A Powerful Word

“…All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

From the seven churches in Revelation 2-3, there are two that the Lord praises without blame: Smyrna and Philadelphia. The Lord gave them great rewards because they obeyed His Word.

Reading, meditating and doing God’s Word, along with an intimate praise and worship with the Lord, are very important. The first step to doing His Word is to first read it. According to 2 Timothy 3:15-17, there are seven reasons why we have to be diligent in reading the Bible.

First, God’s Word will give us wisdom. Timothy, Paul’s mentee, was full of wisdom because ever since he was young, he was immersed in the righteousness of the Word. Second, God’s Word leads us to salvation in Christ Jesus. Salvation comes from Christ and we know Christ from His Word. Christ and His Word are one, therefore when we study His Word, we get to know more of His power, love, and salvation.

Third, God’s Word is His heart. Fourth, God’s Word is the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually mature. If our bodies need food, then our soul and spirit also need food to grow. With God’s Word, we will be sanctified continuously to reach perfectness and become like the image of Christ. There is no better spiritual food than the Word of God.

Fifth, God’s Word reveals our sins – this is so that we can be aware and ask for God’s forgiveness and live according to His will. Sixth, God’s Word is filled with instructions to become His children. The idea that the Bible is hard to understand and that it is only the pastors’ job to study is nonsense! Not only are there instructions and commands of God, there are also great examples of people’s lives written in the Bible we can learn from – which lifestyle God is pleased with and which is not.

 

Seventh, God’s Word is the standard of righteousness for those who believe. People cannot discern which is good or bad with their own standards. People will always see everything with a “relative” perspective, there is no assertiveness. But, the bible clearly draws the line between right and wrong, good and bad. What is good does not necessarily mean right according to God’s Word, but what is right according to His Word will surely bring goodness.

Be diligent in reading, meditating and doing God’s Word. This is the key of Timothy’s successful life and ministry in Ephesus. Timothy’s ministry grew, his life was filled with joy, blessing and success from the Lord. Let us read, meditate and do God’s Word daily so that we can also receive what Timothy received and what the church in Philadelphia received. Amen!

Source : Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta