Scriptural Training
Why Is It Important To Be Trained In The Scriptures?
Part of discipleship training includes scriptural training. Every disciple needs to know the Word of God to be an effective follower.
God wants his children to continue growing in faith and knowledge until they are mature and perfect.
In this lesson, we will examine the importance and methods of scriptural training.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
The Importance of Scriptural Training
1. The Scriptures Teach Disciples What To Believe and What Not To Believe
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16)
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Disciples should believe the scriptures and not men. We should read and study the Word of God for ourselves to be approved by God. God gave us leaders to teach and train us in proper understanding, but it is our responsibility to become mature by acquiring an understanding of proper doctrine. If we rely on others, we may be tricked and deceived, just like Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
2. The Scriptures Teach Disciples How To Live
“16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Bible teaches disciples how God expects us to live, so we will bring Him honor and glory.
It also warns disciples of actions that will separate us from Him and result in destructive consequences. While reading God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will convict us of sin, show us how to correct our mistakes, and how to live wisely so we will not sin in the future.
3. The Scriptures Guide Disciples in Their Daily Walk with God
“105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Holy Spirit guides disciples in daily decisions regarding life, family, and career. The scriptures train disciples how to listen to God in prayer and devotions to gain wisdom and understanding so we can test and determine what God’s specific will and plan is for the decisions we make.
4. The Scriptures Help Disciples During Spiritual Attacks
“26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” (John 14:26)
Matthew 4:1-11 includes the account of Jesus being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. This passage instructs disciples how to handle times of temptation by using memorized scripture. Satan tempted Jesus several times and manipulated scripture in his trickery. Jesus utilizes scripture to answer the devil’s attacks with proper doctrine. The spiritual armor we are given (Ephesians 6:10-20) is based on a proper understanding of how to use scripture in defense and offense to fight the spiritual forces that try to tempt and manipulate us as we try to serve the Lord.
Methods of Scriptural Training
1. Read the Bible Daily
You must be in the Word to have the Word be in you! Disciples need to read the Bible every day for the Holy Spirit to guide and teach them.
2. Study the Bible
Reading the Bible devotionally does not build proper doctrine. Disciples must be diligent to study the Bible to gain understanding.
* See How to Study the Bible under Theology
3. Memorize Scriptures
Memorizing scripture helps you in times of temptation and trouble. A disciple’s daily discipline should involve committing verses to memory that give comfort and understanding of God’s will and plan for your life.
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
4. Meditate on Scriptures
Think about the scriptures and apply them to your life. Meditating on scripture will help disciples be able to follow and observe all that God has for them.
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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. Joshua 1:8
5. Pray and Worship using Scriptures
The Bible includes promises and provisions for disciples. Including scripture in your prayers honors God while enabling you to pray according to His will.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)
More information to guide you in Scriptural Training can be found in the Theology and Equip sections of the Disciples Education Network S.T.E.P.S. program.