Transformed, Not Just Informed

“Everyone who hears these Words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” - Matthew 7:24 NIV

Did you know studying the Word of God can be dangerous? Actually, the results of studying the Word of God could be disastrous!

Sounds strange, I know. But God intended for us to apply the Word to our lives…not just read it. So, when we read God’s Word but don’t apply it, the foundation of our life may crumble.

At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Yeshua says, “Everyone who hears these Words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”. That wise man’s house stayed strong through the storm. 

But then Yeshua spoke about someone else: “Everyone who hears these Words of Mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand” (Matthew 7:26). You probably know how the story goes: The foolish person’s house collapses during the storm.

God has given us His Word for transformation, not just information. When we apply it, we’re building a firm foundation for our lives.

Some more reasons it’s important that we apply God’s Word to our life are:

Knowledge produces pride if you don’t apply truth to your life. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “Knowledge puffs up while love builds up”. Christians can be the most cantankerous, evil, mean-spirited, critical, judgmental people the world has known…if we never take the extra step and apply the Word to our lives. That’s because knowledge on its own produces pride. Instead, God wants us to apply that knowledge in love.

Knowledge requires action. James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says”. What a person knows should be reflected in what that person does. We can’t grow spiritually just by taking notes in a Bible study. God expects us to follow His commands…they’re not optional!

Knowledge increases responsibility. The Bible says, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it” (James 4:17 NLT). When we study the Word, God will show us areas of our life that need to be changed. And once He shows us those areas, He’ll hold us responsible for what He’s shown us. A deeper knowledge of Scripture equals a greater responsibility to follow it.

As you study and apply God’s Word, you’ll be building a strong foundation that will keep you steady during life’s storms.