Previously, we have looked at how to observe a Bible text to understand “what” it meant and means. We also looked at how to find the “so what” application for the days and time in which we live. Today, we wrap up the process by considering the “now what” – our response to what we observed and applied.
The Importance of Our Response
Studying God’s Word is a great discipline, but it is also a purposeful discipline. We do not dig into the Bible to gain knowledge; we look for God and His purpose for us. If all we gain from our study is Bible knowledge, we become vulnerable to religious pride. Read in the Gospels about the Scribes and Pharisees. Read in Paul’s letters about those who thought themselves superior because of what they knew.
Through His Holy Spirit, God reveals Himself to us in Scripture to transform us. The Holy Spirit longs to draw us closer to the image of Christ through each passage of Scripture. Philippians 2:12-13 teaches us that God is at work in us. One of the primary ways He works is through His Word. But that passage also lays on us the responsibility to work out the work that He has worked in us. He shows us HIs truth then calls us and enables us to live out that truth.
How to Develop an Obedient Response
I want to encourage you to close out every passage of Scripture you study with meaningful response. I like to write my response as a one or two sentence prayer. That reminds me that I need God’s help to do what I sense He has called me to do. But you can develop your response in whatever way works best for you. I have found it best to commit my response to writing. This practice helps me clarify it, anchor it in my memory, and hold me accountable to do it.
The most effective response to God’s word involves at least three components. It is personal. My response is MY response. It is what I sense God is wanting to do in my life. The response is also specific. I do not response with a desire to “do better” in some part of my life. Instead, I respond by submitting a specific situation, attitude, or action to God. Then the response is also usually timely. By that I mean I place a deadline on my action. “Today, Lord, help me to (fill in the blank).” “Lord, when I meet with (person) this afternoon, help me communicate (what you showed me today) to them.” Personal. Specific. Timely.
One Last Tool to Help
My pastor during my teen years shared the following acrostic with me. Since then, I have found it invaluable in helping me move from knowing what God has said and doing what God has said.
S – Sin. Is there a sin in this passage I need to confess, avoid, or ask for strength to resist?
P – Promise. Does the passage contain a promise about God’s character that give me hope?
A – Attitude. Does the passage reveal a flaw in my attitude that I need God’s help to change?
C – Command. Does the passage contain a command to which I need to conform?
E – Example. Does the passage provide an example that I need to emulate with my life?
You will not find all 5 of these in a single passage. In fact, you probably will only find one. Maybe two. But what you can turn what you discover from those 5 questions into a personal, specific, and timely response to God.
James 1:22 – But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
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