The New Testament book of Hebrews addresses this problem. Paul wanted to teach them some hard truths, but they were still too spiritually immature to receive them. Verses 13-14 get to the heart of the matter: “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
The audience of Hebrews was taking in teachings that were like milk for the young ones, like the basics of the faith. Once these were grounded, they should have moved on to solid food, which meant engaging with the text, like taking the time chewing on solid food, to follow it and make it their own. See the last part of verse 14: “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
It’s when we take the time to see what the Bible text is telling us what to do and responding to it that change takes place. What new perspective of life is the Bible asking me to take on to replace a current view? How am I being challenged to move outside my comfort zone? What aspect of faith prompts me to believe God for something greater than myself and the four walls I habitually find myself in? What steps do I take to build or repair a relationship? Reading without application results in constant spiritual childhood.
Chapter by chapter, go through a book of the Bible and ask yourself questions of the text. Ask the Lord to teach and lead you, and follow through on what is revealed. (Look at the Bible Study Methods category at right https://stevehusting.com/doubtbusters/category/bible-study-methods/)
Our senses need to be exercised to discern good and evil. Can you read a text and know it is good for you to live it out? Can you read a passage and know it is wrong to live that way? Do you practice living out this wisdom? If you do, then you’ll be changing into the image of Christ. The goal of the Spirit’s work is to make us more like Jesus. Don’t read randomly. Read with purpose. How can I be a representative of God to the world? How can I deny myself, pick up the cross, and follow the Lord?
You want to discern between good and evil and choose the path that glorifies God instead of self. When you consistently do this, then the Word of God is abiding in you, making its home in you, influencing your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
