“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. And here is the key passage: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
When we give our hearts to God through Jesus Christ, the Bible says that we become a new person. It’s not a physical change but a spiritual one. We possess a new spiritual life. When we repent of our sins and give our hearts to Jesus Christ, He then must become the Center of our lives from that day forward. What is the importance of the Bible in our new spiritual life? Who is the author of the Scriptures and what are the benefits of reading, studying, discussing and memorizing God’s Word? In Paul’s letter to Timothy he uses the phrase, “inspired by God” which literally means “God breathed.” In other words, the Scriptures we read on every page of the Bible have been breathed out from God to the writers who penned the words. God not only inspired the ones who wrote the words but He also illuminates those who read it with a heart of faith.
That’s why the writer to the Hebrews in 4:12-13 says this about that inspiration: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Here’s what that inspiration accomplishes in us who read, study, talk about and even memorize God’s Word:
- First, it teaches us what is true. We’re all searching for truth in this life. Jesus prayed to the Father for us, this way: “Father, sanctify (set apart) them by your word, your word is truth” (John 17:17).
- Second, it makes us realize what we may be doing that is wrong. God’s word brings conviction — and with conviction brings a change of behavior.
- Three, it gives us the correct course of action. It sets things straight. It becomes that “light to our path.” It’s one thing to find out what we’re doing wrong, it’s another to know which we to go to do it right. That’s God’s Word.
- Four, it prepares and equips us to do God’s work. It becomes our instructor. God’s Word shows us how to live our lives in every situation and circumstances, so that we can do those things that will be pleasing to Him and help others. Maranatha!
Pastor Don
