1. Instruction and Teaching
· Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
· Matthew 4:4: “But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’”
· Romans 15:4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
· 2 Timothy 3: 16-17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2. Guidance
· Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.”
· Psalm 119: 105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
3. Transformation of Mind
· Romans 12: 2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
· James 1:21: “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
4. Spiritual Growth
· Acts 20:32: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
· 1 Peter 2: 2: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” (see also 2 Timothy 3: 16-17)
5. Equipping for Service
· Joshua 1: 8: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
6. Encouragement and Hope
· Psalm 119:81: “My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your word.”
· Romans 15: 4: “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
7. Protection from Sin
· Psalm 119: 9-11: “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (see also Ephesians 6:10-17)
8. Sanctification
· John 17: 17: “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
· 1 Peter 1:22-23: “Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.”
9. Wisdom
· Psalm 19: 7: “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
· Psalm 119:98-100: “Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.”
· Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
10. Producing Faith
· Romans 10: 17: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
11. Preparation for Spiritual Battles
· Ephesians 6: 17: “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
12. Providing Direction and Clarity
· Proverbs 3: 5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
