Philippians 1:12-18

As we continue our journey in becoming spiritually F.I.T. we will look at I – Intentional Proclaiming.  Often times Christians get this idea in their head that they will eventually or someday start reading their Bible and living a Christ-like lifestyle which is so far from the truth.  That is like telling yourself that one day you’re going to go on a diet and yet you never change your grocery food list or restaurant selection.  It is impossible to eat healthy when all we do is consume McDouble quarter pounders, and the same goes for our spiritual health.  The Bible says in Romans 3:11,21 “There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God” and apart from the righteousness of God nothing can be revealed.  Because God is righteous He desires to reveal great things unto us as stated in Philippians 2:13 “It is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”  Unfortunately because of our poor diet consisting of junk food and garbage we leave no room for any healthy consumption. 

Read Phil. 4:12-18

So let us define the two words.

Intentional – An action taken based on Intent; premeditated; willful; planned deliberated; studied

Proclaiming – (Hebrew – Kaw Raw) to preach; teach; declare; make known

So in order to Intentionally Proclaim we must first be prepared or studied prior to the proclamation or sharing of God’s Word.  When you have indulged into the fruit and meat of God’s Word then the proclaiming will just be an outpouring of energy resulting from healthy consumption.  For example when you eat healthy foods you find yourself having more energy than you ever had.  Activity just pours out of you, unlike when you over-eat fatty foods all you want to do is lay around and sleep.  So let us “Grasp” how we can become intentional stewards of Scripture so that we might intentionally proclaim God’s Word.

To start off, trace your hand on a sheet of paper and title it: “Six Ways To Get A “Grasp” On Your Bible.”  Label these fingers.

On the little finger, write the word “HEAR”. That’s one way we can get God’s word in our lives. – Rom. 10:17

The next finger, write the word “READ”.  That’s the second way.  – Rev. 1:3

The third finger, your long finger, is the word “STUDY”.   – 2 Tim. 2:15

The index finger, is the word “MEMORIZE”. – 1 Peter 3:15

The thumb is the word “MEDITATE”. – Ps. 1:2-3

The palm is the word “APPLY”.

These are the six ways that you can get a grasp on God’s word.  Hear, Read, Study, Memorize, Meditate, Apply.

When you get a grasp on God’s word you want to have more than just the little finger.  Most Christians, the only way they take the Bible into their life is they hear it.  They don’t read it or study it.  They come to church.  They just hear it.  Hold your Bible with just that little finger.  It’s not much of a grasp.  See how easy it is for it to be pulled from your grasp?  On the other hand if you are holding it with all 6 then you will be studied, prepared, and capable of Intentionally Proclaiming.  It will pour out of your life, and out from your lips. 

If you have been following us in this series of Spiritual exercise you will have now understood the purpose in being spiritually F.I.T. and you will have taken the first two steps to having a healthier walk with the Lord: Fervent Prayer and Intentional Proclaiming.  Check back next week as we work out with T – Trained Living, and we continue our study in Philippians.