As previously explained, God has called believers to do more in their faith walk. The Great Commission highlights an important part of our faith that is often overlooked.

Matthew 28:19

New King James Version

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Jesus’ final command on earth to His disciples is for them to make other disciples. The command to teach, according to the Greek word “matheteuo”, means that you become a student of the teachings of God.

We can liken this to modern-day studentship where there is a manual that guides what students learn. Do you remember certain popular textbooks used in primary and secondary school? These were necessary for students to have to master formulae, concepts, and theories of every subject.

The reason for this is that scholars had proven several theories and concepts which we now use to understand these subjects.

For the believer who is a student of the things of God, your guide is the Word of God. The Bible contains everything you need to know in your faith journey.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

New King James Version

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Apostle Paul addresses the common question, “Who wrote the Bible?” in this scripture. He says all of scripture (from the Old Testament to the New) is inspired by God.

Albeit the books were written by different men at different times, the source is the same- God. He communicated His word through men. Throughout scriptures, we understand that everything God does on earth, He does through men.

2 Peter 1:20-21

New King James Version

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

This means we can trust the Bible to be God’s word! We can rely on the integrity of the canonized Bible as we see it today.

Apostle Paul goes on to show just how beneficial the Word of God is to our lives. He says it is advantageous for our doctrine. Doctrine refers to everything we teach and believe. What you believe about salvation, grace, baptism, and any other subject matter must come solely from the scriptures correctly explained.

Next, he talks about reproof which is evidence for what you believe. Any questions about the faith can first be answered through the scriptures and then backed up facts with other methods such as science and history.

All external and internal proofs we need for the questions in our hearts about God we can find in the scriptures. So when in doubt, go back to the Bible, not any other source.

Correction and instruction in righteousness are the next advantages of the Word of God. At different points in life, one may err and make choices that are contrary to what God would have them do.

In cases like these, the scriptures are our source of correction. Apostle Paul corrected many believers and churches while reminding them of their reality in Christ. His first letter to the Corinthian church is a great example of this.

Similarly, instructions on how we must live our lives in every situation come from the Word of God. Contrary to the popular saying, experience is not the best teacher for you as a believer. It is the Word of God taught without error.

Many teachers and students alike fall into the trap of wanting experiences to dictate what the Word of God means. People go as far as “leaving the Bible aside to face reality” whereas, no truer reality stands for the believer than one directed by God’s word.

It has and will always stand true irrespective of the generation, advancements in technology, or the times and seasons. No matter what changes, God’s word remains valid and true.

Galatians 1:8

New King James Version

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

This was Paul’s disposition to the gospel. He was bent on preserving exactly what he heard and taught, never to add or subtract. As “extreme” as it may sound, this is the way we must view the Word of God in its entirety.

In places where people casually say things that contradict God’s word, be ready to speak up against it and show proof of what you believe from the scriptures.

What then should your response be to God’s word?

• Give yourself to the learning of the Word of God as a good student. The early church understood this and incorporated it into their daily lives and the results were evident.

Acts 2:42

New King James Version

42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

• As a good student, study the Word of God consistently

2 Timothy 2:15

New King James Version

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Rightly dividing the word of truth indicates that there is a wrong way to divide or interpret the scriptures. More often than not, this is what leads to false doctrine. Remember, your job is to preserve the exact teachings of God’s word and not to change it to suit your circumstances.

Your growth as a believer is incomplete without the word of God. It is food to your spirit (Matt 4:4), your instruction manual, your guide on this earth to living a life that pleases God.

Let not your thoughts be formed by the world and what it has to offer. Never permit your experiences to dictate how you act or respond to people and situations. If the word of God says it, you must be open to accepting it.

Today, choose to let the Word of God form doctrine for you, instruct and correct you.

Prayer Point:

Lord, as I have learned the place of your word in my life, I become a more diligent student of the word. I give myself to learning more from it, I allow it to instruct, correct, and guide me every day.