The Word of God and its Impact on the Christian Life

How does a Christian grow as a disciple?

Previously we have talked about how it is the gospel that begins and drives our growth in faith.

By remembering and looking to what Jesus has done we grow deeper trust and love for Him.

Launching from this we are going to dive into the role that the Bible plays in our discipleship.

2 Thes. 2:13-16

V. 13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.

There are three key pieces of understanding the Bible and its role in the believers life in these verses.

First, the Bible is the Word of God.

It was written by men, as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

In the Bible we have God’s revelation of who He is. In some places he reveals his character through direct statements, others its through stories. He most clearly reveals characteristics like love, mercy, and justice through the story of redemption.

How do we know the Bible is truly the Word of God?

No contradictions or errors.- it is consistent and tells one unified story despite being written by som many authors over thousands of years.

Prophecies that have been fulfilled.

The Bible claims to be the Word of God.

The internal witness of the Spirit.

Second, Paul thanked God that they received the Word, because it is the Holy Spirit who gives people eyes to see and ears to hear.

1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction

Its the Holy Spirit who empowers the Word to change people.

This ought to encourage me to share my faith. Its not my intellect that changes hearts, but God using HIs Word.

Third, the Word is described as working in believers.

It by hearing the Word that people are saved, but it doesn’t stop there.

It is through exposure to the Word of God, and meditating on it that God transforms us and makes us more like Jesus.

For the Thessalonians Paul likely had in mind them leaving behind idol worship and them demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit.

Share of true growth in my life and how the Word encouraged me in doubt.

So the Word when empowered by the Spirit brings life, and it is what grows the Christian.

The Word of God is the foundation upon which all things in the Christian’s life is built, and in this passage Paul provides another clear indication of the work that the Word is doing.

V. 14-15 “For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind 16 by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!

How do we know they are being impacted and changed by the Word? How do we know these people are true believers built on God’s Word?

Their faith in God and His Word is able to endure the persecution they are facing from the people around them.

Their willingness to face hardships shows that they really believe what God says, and that Jesus really is the Son of God.

What kind of persecution do they face?

Being social rejection

Being ridiculed and insulted

Possibly physical attacks and death

As Christians we have to be willing to receive the same treatment, because if we take our faith seriously, there is going to be backlash.

We have to be Salt and Light, set apart and different. To follow Jesus means its going to cost you. Look at how the Jews are described as displeasing God and opposing mankind.

The Jews were harassing the church in Judea, just like the Thessalonians were being harassed because the apostles were seeking to share the message of the gospel.

When we share the gospel there will be times when it will be met with hostility. When we refuse to do the things the world tells us we need to, there will be a cost, but as we become rooted in God’s Word we are strengthened to face those challenges.

So how do we know a person believes the Word and is being grown by God?

They believe the Bible is the Word of God, and are willing to accept all that it teaches. It becomes the foundation for their life.

With deeper study of it, their trust in God grows, and they begin to display things such as love, humility, and kindness.

They are willing to face opposition, trusting in God, and all the promises He has made.

So how do I grow in my knowledge of the Bible? How do I study it?

Consistency and Prayer

Tools:

Study Bible

Books

Trustworthy Teaching

Plans and Devotionals

Having someone disciple you

Preaching