warm-up

What is one type of food you usually crave for? What do you like about it?

Growing up, were you required to strictly obey rules at home? Why or why not?

Was there ever a time when someone promised you something but didn’t deliver? How did you feel about it?

word

2Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—³if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:2,3

(Read Acts 2:42.)

When Peter talked about growing up into salvation, he used pure spiritual milk as a metaphor for the Word of God. Craving for milk is a natural instinct for any baby, as he or she would depend on milk for nourishment. Peter encouraged people to long for spiritual milk. When we are born again, so we should desire God’s Word instinctively, as this helps us grow strong and healthy. This week, we will look at how we should seek God’s Word to give us what we need to grow strong in our faith.

1
Desire

Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation . . . 1 Peter 2:2

The Word of God is like spiritual milk that nourishes a Christian. Desiring the Word means investing our time and energy in it, and not just whenever time permits. We must desire the Word wholeheartedly, seeking God in a way that is not out of mere obligation. There are many things that can try to get our attention, such as worries and troubles. But instead of being consumed by the things of the world, we must be consumed with longing for His Word at all times (Psalm 119:20). What was the psalmist’s prayer in Psalm 119:37? How have you learned to desire God’s Word more?

2
Delight

. . . if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 1 Peter 2:3

Devotion to God’s Word is the result of knowing and understanding the gospel (Acts 2:42). This should be the norm for all believers. Since we have tasted that the Lord is good, we should not just desire His Word but delight in it as well. To delight in God’s Word means to enjoy reading and meditating on it. This can only be a result of an intimate relationship with Him. How did Jeremiah describe the Word? (Jeremiah 15:16)

3
Do

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart . . . 1 Peter 1:22

(Read James 1:22.)

Knowing the truths from God's Word is not enough; we must obey what He says. Reading the Word is not about getting an emotional satisfaction; it should translate into action. James 1:22 says that we must be doers of the word, and not hearers only. An athlete can keep on reading and studying on how to build strength and endurance, but if he doesn’t practice and apply his learning, he will eventually gain nothing. Why should listening and reading the Word translate to action?

application

Have you ever struggled with a lack of desire for the Word? How did you overcome it? What are some of the action steps you will take in order to grow your desire to read and meditate on His Word?

What is one area in your life that keeps you from obeying God’s Word? What does the Bible say about it? What will you do about it?

What are some ways you can encourage others to read and apply God’s Word? Think of one specific thing you can do for a family member or a friend this week.

prayer

Thank God for His Word, which strengthens and sustains us every day. Pray that you will have a growing desire to read His Word daily.

Pray that you will delight more in His Word and know Him deeper as you read the Bible. Pray for His Word to transform you, and that you will do what His Word says.

Pray that the Word of God will be more real to you and to those you will meet. Ask God that His Word would abound in your life, through your words, and in every situation you will face this week.

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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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