All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 HCSB
In Sunday School, we have been studying how and why the Bible came into existence. We have studied Scripture passages like the one above that tell us how we got the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:19-20 tells us that God’s prophetic word shines for us like a light in dismal darkness and that we would do well to pay attention to it. Verse 20 says, “First of all, you should know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is God’s Holy Word. It gives us a wonderful, historical narrative of how the world was created. It gives us the story of the creation and of the fall. It is an instructional book that tells us how to handle relationships with all those we encounter, both family, friend, and enemies. It also tells us how to not only have a relationship with Christ, but how to grow into a deeper relationship with Him.
God’s Word gives us hope. John 3:16 said that God sent His only begotten Son so that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. We not only have to believe, but we have to receive Him and accept Him as Savior and Lord over our lives. We are told in James 2:19 that the demons also believe- and even shudder. It’s not enough to just believe in Him, we must receive Him. We must let Him fill us with His Holy Spirit, so that we can live a life that honors Him and brings Him glory and praise.
God’s Word also warns us. 2 Timothy 3:2 begins by telling us that in the last days, people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, blasphemers, and it goes on to list a number of other undesirable characteristics. In verses 4-5 we are told that men will be traitors, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of godliness but denying its power. We are told to avoid these people.
God’s Word also warns us about false prophets. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.” He tells them we will recognize them by their fruit. I was chastised by an acquaintance for saying something about a false prophet. She told me that they bared a great deal of fruit. This was one of those night club churches with the smoke and the lights and millions of followers. She went on to say that I had to consider how many people were being saved through these churches. I can only consider how many people are falling for their lies. We are told in 2 Timothy 4:3 that the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine but will have itching ears and will want to accumulate teachers to suit their own passions. People are flocking in droves to churches that simply tell them what they want to hear. They want to hear that it’s all okay. They want to hear that they can do what they want to do because we serve a loving God who would never punish us for our sins. But that’s a lie. That goes against what God’s Word tells us.
God gives us His Word that we will be punished for our sin. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Matthew 25:46 tells us that the unrighteous will go away into eternal punishment. Matthew 25:41 says, “Then he will say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.'”
God gives us His Word so that we can learn and teach. He gives us His Word so that we can rebuke and correct. He gives us His Word so that we can be trained and train others in righteousness. His Word makes us complete and equipped to do every good work. Are you spending time in His Word?
My friend if you don’t know God’s Word and you don’t study God’s Word, you have no idea what you are missing. There are wonderful, historical stories of great, godly men and women that lived many years ago. There are teachings from Jesus, Himself. There are promises from God and there are plenty of instructions for us to live by.
God gave His Word so that through it we might be saved and help to lead others to salvation.
In Revelation 22:6, John wrote- Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true…” While man’s words may not always hold true, we can trust God’s Word. I encourage you to dive into His Word today. Don’t take my word for it, take God’s Word and see what you have been missing.
Have a great day!