Reading Scripture for Transformation

In God’s making of covenant with his people in Exodus 24, the people respond by agreeing to obey all of the commands God has given them. There is an important principle here, namely, that God’s words are meant to not just be acknowledged as important information; rather, they are intended to be followed in a way that brings transformation. In his book “Living by the Book” Howard Hendricks offers nine questions that help us apply the Bible to our lives in a transforming way. They are intended to be asked of any passage we read from Scripture:

1. Is there an example for me to follow?
2. Is there a sin to avoid?
3. Is there a promise to claim?
4. Is there a prayer to repeat?
5. Is there a command to obey?
6. Is there a condition to meet?
7. Is there a verse to memorize?
8. Is there an error to avoid?
9. Is there a challenge to face?

I encourage you to start using these questions as you read Scripture. For more info on each of them, I encourage you to buy Hendricks’ book; it’s one that is definitely worth having on the shelf!