 |
|
|
There is no denying that it is important for us as Christians to read the Bible. The Bible is the Word Of God and we as His children are in need of God’s guidance. Despite the importance of this book, I believe that many people struggle with making time to read God’s word. We get busy; we forget. The list is endless. The issue isn’t whether or not we have trouble making time, but whether or not we do something about it. One way to help with that is to remind ourselves of the importance of the Bible. We as humans are most likely to make time for those things which we consider to be important. Let’s take a look into The Word itself for a valid reason why it deserves our time and attention.
Second Timothy 3:16-17 gives us an important look at some very good reasons for reading God’s Word. “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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”*
If we take the context of these verses, we know that Paul is referring to the Old Testament. However, we recognize the whole Bible as “scripture” and I believe, therefore, that this verse can be used in reference to both the Old and New testaments. What reasons do these verses give us for reading the Bible?
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…"** God doesn’t say anything unless He means for us to listen. So we can infer right here that we need to read this God-inspired book because He has put some things in it that we all need to hear.
“… and is profitable for doctrine…”** There are many Christian doctrines in our complicated world today and it is hard sometimes to know which we should follow. Verse 16 says that the Bible is “profitable for doctrine…"** So, if you’re unsure of what to believe, go to the source of good doctrine, the Bible. This won’t remove all of your confusion, but God didn’t lead Paul to mention doctrine in that verse for nothing.
“…and is profitable… for reproof, for correction…”** Have you ever read the Bible and realized that something you were doing wasn’t right? That was God “reproving”** you for your actions and asking you to “correct"** your behavior. It doesn’t feel good at the time, but the result is a more perfect vessel for God’s service
“…and is profitable… for instruction in righteousness…”** How do we know what God considers good and right unless we read his word? Paul tells us here that the Bible is “profitable… for instruction in righteousness.”** In other words, in this book, He has led His servants to write about what He considers to be good and right behavior. Why not read it and follow the instructions? I know, a lot easier said than done, but then there is His grace.
“That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for every good work.”*** This verse covers everything that comes before it. If we read the Bible and by doing so, we discern good doctrine, allow God to reprove us for our wrong actions, correct our behavior, and learn what is good and right in God's sight, we will be able to strive for that standard of perfection to which God calls us. We will also have the spiritual equipment to do what is well in the sight of God, “… every good work.”***
All of this is not to say that the act of reading the Bible will solve all of our problems or make us able to do this thing called “Christianity” on our own. But If we wish to follow God and “…be perfect, thoroughly furnished for every good work,”*** we must read the word of God and listen for the lessons He wishes to teach. Then we must pray for His guidance, His grace, and His mercy. What a wonderful God we serve. He gives us an instruction manual that requires a relationship with the author And in order to make the relationship possible, He gives us a direct twenty-four-hour line to His heart.
* 2 Tim. 3.16-17 King James Version.
** 2 Tim. 3.16 Kjv.
*** 2 Tim. Kjv.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
|
|
|
