A Hunger for God’s Word - Tuesday
Today’s Verse
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NIV)
Yesterday, we talked about the importance of a Biblical worldview, and setting aside time to spend with God in prayer and to read Scripture. Today, we’ll talk about some of the things Scripture is useful for, and how studying it impacts our lives.
Scripture is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We see from this passage that Scripture is useful. I know I’ve certainly found that to be true! When we agree that Scripture is authoritative, we concede to learning and adhering to what Scripture teaches. Therefore, we teach and train ourselves to live according to this authority, as God has specially revealed Himself to us and the ways in which we ought and ought not to live. Now, I don’t want to hedge on legalism with this explanation. Yes, Scripture does give guidelines on what is morally right and wrong; however, God also makes it clear over and over again in Scripture that He wants our hearts above all else. Discipline (like spending time in the Word daily) is a long obedience in the same direction—but our obedience should be a response to the relationship with Jesus that we are investing in, rather than a checklist.
Our lives are multifaceted—we could all claim many titles or tell the story of our lives countless ways, with a different narrative each time. Knowing this, God gives us direction and encouragement covering many areas of life, and exemplifying right and wrong living through the lives of many obedient and disobedient people. 1 Peter 3:15a says, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have...” In this world, we will have trouble—so let us prepare for battle with the belt of truth!
REFLECTION
Read or listen to the book of James—it is five chapters and the audio version is about 15 minutes in the NIV. Note any verses that stand out to you and write these down.
