I was in sixth grade when Atari came out with the first game system. I never owned one until my kids got a Wii. Even now if someone hands me a controller I spaz out-of-control because I have no idea what I’m doing. Some are like that in their relationship with God. Something goes wrong in life and they are like me playing Mario Karts.
It’s not enough to know the Word of Truth; you have to know how to use it!
I. 2 Timothy 2:14-15. Several times in Scripture, God’s Word is described as a sword. But, having a sword is not the same thing as knowing how to use it. All the lessons on the Bible (see the sermonlines archive) leading up to this one gave great information about the uniqueness, inspiration, authority, and development of the Bible. It is truth (John 17:17), yes, but it must be applied to be of any use (Psalm 119:11).
II. 2 Corinthians 3:12-16. Knowledge is only the means to the relationship with God that we all strive to have. A thorough and continual study of His Word, combined with an abiding prayer-life, will lift the veil on truly knowing the word of truth so that a person can truly know God. As in any relationship, love is the key to intimacy. God loves us. It is our love in return that will draw us into intimacy with Him.
III. John 4:23-24. Being a true worshiper should be our goal. To be that, we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. In other words, we must know God in a deep and abiding relationship with Him. Therefore, we must be honest with the word of truth. We must approach the study of His Word, not seeking justification for who we’d like God to be, but how He reveals Himself to us out the living and active pages of His Word. Knowing the context and occasion of the passage helps as well.
Does your study of God found in the pages of His Word draw you into a deeper relationship with Him? Do you know Him?