Formational Reading

When Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, one of the temptations recorded in scripture is the temptation for Jesus to turn stones into bread in order to satiate His hunger after forty days of fasting. Jesus’ response to the temptation is, “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). After feeding the 5000 in John 6, Jesus said in verses 26-27, “You seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” He continues in verse 32, “It is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven… and gives life to the world.” Then Jesus states in verse 35, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger, and he who believes in me will never thirst.”

God’s word is truly food for our souls. Jesus, the living Word of God is food for us indeed. Jesus said that His words are “life” (verse 63). His words are living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). His words have creative power giving us birth and life (1 Peter 1:23) and are able to save our souls (James 1:21).

Something wonderful happens when we read and study the word of God! Our spirits are affected: something formational occurs! Too often, however, we read the Bible only to garner information. We read in order to gain knowledge regarding doctrine or practice. This should not be the only reason we read scripture. We need to read the bible in order that our spirits will be formed to be more like Jesus.
Life in God's kingdom involves our spirits being animated and empowered by the living Word of God Jesus Christ. To the degree that our spirits are immersed, enveloped, overwhelmed, and surrounded by the Spirit of Christ, we are the result of His creative and life giving word forming us into His likeness. Read and be changed!

Comments

  1. Ryan ConnorAugust 28, 2009 at 4:29 PM

    Thanks for the great post!

    I especially like your statement: "To the degree that our spirits are immersed, enveloped, overwhelmed, and surrounded by the Spirit of Christ, we are the result of His creative and life giving word forming us into His likeness."

    Thinking about how reading and studying Scripture as an "immersion" makes me think about what people often say about reading a great novel. They say, "I got immersed in the story." So much of God's Word is story--narratives. Characters, plots, themes, etc. Yes, there are plenty of commands and principles and proverbs. But, most of the Bible is story. In terms of spiritual formation and discipleship, could it be any other way? We are not following a list of rules, but a person, Jesus of Nazareth, Christ the Lord, who lived a real-life story. His story was THE climax and crux of every story! The Partriarch's story, Israel's story, and all the stories of all the peoples, in all places, in all times. Reading the Bible isn't about gathering information to make a case on this issue or that (as you pointed out). Oh, it is full of information--full of truth. But, when we read the Bible and we start to see ourselves in the story, then, we have begun to be formed by that Word.

    Peace and all good,
    Ryan

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  2. TerrySeptember 9, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    Thanks Ryan.

    I love the idea of our being a part or playing a role in God's story. When we contemplate what God has done throughout history, and we believe He is using us and working in us to carry out His will as history continues to develop, it is very exciting to be alive and to live with and in Him.

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