In this next talk in our series, Breath on a Page, Louie Giglio encourages us to breathe, eat, plant, and wield the word of God in order that we might see the living power of God.
It's not enough to see the Bible as holy and respect it. It only works powerfully in our lives when we engage with it.
Four Opportunities To Engage With The Word Of God
1) Breathe it.
If it's breath on a page, we breathe in breath. God breathed it out, we breathe it in. The Spirit is pneuma; breath. So, the first thing to do is breathe out stress, worry, fear, and confusion. Then breathe in the Word of God. Acts 17:24-25 says it's God who gives life and breath to all things.
2) Eat it.
Feast on it. See it as a delicacy. Yes, it's necessary for life, but it's a delicacy as well. It's enjoying the moment; not checking a box of getting some Bible reading done. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says that He's standing at the door and knock, when we open the door, He promises to dine with us. It's all about the relationship we have with Jesus. When you open your Bible, you're getting a feast. Start with milk and in time you'll get to meat.
3) Plant it.
The Word often refers to Scripture as a seed. In emergency situation, it's what people want. The better plan is to have planted into you every day. It takes root and is nurtured by the Holy Spirit and causes you to grow and bear fruit. It comes back to you in the moment you need it. His Word is unstoppable. All we have to offer is what God has said. Isaiah 55:10-11 says God's Word will not return void. It's going to accomplish the desire of the Lord. You rarely see instant results when you plant a seed, but you'll see cumulative results over time. When the dark hour comes, the Word will light up your heart and it will hold and defend you in that moment.
4) Wield it.
Ephesians 6 gives us the armor of God. Most of it is defensive; helmet, shield, breastplate, etc. At the very end, you are given an offensive weapon. We take up the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Once again, the Scripture is putting together Spirit and Word. Jesus answered the enemy when He was tempted by wielding the Sword of the Spirit when He said, "It is written." You have the power to do the same thing. Psalm 119 is the longest psalm there is with 176 verses. They are all about the Word of God and the value of knowing it in your heart.
The heart of this message is found in Psalm 119:16. "I delight in your decrees. I will not neglect Your Word."
Discussion Questions
1) If you want the Word of God to be powerful in your life, is it enough to respect it and see it as holy?
2) Do you daily engage with the Scripture every day? Have you noticed any change in your day, perspective, or attitude on days that you spend time in the Word?
3) Read Acts 17:24-25. What promise is found in that verse? What does God give us?
4) Do you tend to see reading the Bible as a daily habit or as something you sit and enjoy the moment?
5) What does Revelation 3:20 say Jesus does? What does He do with us? How does this equate to His Word?
6) When the Bible references Scripture, what does it often refer to it as?
7) What does Isaiah 55:10-11 say about God's Word? Why is it so important to daily plant the Word of God in you?
8) Name a time when the Word held you or encouraged you when you needed it.
9) Read Ephesians 6: 10-17. What are the defensive weapons given? What is the one offensive weapon?
10) Take time and read through Psalm 119. It's all about the Word of God. What is one verse that expands your understanding of the power of the Scripture?
