The Bible is God’s primary tool in the renewal of our minds.
Keep in mind that God’s word, the Bible, will not profit you or change your life, make you happy, take away guilt, remove sin or save you from hell, without the “beginning”….. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN.
The Bible is not just a book of rules. It does have many rules, commandments, and wisdom, but the person of Jesus is described in the book of John (who actually lived with Jesus) as “the Word”; the LIVING word!
The Bible describes what God’s character is like…. what he likes, dislikes, hates…. warnings and promises…what he says is right and wrong…. HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!
Any good parent, who truly loves their child has rules to keep that child from harm; guidance to train up that child so that they will be successful, healthy, safe, wise, and direction so that their child will not be deceived and end up in a tragic situation. We are God’s children and he loves us and wants to very best for us, so he gave us HIS word (Jesus and the Bible) for our salvation… our good.
1) The Holy Spirit’s partner in renewal
God’s Word is a powerful, life-changing force. When applied to our heart by the Holy Spirit it has the power to cut to the deepest part of our being, reveal areas in need of change, and, as we allow it to work, transform us by renewing our minds and hearts. (see Romans 12:1-2)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NKJV
The Bible was written across a period of several centuries in the languages of Hebrew and Aramaic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament). With the changing of nations and cultures across the centuries, these original writings have been translated many times to make the Bible available in different languages.... Just as God inspired people to write His word, He also has preserved the Bible by using human instruments to pass it on to succeeding generations.
- Nelson Bible Dictionary
Jesus describes God’s word like a seed planted in the human heart.
“Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.” Luke 8:11
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word planted in you, which can save you. 1 Peter 1:23 NIV
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21 NIV
Every seed carries within itself the potential of new life. However, this new life is only possible if the seed is allowed to germinate and grow. Just as every natural seed carries the potential of producing new life, so the seed of God’s word has the potential for producing life-changing results... but it must be allowed to germinate and grow.
He also said,
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” Mark 4:26-28 NIV (see Isaiah 55:8-11)
“This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain-first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.” Mark 4:26-28 NIV (see Isaiah 55:8-11)
GERMINATION is the growth of a seed once it has been placed in a favorable environment. During germination water passes through the outer layers of the seed into the embryo, causing the seed to swell, which ruptures the outer layers. Roots begin to grow and, at some point, the plant stem pushes its way through the surface of the soil.
Again, God’s word is a living and powerful seed which always carries the potential for life-changing results, but that potential will never be realized unless it is planted in good soil.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 NIV
2) Six elements of good soil
1. Believe the Bible as God’s perfect, flawless word.
As for God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord is flawless.... Psalm 18:30 NIV
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. Psalm 19:7 NIV
2. Approach the word of God in the fear of the Lord.
The “fear” of God is NOT being terrified of punishment (although only a fool doesn’t recognize God’s authority), but the clear realization that if God gives a warning or makes a promise, IT WILL HAPPEN. Be smart, take heed!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. Psalm 111:10 NIV
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. Psalm 111:10 NIV
An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin. Psalm 36:1-2 NIV
3. Expect God’s word to work powerfully in you.
And we thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work within you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV
...the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
4. Spend time meditating on specific scriptures.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:2-3 NIV
“Consider carefully what you hear”, he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you---and even more.” Mark 4:24 NIV
The Greek word translated consider carefully in Mark 4:24, literally means to look at something with intent, earnest contemplation.
The Greek word translated consider carefully in Mark 4:24, literally means to look at something with intent, earnest contemplation.
5. Do what it says.
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 NIV
6. Persevere
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:15 NIV
