One of the most important practices that contributes to a growing Christian is Bible intake. The term Bible intake encompasses several different ways we can take in the Word of God, including reading, listening, meditating, memorizing, and studying. But there are four levels of bible intake, and all four are needed, although most of us stall out before getting to the fourth level.
LEVEL ONE: INFORMATION
Level one is taking in the information in the Bible. This is the most basic level. We are taking in the facts of the printed page of the Bible, including many basic thoughts, that could include context, author, audience, location, time frame, word meanings, and more. Whether reading or listening by ourselves, in a group setting, or in a church service, this is the starting point of Bible intake.
At this stage our minds are taking in what we read or hear. This is the Word heard.
— Jeremiah 23:18 (NASB)“But who has stood in the council of the Lord,
That he should see and hear His word?
Who has paid attention to His word and listened?”
LEVEL TWO: INSPIRATION
The best way to describe level two is that of an “aha” moment. It’s when a light bulb comes on and you see something in the Scripture you never noticed before, or you make connections that you had never seen. It’s that moment of inspiration when the Word is no longer head knowledge. It comes alive and more real than before.
At this stage, not only is the mind taking it in, but the heart as well. This is the Word alive.
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”
— Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)
LEVEL THREE: APPLICATION
It’s not enough to take in the information of the Bible and to be inspired by it. We must also apply it. We must not be merely hearers of the Word, but doers also. This is where the Word not only inspires us, but also affects us in our behavior. It causes us to do something with what we’ve read. People should see a difference in us because of the intake of God’s Word.
It’s not just taking it in. Now we are living it out. This is the Word applied.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
LEVEL FOUR: TRANSFORMATION
The danger of level three—application—is that it can become a legalistic motion. That is, we come up with a to do list when we study the Bible. The ultimate goal is not application, but rather transformation. Rather than just changing what we do, we allow the Living Word to change us into who He wants us to be. This is a lifelong process. As Christ changes and transforms us, we naturally begin doing what He wants us to do.
This is not just living it out, but living from the inside out. This is the Word altering.
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
— Romans 12:2 (AMP)
The goal, of course, is to get to level four—transformation. When we get stuck at the basic level of information, the Bible can become dry and boring. It has really no impact on our daily lives. If we get stuck at the inspiration level, we can be trapped in a vortex of our emotions. We can never rise above how moved (or not moved) we are at the moment. If we get stuck at application, we can start to feel unfulfilled since the to do list of what we see we should do gets longer and longer. Our only hope is the transformation level where we let God transform us by the power of His Word.
What level do you find most comfortable for you at the moment? Is it time to level up? Let’s get to level four transformation and find fulfillment and joy in the Living Word of God.
This is so very true. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Kathy!