Esteeming the Word of God: Why Scripture Should Take Precedence in Our Lives
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 21, 2024
As followers of Christ, we’re called to prioritize the Word of God in our lives. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus declares, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” This verse highlights the importance of esteeming the Word of God above even our basic physical needs.
In this article, we’ll explore six perspectives that can help us cultivate a deeper appreciation for Scripture and prioritize it in our lives.
1. Spiritual Nourishment
Just as our bodies require food for sustenance, our spirits need the Word of God for nourishment. Hebrews 5:12-14 emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity, which comes from feeding on the Word of God. As we digest Scripture, we grow in our understanding of God’s character, His will, and His promises.
2. Eternal Significance
While food is essential for temporary physical survival, the Word of God has eternal significance. Jesus teaches us that His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). The Bible offers salvation, hope, and eternal life to those who believe. In 1 Peter 1:23-25, we’re reminded that the Word of God endures forever, while all flesh is like grass that withers away.
3. Transformative Power
The Word of God has the power to transform our lives. Romans 12:2 encourages us to renew our minds by conforming to the will of God as revealed in Scripture. As we surrender to the transformative power of the Word, we’re progressively changed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.
4. Intimacy with God
Esteeming the Word of God can deepen our intimacy with Him. Psalm 119:97-104 expresses the psalmist’s love for God’s law, which becomes the basis for his intimate relationship with the Lord. As we delve into Scripture, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character, which fosters trust, reverence, and affection.
5. Prioritization
To esteem the Word of God, we must prioritize spending time in Scripture. Psalm 119:147-148 encourages us to rise early and cry out for God’s help, seeking His wisdom and guidance. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
6. Gratitude and Reverence
Finally, we should cultivate a sense of gratitude and reverence for the Word of God. Psalm 119:161-168 expresses the psalmist’s reverence for God’s statutes, which become the source of his comfort and joy. Isaiah 66:2 reminds us that God looks to those who are humble and contrite in spirit, who tremble at His word.
In conclusion, esteeming the Word of God requires a deliberate effort to prioritize Scripture in our lives. By recognizing its spiritual nourishment, eternal significance, transformative power, and role in fostering intimacy with God, we can cultivate a deeper reverence and gratitude for the Bible. As we seek to esteem the Word of God, may we experience the life-transforming power of Scripture and deepen our relationship with the Lord.
Supplemental Questions
Question 1
What role does Scripture play in spiritual growth?
Scripture plays a vital role in spiritual growth, serving as a foundation for a deepening relationship with God. Here are some ways Scripture contributes to spiritual growth:
# Instruction and Guidance
1. Teaches God’s character: Scripture reveals God’s nature, attributes, and promises, helping believers understand His heart and intentions.
2. Provides moral guidance: The Bible offers wisdom on righteous living, moral decision-making, and ethical behavior.
3. Guides spiritual practices: Scripture instructs believers on spiritual disciplines like prayer, worship, and fasting.
# Transformation and Renewal
1. Renews the mind: Romans 12:2 emphasizes the importance of renewing our minds through Scripture, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
2. Convicts and corrects: Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as living and active, able to convict us of sin and correct our paths.
3. Encourages spiritual growth: Scripture motivates believers to pursue spiritual maturity, urging us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
# Comfort, Encouragement, and Hope
1. Offers comfort in trials: Scripture provides solace and reassurance during difficult times, reminding us of God’s presence and care.
2. Encourages perseverance: The Bible motivates believers to endure hardships, trusting in God’s sovereignty and promises.
3. Inspires hope and faith: Scripture inspires hope and faith, reminding us of God’s faithfulness, love, and redemption.
# Intimacy with God
1. Fosters intimacy with God: Scripture helps believers develop a deeper, more personal relationship with God, understanding His heart and desires.
2. Facilitates prayer and worship: The Bible provides a foundation for prayer and worship, helping believers communicate with God and express their love and gratitude.
In summary, Scripture plays a vital role in spiritual growth by providing instruction, guidance, transformation, comfort, encouragement, hope, and intimacy with God.
Question 2
How does prioritizing
Scripture impact daily life?
Prioritizing Scripture can have a profound impact on daily life, influencing various aspects of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Here are some ways prioritizing Scripture can shape daily life:
Personal Growth and Transformation
1. Renewed mind: Scripture renews our minds, transforming our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors (Romans 12:2).
2. Character development: The Bible teaches us valuable virtues like love, kindness, and humility, helping us become more Christ-like.
3. Emotional intelligence: Scripture provides guidance on managing emotions, such as anxiety, fear, and anger.
Relationships and Interactions
1. Improved relationships: Prioritizing Scripture helps us develop empathy, compassion, and understanding, leading to stronger, more meaningful relationships.
2. Effective communication: The Bible teaches us how to communicate effectively, resolving conflicts and building bridges with others.
3. Wisdom in decision-making: Scripture provides guidance on decision-making, helping us navigate complex situations and relationships.
Purpose and Direction
1. Clear purpose: Prioritizing Scripture helps us discover our purpose and calling, aligning our lives with God’s plans.
2. Direction and guidance: The Bible offers guidance on navigating life’s challenges, providing direction and wisdom for making decisions.
3. Confidence and courage: Scripture inspires confidence and courage, empowering us to face obstacles and pursue our goals.
Spiritual Growth and Intimacy
1. Deeper intimacy with God: Prioritizing Scripture fosters a deeper, more personal relationship with God, helping us understand His heart and desires.
2. Spiritual disciplines: The Bible teaches us spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and worship, helping us grow in our faith.
3. Faith and trust: Scripture inspires faith and trust in God, helping us rely on His sovereignty and provision.
By prioritizing Scripture, we can experience a profound impact on our daily lives, leading to personal growth, stronger relationships, clear purpose, and deeper spiritual intimacy.
