From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Grace to read Scripture (2|3)
Pages 129-134
2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV) You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Psalm 119:12-16 (NIV) Praise be to you, LORD; teach me your decrees. With my lips, I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Why is meditation on Scripture (not just reading it) such an important way of receiving God’s grace and spiritual growth? How does deep reflection differ from casual reading?
How has slowing down to deeply reflect on a single passage of Scripture impacted your faith or helped you hear from God more clearly?
How does biblical meditation (“filling our minds with God’s truth”) protect us from the falsehoods and “appealing truths” that surround us today?
Why do you think people today are more tempted to trust their own “confused thoughts” rather than submit to God’s Word? What helps us develop the humility to let Scripture shape our thinking?
Was there anything from the Spurgeon, Packer, or Yoder quotes that resonated with you?