OUTLINE:

The Supernatural Bible
The Bible is the only supernatural book we have. God’s intention is that we read/hear His Word in a way that lies beyond natural human experiences. (Eph 1:17-19; 2Co 3:18; Jn 15:10-11; Ro 8:10-17)

Reading our Bibles is so very important to our sanctification…our perspective…our love, even, for Jesus Christ.

“toward us who believe”
It seems too obvious to say this, but this means that having “the eyes of your heart…enlightened” is a unique gift given to believers only.

The Sword of the Spirit
Eph 6:17b...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Heb 4:12a For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword,...

Supernatural “Seeing”
This spiritual “sight” that Paul speaks of (Eph 1:18) is unique to believers only. And as the apostle John referred to receiving “grace upon grace” (Jn 1:16), a believer is given “sight” to “see” Christ. And when they “see” more of Christ, they are granted even greater “sight”; and so goes their “transformation into the same image” of Christ (2Co 3:18).

Jas 4:6
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

Supernatural “Seeing”
We “see” the Lord with the “eyes of our hearts”, understanding that we, too, are being transformed into that image we “see”. An unbeliever will never experience this.

Supernatural “Seeing”
By humbly submitting to the inspired Word of God, we are being transformed by the Spirit of Christ within us... and we are also given a supernatural ability to “abide in Christ’s love” as a function of “keeping His commandments”.

What we do as believers is the proof of, or evidence of, who/what we love.

Supernatural “Abiding”
We find His commandments in one tidy place - the Bible. “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love” (Jn 15:10).

The Bible imparts spiritual abilities to those who obey the commands found in Holy Scripture.

The Word and The Spirit
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Eph 5:18b-19 ...but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.

Just as only God can give us repentance and faith, only God can change our hearts and transform us into the image of Christ.

“looks intently” (Jas 1:25)
parakupto; to bend beside, i.e. lean over (so as to peer within).

The Word Implanted (at salvation)
Saves a soul from the:
- Penalty of sin (positionally)
- Power of sin (experientially)
- Presence of sin (ultimately)

Balance Statement
Never forget the instrument that God uses to deliver you (e.g., your pastor). Never say, “Well, I get it, I just need to read my Bible, I no longer need a pastor.” That is a heinous error and an aberration. Consider HOW God has already used your pastor to deliver you and the fact that you NEVER “arrive”.

Balance Statement
Never underestimate the value of a true man of God.

A True Man Of God
A good under-shepherd will care for the sheep like the Great Shepherd does, living in both the motherly and fatherly sides of God's heart. 1Th 2:5-13