Reading the Bible: More Than Just a Supplement for Life
In the pursuit of health, happiness, and spiritual growth, it’s easy to treat many good things like vitamins—helpful add-ons, but not essential. The Bible is sometimes approached the same way. It sits on the shelf alongside podcasts, self-help books, and life hacks, treated as one more tool to optimize life. But what if Scripture isn’t just a supplement? What if it’s the main meal our souls were made to feast on? Click the link above for the full message by Pastor Ben Graves.
🥸 Imitations Won’t Satisfy the Soul
We live in a time when many things offer temporary peace, joy, and comfort. The culture promotes ideas like mindfulness, wellness routines, and lifestyle coaching, all promising to meet the deep needs of the human heart. While some of these things can be beneficial, they are merely imitations of the true peace found in God’s presence. The Bible contains God’s words—words that do more than entertain or inform. It brings lasting joy and peace that nothing else in the world can provide.
🍞 Not Bread Alone: Why Scripture Is Essential
In Matthew 4, Jesus reminds us that man doesn’t live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4, NIV). After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness, Jesus faces temptation from the enemy, but He stands firm by quoting Scripture. His response reveals a profound truth: just as food sustains the body, God’s word nourishes the soul. Without it, spiritual starvation is inevitable.
Imagine only eating vitamins without food. No matter how beneficial those vitamins are, they cannot sustain life on their own. The same is true for faith—podcasts, devotionals, and spiritual books are great, but without God’s word as the foundation, our spiritual lives become malnourished.
R.C. Sproul quotes, “If we lose the Bible, we lose our understanding of truth, and when we lose truth, we lost the ability to discern right from wrong.” In today’s culture, it is so important to know the difference between right and wrong, and the place we learn that is through God’s Word.
👋🏻 Do You Feel Far from God?
If you struggle to feel close to God or hear His voice, the problem may lie in how you engage with Scripture. When anxiety hits or life gets tough, do you find yourself leaning on God’s promises, or do you spiral into worry and worst-case scenarios? If God’s word is just another supplement in your routine, it’s easy to feel distant from Him.
The Bible reveals God’s nature and His heart for us. By prioritizing time with His word, we allow Him to speak directly to our circumstances. It’s not enough to consume spiritual content passively—we need to dive deeply into the Bible and let it shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
💭 Knowing Who God Is—and Who You Are
The Bible doesn’t just tell us about God; it reveals who we are. In Joshua 1:8, God commands His people to meditate on His word day and night, promising prosperity and success for those who do. But this success isn’t about worldly achievements—it’s about walking confidently in God’s purpose for our lives.
In a world filled with shifting identities and changing definitions, it’s easy to let culture define who we are. Yet, Scripture reminds us that our worth isn’t tied to success or the approval of others. As God’s children, we are deeply loved, fully known, and called to live according to His truth.
💡 The Bible: A Lamp for Your Path
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (NIV). Just as a lamp illuminates a dark path step by step, the Bible provides both immediate guidance and long-term vision for our lives. Without Scripture, it’s easy to stumble through life, trying to navigate relationships, decisions, and challenges in the dark.
This is especially true today, as confusion and chaos seem to reign in society. A biblical worldview offers clarity amidst the noise, helping us discern what’s right, what’s wrong, and how to move forward. Scripture isn’t just relevant for Sunday mornings—it’s a daily guide for how we parent, handle conflict, and make big decisions.
⏰ It’s Time to Stop Supplementing
The problem with treating the Bible like a supplement is that supplements were never meant to replace real nourishment. Too often, we fall into the trap of thinking that listening to Christian podcasts, reading devotionals, or attending church on Sundays will sustain our faith. But Jesus didn’t call us to snack on His word occasionally—He invites us to feast on it daily.
When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we not only grow closer to God, but we also discover how to live out His truth in every area of life. From how we parent to how we respond to hardship, God’s word gives us wisdom for every situation.
🤿 Ready to Dive In?
If you’ve been feeling disconnected from God, consider this: how often are you reading His word? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the Bible, especially if you’re unsure where to start. But just like learning a new skill takes time and practice, growing in your understanding of Scripture requires commitment.
You don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to dig into the word. Join a small group, find a Bible reading plan, or invite a friend to study with you. It’s never too late to make God’s word the foundation of your life.
Further Reading
• How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer
Other Links
• Check out the Bible Project for supplemental information on the Bible and How to Understand challenging passages and themes.
• Looking for a next step? Explore Bible reading plans and other information on the Bible at www.liveandlovelikejesus.org/bible
