This is the fourth lesson in a series adapted from Dana Morey’s discipleship guide Your New Life.

The next important step in growing in your new life with God is His Word, the Bible.

Think again about a plant. Even if it is planted in good soil, it will not grow unless it receives water. In the same way, you will not grow into the person God created you to be without the Word of God.

The Bible is the most amazing book ever written. It is made up of 66 books and letters, written by men who were guided by God. The Bible says:

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.

2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

God’s amazing book addresses every topic of our lives and offers God’s perfect counsel for every situation. The Bible teaches us about God, who He is and what is important to Him. It also teaches us about ourselves. When you trusted in Jesus, you became a new person. The Bible shows you who you have become in Christ, and the power that is available to you as you walk by faith.

The Bible is not like any other book in the world. It is God’s Word, and it has power. It will make your faith grow. The Bible says, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ” (Romans 10:17, NLT). This means that as you read and study and think about God’s Word, your faith will actually grow. The Bible will also teach you how to be a godly child, parent, friend, and spouse. It will teach you how to succeed in school, business, in your family, and in your relationship with God. The Bible will teach you how to live.

The Bible, however, is what could be called a locked book. This means that to truly understand and be changed by God’s Word, God Himself must open up our minds to understand it. Even after Jesus’ disciples had been with Him for three years, they still needed Jesus to open their minds to understand the Scriptures. “Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45, NLT). The same is true for you. The Holy Spirit, who will lead you in every aspect of your life, will also open your mind to understand the meaning of God’s Word. So each time you open God’s Word, before you even begin to read, take a moment to ask God to speak to you through His Word. You will be amazed what a difference it makes if you read with an attitude of humility and a desire to be taught by God.

If you don’t have a Bible or are not able to read it, find someone who does, and study together with them. If you have a Bible, take some time every day to read and study it. And don’t be in a hurry. Think about what you are reading and how it applies to your life. Allow God to speak to your heart and change you as you learn those things that are true and right and just. Don’t be afraid to underline passages that really speak to you. Write down questions when you come upon something you don’t understand so you can ask someone who may be able to give you an answer. The Bible was given by God because He loves you and wants you to succeed in every area of your life.

As you spend time in God’s Word and grow in your relationship with Him, the Holy Spirit will shape your heart, your thinking, and your desires.

As God’s Word takes root in your life, you will begin to live it out, not by your own strength, but because God is at work within you. This is how real and lasting change happens.

In the next lesson, discover prayer, your direct line of fellowship with God.