The Final Word Why the Bible is the final authority for a Jesus follower. You can feel confident and still be wrong. Without God’s Word, you might be carrying something messy and not even know it. The Bible isn’t optional — it’s the blueprint for life.   1. The Word of God is the Voice of God   All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Same breath that created the world speaks here. This is your Creator’s manual — not to limit you, but to align you. Obedience doesn’t earn God’s love — it unleashes His wisdom (James 1:22–25). Different Bible translations fall into the following categories:  a)Word-for-word translations (like NKJV or ESV) stick as close as possible to the original wording. b)Thought-for-thought translations (like NLT) keep the meaning the same but make the sentence structure easier to read in modern language. c) Paraphrases (like The Message) that are more like a devotional commentary than a literal translation.   Reflection Question: Is the Bible the final authority in your life, or just an optional opinion? When you disagree with Scripture, who wins?   2. The Bible Transforms Your Mind   The biggest battle is in your mind (Romans 12:2). If you don’t fill it with truth, culture will fill it with lies. God’s truth doesn’t change with trends. The Word is alive and pierces to the core (Hebrews 4:12).   You are being shaped every day: ....By what you scroll ....By what you watch ....By the conversations you're in ....By the opinions you allow to settle in your soul And if you aren't grounded in God's Word, you will be swept up in the world's way of thinking.   3. The Bible Is Truth   “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). The Bible isn’t a suggestion — it’s the standard. Truth doesn’t bend with culture — we change for it, it doesn’t change for us.   Some of the Hardest Commands Are the Ones That Set You Free Things like: Tithing - feels like a financial burden until you realize it's God's way to protect your heart from greed and open you up to provision. Sexual boundaries - feel restrictive until you realize they guard the most vulnerable and sacred parts of you. Forgiveness - feels impossible until you realize it frees you more than the person you're forgiving. Rest - feels like a waste of time until you realize it's how God keeps you from becoming a slave to productivity. Serving others - feels like a drain until you realize it's how God expands your capacity and matures your heart. Loving your enemies - feels unfair until you realize bitterness only keeps you bound to what hurt you. Honouring God with your body - feels outdated until you realize it's about worship, not restriction. Letting go of self-defined identity - feels scary until you realize He knows you better than you know yourself.   God's boundaries aren't about control. They're about calling. Every voice will try to define you. Only God’s Word can hold you when storms hit (Matthew 7:24–25). Decide today: The Bible is not just a book you respect — it’s the voice you obey.