AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE

May 22nd, 2025

THURSDAY, MAY 22

READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:16 | COLOSSIANS 3:16 | 1 TIMOTHY 3:14-15

One of the ways we determine if Scripture is having “authority” in our lives is to continue to examine our own GAPS — noticing the distance between what I say I believe about life with GOD and how I actually put these beliefs into practice.  A helpful way to look at this more closely is to work through a passage of Scripture that will help you observe your integration/lack of integration of these truths by making it personal and specific.  Here are a few helpful passages to work with:

  • Psalm One — blessed is the one who delights in God’s word, and “meditates on it day and night”.  When was the last time I meditated on Scripture?  How do I learn to think about GOD throughout the day?  What might help me stay focused on this as a daily practice?
  • Colossians 3:1-17 — “… set your hearts on things above … set your minds on things above.” What is my mind and heart mostly focused on these days?  What would I like to “set them on”? 
  • Psalm 19:7-14 — What descriptions from this passage are easy for me to integrate, believe and practice?  What descriptions are more difficult for me to integrate?  To what degree do I love God’s word?  Would I like to WANT more of Scripture in my life?  What adjustments am I willing to make in my daily living to make this possible for me?

PRACTICE

  • Try memorizing Psalm One for the purpose of meditating on it and integrating it into your daily life.  Do everything the passage says, as best you can.  It will take some concentrated energy and effort.  Pay attention to how your thinking starts to shift towards godly, life-giving things as you meditate on Scripture.
  • Try memorizing Colossians 3:1-17.  This is longer and more challenging than the Psalm.  Be patient with yourself.  Find a friend who might also memorize the passage with you.  Prayer, daily review and focus will make integration of this passage possible for you.