Part 2. A Lamp –The Light Shines in Darkness (6)
We continue with RiSiKiLi−
God’s
Word − Read it, Study it, Know it, Live it.
Today I want to resume looking at
the value of God’s Word, picking up where I left of in my October 27, 2015
post. Today’s post is part 6 as we consider our Bibles being like a lamp,
helping us find our way through a dark and treacherous world.
We ended Part 5 looking at Paul’s
instructions to his young protégé, Timothy. As you read the following passage,
imagine that Paul is talking to you and me. Here we have a good example of
God’s Word instructing us through everyday life—as a lamp lighting the way.
Also, take note of the term “word of truth.” We can think of our Bibles as The Word of Truth. Paul said,
15 Work
hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good
worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word
of truth.
16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to
more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like
cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have
left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already
occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a
foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord
knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” 2 Timothy 2:15-19 NLT
This passage, verse 15 in particular, should be especially meaningful
to anyone God calls to be a teacher. For the teacher, this verse contains the
heart of his or her ministry gift. All believers are to study and understand
God’s Word, but the teacher will be held to a higher level of accountability in
this regard. Teaching the Holy Scriptures to others is a high privilege and a
huge responsibility, not to be taken lightly.
But this does not let those, without the teacher gift/calling, off the
hook, because every person has a teacher type influence on someone−our own
family members as well as those we encounter in the market place.
Continuing
at verse 16, Paul instructs that we
should “avoid worthless, foolish talk.” The New International Version says, “Avoid
godless chatter” –the New King James Version, “profane and idle babblings.”
Instead we should adhere to the Word of Truth.
How can we do so if we don’t know what is the Word of Truth? Here’s a simplistic example: “Cleanliness is
next to godliness.” It seems that a number of people have been told, and believe,
that those words are Scripture. Though
good hygiene is a desirable thing, this is not a quote from the Bible.
Believing that it is, reflects ignorance of God’s Word.
Here are Jack Hayford comments on 2 Timothy 2:15: “The Bible−God’s inspired Word−is the only conclusive source of wisdom,
knowledge, and understanding concerning ultimate realities. It is a
fountainhead of freeing truth (John 8:32) and a gold mine of practical
principles (Ps. 19:10), waiting to liberate and/or enrich the person who will
pursue its truth and wealth. Thus,
Paul’s instruction to “be diligent … a worker” has been applied by serious
Christians through the centuries as a directive to study the Word of God. The
only way to healthy, balanced living is through the ‘rightly dividing’ (Greek
orthotomounta, literally, ‘cutting straight’) of God’s Word. Such correct,
straight-on application of God’s Word is the result of diligent study. The test
calls us beyond casual approaches to the Scriptures, telling us to refuse to
suit the Bible to our own convenience or ideology.”
“In his
earlier words (I Tim. 4:13) Paul also told Timothy, ‘Give attention to reading
[God’s Word],’ but now he emphasizes studying like a ‘worker’ (from
Greek ergon—‘toil, effort’). Ps. 119:11
urges memorizing of the Word of God as a mighty deterrent against sin.
Memorizing the Scripture also provides an immediate availability of God’s
‘words’ as a sword, ready in witnessing and effective in spiritual warfare
(Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). (Is. 55:10, 11/ 2 Tim.3:16).” Jack Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Bible, Kingdom Dynamics, p 1854.
In writing his epistle to Timothy, Paul was
keenly aware that Timothy needed to study and know God’s Word in order to
minister to others and to stand firm against unrighteous temptations and behaviors (2 Timothy 2:22-26). It was imperative that Timothy have this divine
illumination guiding his personal life and his ministry. He needed to teach
these same principles to others and set a good example, even as a young man. Paul
instructed Timothy in effective servant leadership, knowing that this was the
example set by Christ, Himself.
Truth is found in the Word of God and knowledge of
God’s Word will help us stay on God’s virtuous path, illuminating the way, helping
us recognize and avoid snares of the devil. As I said in an earlier post the
devil, has a plan, or we may call it a plot, for our lives. But following the
ways of our Lord, as clearly defined in His Word, will help us avoid his snares
and even captivity.
Have you devised a Bible reading/study plan for
this New Year? If you want to do so and don’t know where to start, you might
learn Jesus. Begin reading the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—then on to
Acts. In addition to that, try to read through the book of Proverbs. It has 31
chapters. If you read a chapter a day, you’ve read the whole thing in a month.
You might find it stimulating to repeat that each month or every other month.
On the Internet, Bible Gateway has several Bible
reading plans you can take a look at> https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/?version=NIV
No matter the plan you choose, start now. It’s
okay to start small, but let it be today. One more thing, PRAY—ask God to help
you focus and lead you in His Book. You will be causing Him to smile. Go ahead,
smile back.
I pray God will bless you richly as you get to
know Him better through His Word.
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