense; we are washing it in the purifying solution called the God’s Word. We read to grasp, to understand the truth, to know God in a personal meaningful way, so that we can worship better (biblically), so we will follow Jesus closely, so we can obey him as we wisely apply the truth of God's Word. Where He leads, we each want to represent the Lord well.
The Bible, God's ultimate guide-manual (that's inspired and inerrant) for Christians living a life of purpose, power (to witness) and fulfillment. The Greek word the Bible uses for faith (pistis) doesn’t just mean believing in something; it means putting your firm trust in it. True faith isn't just lip service; it's demonstrated through personal choices.
Just as we wouldn't jump out of a plane without trusting the parachute, we shouldn't follow any guide without trusting their expertise. Similarly, following Jesus requires a profound trust in His teachings. He didn't just tell His disciples to believe in Him; He commanded them to follow Him (Matthew 4:19). James echoed this, urging us to be doers of the Word, not merely hearers (James 1:22-27).
Jesus warned against building our lives on a sandy foundation instead of on the Rock (Christ Matthew 7:24-27). A life built on His teachings is a life of abundant joy, peace, and the fruits of the Spirit. It's a life lived in alignment with God's intended purpose. Yet, without actively applying God's Word, we may find ourselves merely fooling ourselves, claiming faith while neglecting to trust Him with our lives.
Think Deeply: Take a moment for reflection. What role does the Bible play in your life? How does your life reflect your belief in God's Word? What challenges do you face in applying God's Word to your daily life?
How can you deepen your study of the Bible and its application?
Pray Thoroughly: Ask God to reveal Himself more deeply through His Word. Pray for wisdom and discernment to understand His teachings. Commit to a deeper study of the Bible. Pray for the desire to follow God's ways above your own.
Act Wisely: Choose a specific topic or question related to faith or life. Research the biblical perspective on this topic. Discuss it with a trusted friend, pastor, or mentor. Seek guidance from sermons, podcasts, or articles by trusted theologians. Pray for the Holy Spirit to enlighten your understanding.
So How Do I Do It? Here's How To Study The Bible As A Born-Again Christian Who Desires To Mature Spiritually:
What's needed with the Bible? This: Prayerful Observation, interpretation, and wise application.
We live during a scary time, a perilous time, a perplexing, confusing, chaotic time and it's time to be equipped. The confusion, the deception, the chaos, the sin is all overrated! The World loves this stuff, but I hate it. Sin makes anyone stupid. God wants all of us to know and understand truth for good reasons. He can bring beauty from the ashes.
"And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose." Romans 8:28 amp
When we are saved (that's a Bible term), we start to loathe what we used to love (sin and this world system) and start to love what we used to loathe--God, the Bible, holiness, the Church, righteousness, people. want to feed upon, to be nourished by God's word to spiritually mature. Yes, personal Bible study is still essential for spiritual growth for reborn Christians. This can be a simple discipline and enjoyable too when approached thoughtfully. The Bible isn’t just a book among other books to read; it is the living word meant to transform our lives. Here is a clear 5-step outline to help guide your study:
1. Reading
Read the Bible thoroughly, repeatedly, and slowly enough to grasp its main truths. Jump in and/or even plan your through the whole Book type of reading—try reading the Whole Book annually or take more time rather than not go through. Note key themes, and jot down questions to explore later.
2. Interpreting
Understanding the Bible is crucial before applying it. Use the "analogy of faith"—interpret Scripture by comparing it with other Scripture. Avoid errors like superficial interpretation or twisting the meaning. Bridge the gaps in language, culture, geography, and history to uncover the full context of the text. Scripture speaks literally and historically, and it never contradicts itself.
3. Evaluating
After interpreting, consult reliable commentaries and other resources to verify your understanding. Be open to changing your perspectives if the truth of God's Word reveals new insights.
4. Applying
True Bible study penetrates the heart. Ask, "How does this truth change my life?" Apply commands, promises, and warnings directly to your daily actions and attitudes. Jesus said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).
5. Correlating
Connect what you’ve learned in one passage with the rest of the Bible. Scripture is one cohesive story, and understanding it in its entirety helps build a strong doctrinal foundation for living a Christ-centered life. Cross-referencing different parts of the Bible will deepen your grasp of God's message.
By following these steps, you’ll not only gain knowledge but also allow Scripture to transform your life, aligning your thoughts and actions with God's will.
