The Bible Is Meant to Transform You, not Just Inform You

Current Teaching Series 40 Days in the Word

The Bible Is Meant to Transform You, not Just Inform You By Rick Warren — Feb 16, 2017 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT). I was once asked what the best translation of the Bible is. My answer was, “When you translate it into your life.” That’s what Bible study is all about. If you’re not translating God’s Word into your life, you’re not studying the Bible the way God intended. God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply inform us. It should give us a bigger heart, not a bigger head. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (NIV). In other words, God wants our beliefs turned into behavior.  God makes his purpose for the Bible even more explicit in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (NLT). The purpose of the Bible is more than just showing us what is wrong in our lives or how we should live. God gave us his Word to radically transform our lives. The Bible describes itself in different ways. For example, it calls itself a hammer, a sword, and a scalpel. All of these are tools designed to make radical changes. God intends for the Bible to dramatically change our lives. The Bible also describes God’s truth as milk, water, bread, and meat. What do all those things have in common? If you don’t eat or drink them regularly, you’ll die. We were never meant to live without the Bible. The Bible is essential to our lives because it gives us life. In fact, the Bible also talks about Jesus as the Word of God. John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (NLT). God gave you the Living Word, Jesus, to be the author and finisher of your faith, and he gave you the written Word to prepare you to live out your faith. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over The Bible is more than a mere wisdom dispenser or repository of information. How do you see God using the Bible to transform your life? Jesus is the Word of God. Talk about how intimacy with the Bible is connected to intimacy with Jesus. What are some ways you can practice doing God’s Word and not just reading it?

Our Gift: 40 Days in the Word Study Kit + Bookmark Build a more vibrant relationship with Jesus! A close relationship with Christ doesn’t happen by accident. You have to make spending time with Him a priority every day. And you have to approach that time with the right attitude. Pastor Rick Warren shows you how to get more out of God’s Word and deepen your daily time with Jesus in his 40 Days in the Word study kit. Through a 200-page study guide and six-part DVD teaching video, you’ll learn… LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes seven full length teaching CD's from Pastor Rick's series 40 Days in the Word. LEARN MORE

Series Summary Message 1: Building My Life On The Bible Message 2: Why Can I Trust The Bible Message 3: How The Bible Changes Us Message 4: Seeing What God Wants Me To See Message 5: How To Study a Bible Passage Message 6: Understanding the Meaning of a Text Message 7: Integrating God's Word In My Life PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe