How God changes us (1)

“It…teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

One of the ways God changes us is through His Word. “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” (vv. 16-17 NLT). The story is told of a converted cannibal in the South Sea islands. He was sitting by a large pot reading his Bible when an anthropologist approached him and asked, “What are you doing?” The native replied, “I’m reading the Bible.” The anthropologist scoffed and said, “Don’t you know that modern, civilized man has rejected that book? It’s nothing but a pack of lies. You shouldn’t waste your time reading it.” The cannibal looked him over from head to toe and slowly replied, “Sir, if it weren’t for this book—you’d be in that pot!” The Word of God had changed his life—and his appetite. If you’re serious about changing your life, you have to get into the Bible. You need to read it, study it, memorize it, meditate on it, speak it, and apply it. “But my faith is weak,” you say. Are you reading your Bible regularly? Are you studying it? Are you memorizing it? No? Then how do you expect your faith to grow? The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17 NKJV). Bottom line: the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us more like the Son of God.

Bible in a year: 1 Chron 16-18 and Acts 17:1-15