Living a Transformed Life

God ’ s Word

A plumb line

God ’ s Word is a plumb line. Amos describes the Lord setting a plumb line in the midst of His people, Israel. The plumb line represented His laws, or His Word to the people. It was the standard by which He would judge them (Amos 7:7 - 8). God ’ s Word is a also a plumb line for making disciples. It is the standard by which we operate in this world. We are to know it (Col 3:16), study it (2 Tim 3:16), and continue in it (Jn 8:31 - 31).

A life line

It is also the life line for maturing disciples. It equips us (2 Tim 3:17), enlightens us (Psa 119:130), and effectively works in us (1 Thess 2;13). Our life in Christ is maintained by the Word. In his John commentary, Matthew Henry says, “ It is in the word that Christ is set before us, and offered to us. It is in the word that we receive and embrace Him; and so where the word of Christ dwells richly there Christ dwells ” ( Matthew Henry, A Commentary On The Whole Bible , Vol. 5, 1124). Paul said that we should let the Word have its home in our hearts and minds and it should dwell within us with all its richness (Col 3:16). When we source from the Word, we are supplied by Christ Himself.

LET ’ S TALK ABOUT IT

Knowing who we are in Christ is important to our spiritual growth. Let ’ s reflect on what that means by answering the questions below. Share your answers with your group.

1) How is abundant life similar to life in Caanan?

2) Describe the old life apart from Christ.

3) What does it mean to have a new life in Christ?

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