LEARNING DAILY

2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

I have written on these verses – more than once. Stephanie Newton spoke at Community Bible Church regarding the importance of knowing the Bible is the “inspired” or “breathed out”  Word of God. The target statement on the Listener Guide stated, “The Bible is not just inspiring – it is inspired; it is not just relevant – it is revelation.”

It is interesting that the Bible has been written by 40 authors, including shepherds, prophets, kings, fishermen, a doctor, scholars, military leaders, and a cup bearer. It was written over a period of 1,500 years, written in three languages – Hebrew (OT), Aramaic (part of the OT), and Greek (NT). These statistics were given and explained from the Listener Guide.

I have written the importance of reading/studying/meditating on the Word of God many times. Stephanie Newton said something very important that pertains to why I continue to write this. “Satan has been very successful in convincing people to neglect reading the Bible!” Here is the reason it is so important to read God’s Word, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” In it is the doctrines by which God’s people are to live. How else are Believers to know how to walk the narrow way if they do not read and study and meditate about the way to do so? “The Bible is for all people for all time, profitable for teaching the doctrines by which all [Believers] are to live by” (SN). “It is the foundation of our doctrine (what is right). It exposes our sins (what is not right). It provides the solution for our sin (how to get right). And it provides training or ongoing spiritual growth (how to stay right)” (from the Listener Guide). “The Bible is not just a checklist of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’” (SN). 2 Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature.” It is through His Word and the power of the Holy spirit that believers walk the narrow way, continually growing into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God reveals Himself to Believers through His Word; He uses the bible to communicate to humans. This verse states the Bible is “alive” and “active.” We are saved through faith alone, not self-effort. No one enters God’s eternal rest (Hebrews 4:11) except those in whom the message of the Bible has gotten ahold of. When that person submits to God’s power to save through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, he/she becomes a new creation. Jesus is the power of the message of the Bible. He has the power to save and change all who believe.

God’s Word provides the power for each Believer to “not only to be informed; it transforms you” (takeaway statement on the Listener Guide). Do not be one of those who simply let the Bible sit on the shelf. Take the time to read/study/meditate on what it says each day. You might be amazed at how it changes you and helps you walk the narrow way!