All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
Have you ever thought about what words you live by? Do you live by your policy manual at work? That is a good thing to do when it comes to your job. Do you live by news reports? It can be scary if you pay too much attention to those. Weather reports are the same. Do you live by what the stock market reports say? Do you live by what other people tell you?
The most important words we can live by are the Holy inspired word of God. Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. We are told in Exodus 33:11 that the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant, Joshua, son of Nun, a young man, did not depart the tabernacle. Moses had a unique relationship with the LORD. While he never saw God’s face, God did allow Moses to see his back and his glory in verses 18-20 of Exodus 33.
God spoke directly to prophets in the Old Testament. There were also Christophanies or Theophanies that occurred. These were times when the pre-incarnate Christ would speak to someone. An example of this is in Genesis 18 when God spoke to Abraham about the destruction of Sodom. And we also saw this when the angel of the LORD spoke to Joshua in Joshua chapter 5.
In the New Testament, we know Jesus Christ spoke with many during His ministry and from the time of His resurrection until his ascension into heaven. He also confronted Saul on the road to Damascus in Acts chapter 9.
Today, we don’t speak directly to the Lord. Our conversations are done through prayer and Bible study. When we study the Bible, we are studying the words by which we should live.
We can read the things that Jesus said while He ministered here on earth. We can read about the history of the Israelites. They failed and repented and failed again, as we often do.
In Deuteronomy, Moses is strongly encouraging them to obey the Lord’s commands. He uses the words hear and listen. In Hebrew, the word that means hear is a command to obey. He encourages them to love the Lord with all their heart, all their soul, and all their strength, just as we should do today.
Most importantly, he encourages them to keep God’s word in their hearts. He tells them in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to teach them diligently to their children, talk about them in all situations, bind them on their hands, and between their eyes, and to write them on the doorposts of their houses and gates.
Are you living by God’s word? Do you study your Bible every day to try to gain a deeper understanding of who God is and how great His awesome love is for us? If you’re not, then you are really missing out. There is nothing more important for us than trying to live in a world that is cold and cruel.
In 2 Timothy chapter 3, he begins by talking about the perilous times we will face in the end times. My friend, those times are here now. It’s up to us to be the bright light that shines and leads others to Christ. We can’t do that unless we are immersed in His word.
It is profitable for doctrine. Don’t trust any teacher or preacher who does not follow the Bible. It is profitable for reproof. We can rebuke false doctrine and false teaching with God’s word. It is profitable for correcting. We can correct those who are being led astray.
We know we are to first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness. We cannot be trained in righteousness unless we read the training manual, which is God’s holy word.
If you love someone, you want to talk to them often. We talk to God through prayer and the study of His word.
Have a great day!