A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)

Part 2.  A Lamp – The Light Shines in Darkness (5)          

We continue with RiSiKiLi−

              God’s Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.       

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it (John 1:1-5).

John was speaking of Jesus—in Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. When Jesus came into the world as a man, a Light that mankind had not known, came into the world. That is the light that illuminates the way of Creator God. 

John, the Gospel writer, goes on to elaborate in verses 6-17. He told of John the Baptist coming as a witness of Jesus being the Christ and saying that John bore witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world (John 1:7-9). 

With words like these and evidences of consequences, (mentioned in a previous post), faced by our Hebrew brethren not walking in the Light God provided, why are so many professed believers indifferent to God’s Word, which illuminates our way? Why is a small percentage of Jesus followers actually studying His Truths? 

Paul’s instructions to Timothy hold true for all believers. He said, Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2Timothy 2:15).  

Some of us memorized this verse as children, but we may have either not been taught what it meant or were not paying much attention to the teacher. The latter was probably me. 

Some part of that principle must have been planted in my spirit though, because I can recall that, even in high school and college, I respected my Bible and did some semi-regular devotional type reading of it. I even had a desire to read through the whole Bible and get into systematic study. 

But, in reality, it seemed that cares of the world and the desire to have fun took higher priority. My flesh was stronger than my spirit and it was no wonder, since my lifestyle was nurturing my flesh more than my spirit. Gratefully, by my early 20’s, I began to hunger for more of the Truth of God’s Word and started into actual study it.

I married young and soon had two sons. I wanted them to have a relationship with Christ and walk in the light of God’s Word. How could I expect them to honor God and His Word if I didn't do so myself?

I really wanted to be a godly mother for them and to set a good example. And besides, in my heart, I knew there was food there that I needed to satisfy my hungry soul and living water to quench the thirst in my spirit. I also knew my Bible contained direction to light my path, which often seemed crooked.

So what was Paul saying to young Timothy? Paul was telling him to study, just as the Holy Spirit was telling me to study. For Timothy, at that time, it would be the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus. Paul was also likely referring to his own prior instructions to Timothy, his protégé and student. The word study, as they knew it in Greek, is spoudazo, meaning “to make effort ... be diligent, endeavor, labor.” (Strong’s #4704)

So Paul was telling Timothy that he needed to consistently study. The verb is present imperative, meaning this was to be Timothy’s regular practice. He was to continue in regular, serious study of Scriptures and the teachings of Jesus. With diligence and effort he was to do so and thus please God and become knowledgeable and an example of Christ, before others. This should be the heart’s desire of every one of us who calls ourselves “Christian.”

Most of us have embarrassed ourselves while trying to discuss some Truth or fact from Scripture when we ourselves, and those listening, came to the conclusion that either we didn’t have enough knowledge, or we simply didn’t know what we were talking about. I have been there more times than I care to think about and don’t like finding myself in that position.

It’s through study as well as seeking God in prayer that we can avert these incidences of embarrassment. This is not saying that we will have all wisdom and all the answers. But we will know our God well enough and walk in step with Him on that illuminated path and close enough to Him that we will have the right words to say, with genuine authority and power. We'll have wisdom to say, “I don’t know,” when appropriate, as well.  

Another important component to having and gaining biblical knowledge and wisdom is that of being a part of a good Bible based church fellowship. The value of sitting under biblically sound teaching and preaching is beyond measure. We’re never too old or “mature” for Sunday School or Bible study groups. This small group systematic study, as well as the personal accountability that comes with it, helps us recognize and walk in the light of God’s Word.  “Iron sharpens iron” and we need it!   

©Connie Wohlford 2015