The word of God is to shape our way of life. Our spiritual diet directly affects our spiritual health. In 2 Timothy 2:14-19, we discover the priorities for developing a healthy spiritual lifestyle that integrates the truth of the Bible. This section highlights the basic principles for studying, interpreting, and applying Scripture.
The fruit of our study of God’s Word becomes the food for our spiritual lives. The process begins with opening the Bible and culminates in personally applying the Scriptures as Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal of personal Bible Study is to know and love God and live out His word. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” To fulfill the charge given in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “accurately handle the word of truth,” specific skills must be introduced and developed.
Chapter 7 of LIFE-Giving Discipleship teaches you how to implement the Bible study basics of observation, interpretation, and application, which will prove invaluable for your spiritual growth.
