Chapter 7: Doctrine
Lately, I have been reading the Bible just for fun. I haven’t been trying to find something to teach others, write a blog about, or even find some deep revelation. I haven’t had an agenda. I have just been opening my Bible in the morning, spending quality time with Jesus, and just reading. I find it more enjoyable, and what is following Jesus if we can’t enjoy it? I don’t want to become so “religious” that I lose my joy and passion for reading it. But there is also another reason that we need to know the Word of God.
In chapter 7 of the Titus Ten, the author reminds us that as true Christ followers, we are called to be sound in doctrine. Paul wrote in Titus 2:1, “But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound doctrine.” It is important that we know what we believe and, more importantly, why we believe it. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He responded with, “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4) He knew the Word, and He used it.
The Bible is more than something we casually pick up once in a while and let it get dusty on the shelf. It is our weapon. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105) It teaches us, corrects us, and prepares us for what is ahead. How can we fight the enemy’s lies if we don’t know the truth? A soldier can put on all the armor in the world, but eventually, he needs a weapon. The Word of God is our weapon against the darkness. (Ephesians 6:17)
I can’t tell you how many times I have read something in Scripture in the morning and then needed that exact reminder later that day. Sometimes God gives us what we need before we even know we need it. That is why I want to keep reading, not just so I can teach, write, or lead others, but because I need it too. I need the Word to guide me, correct me, encourage me, and remind me of what is true.
The flowers fade, and the grass withers, but the Word of God lasts forever. (Isaiah 40:8) So meditate on it and let it become part of you. Because as followers of Jesus, the Bible isn’t just a book we read. It is alive and active, sharper than a double-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12) It is our guide for walking by faith and our life source along the way.
The Bigger Picture: Meditate on the Word today so you can stand on it tomorrow.
The Bigger Picture 