“And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)

The Discipline of a Scripture-filled Life

Introduction

The Spiritual Disciplines are God’s pathways where we can expect to encounter His transforming grace.  The most transforming practice available to us is the disciplined input of Scripture into our lives.  No spiritual discipline is more important than the input of God’s Word.  Nothing can substitute for it.  There is simply no healthy Christian life apart from a diet of the milk and meat of Scripture.

Jesus’ life was filled with Scripture:

• His mother was a woman of the Word, Lk 1:46-55
• His early years, Lk 2:46-47
• He defeated the devil, Lk 4:1-15
• He lived the Scriptures, Lk 4:16-19

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God"  (Matt 4:4).

"Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth" (Jn 17:17).

Hearing God’s Word

Active hearing of God’s Word is a discipline to be cultivated.

Reading God's Word

• Find the time & place
• Find the plan
• Find the “gold” each time you read

Conclusion: If you want to be changed, if you want to be more like Jesus, discipline yourself to “engage” the Bible, every day.