Devotion To Scripture
Devotion to Scripture may be summed up easily as daily time spent reading and studying God’s Word. However, devotion to Scripture goes much further than just reading and studying. In the beginning of Foundational Doctrine, we learned that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is...profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
In James 1:22 we are told, “prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” We must be so wholly devoted to Scripture that it actually steers and controls our thoughts and actions. In Luke 11:28 Jesus says, “blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Obeying the Word of God brings the blessing of God on the life of a believer. In Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus compares those who hear and act on His words to a wise man. He compares those who hear and do not act on them to a fool.
Many Christians struggle with how to live a life for God and how to know what we are supposed to be doing for Him. When we read the Word of God, He tells us and shows us how to live for Him. Throughout all of Psalm 119, the author points to how devotion to God’s Word will do the following: give us strength in weakness (verse 28), light our path and guide our feet (verse 105), keep us from sinning against God (verse 133), and give us peace (verse 165). Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “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, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When we are wholly devoted to God’s Word, we will live a life for God, directed by His very words. When we read the Bible, we are not just reading a book with words and pages; it is God revealing Himself to us directly.
Devotion to Scripture was something that the early church believers took very seriously. We see in Acts 2:42, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching...” The apostles’ teachings were the commands of Christ—the very Word of God.
Being devoted to Scripture builds our relationship with God. As Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), we should endeavor to know as much of God’s Word as possible. The prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts” (Jeremiah 15:16).
Discussion Points
What does your daily devotion to Scripture look like?
What evidence is there in your life that shows your devotion to Scripture?
Where in your life are you lacking devotion to Scripture?
In regards to the three previous questions: in what ways will you improve your devotion to Scripture?