2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness …
We need the Bible in our world today to help combat all the ‘isms’ of society. That is why the Bible is profitable for doctrine, correction, and reproof. It may stand alone as the one book the world hates, as the one ignored or twisted by false prophets, or the one book that totalitarian governments hate their citizens to read. But it is the one book by which all of our life will be judged by the King of the whole earth!
First, we need good doctrine. Doctrines are teachings of the word of God on the major areas of life that matter. It's the things that help us to understand our world and understand God such as - why am I here, what am I supposed to believe about God and sin, or what will the future be like after death? The scriptures are profitable to rightly establish our belief system. That's why doctrines exist. A preacher named Chuck Smith said, 'I can base my beliefs upon what God has said because God said it.’
Second, we need both correction and reproof. God can stand against our fleshly desires when we need help the most. ‘Reproof’ means to refute, convict, or rebuke. If you start going astray, the word of God will help get you back on the right path. The word of God will tell you both what you're doing wrong (reprove) and how to make it right (correct). To ‘correct’ gives the idea of setting things up in a straight line or in order again.
Think of bowling. All the pins of your life are standing up straight, neatly, and in order. Sin is the big bowling ball; it rolls down the lane, hits a few pins, and knocks them over and your life goes really haywire. Your pins are no longer in order, they are not nice and straight. In our analogy, God’s word makes ‘corrections’ and tells us what we need to do about the bowling ball of ‘sin’ that came our way. It then instructs us on how to turn around (repent) and set everything in order again. Then your pins can stand right back up and be put in a beautiful line again. Stay in God’s word to prevent the large bowling balls from wreaking havoc on your spiritual life.
What is the simplest, easiest way to get started? Read God’s word every single day. If you’re having trouble beginning, get started with reading Proverbs every day. Whatever today’s date is (for instance September 22), read Proverbs 22. Tomorrow read Proverbs 23, and so forth. It helps keep track of where you are as you read. In the New Testament, consider reading 1 John which helps to summarize everything needed for the Christian life. Another thing to consider: follow the reading plan at The Sword of the Lord; prizes are given for successfully completing all the readings every month.
Whatever you do, stick with God’s word and know that it is a refuge from the world, the flesh, and the devil in these troublesome times.
This devotional has been adapted from the message, Not Just Another Book, preached by Pastor Dr. Doug Mann from 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
Click here for the complete message.
Complete Blog Series
1. The Greatest Book for Our Family to Read
2. What God's Word Does in you, part 1
3. What God's Word Does in you, part 2
We need the Bible in our world today to help combat all the ‘isms’ of society. That is why the Bible is profitable for doctrine, correction, and reproof. It may stand alone as the one book the world hates, as the one ignored or twisted by false prophets, or the one book that totalitarian governments hate their citizens to read. But it is the one book by which all of our life will be judged by the King of the whole earth!
First, we need good doctrine. Doctrines are teachings of the word of God on the major areas of life that matter. It's the things that help us to understand our world and understand God such as - why am I here, what am I supposed to believe about God and sin, or what will the future be like after death? The scriptures are profitable to rightly establish our belief system. That's why doctrines exist. A preacher named Chuck Smith said, 'I can base my beliefs upon what God has said because God said it.’
Second, we need both correction and reproof. God can stand against our fleshly desires when we need help the most. ‘Reproof’ means to refute, convict, or rebuke. If you start going astray, the word of God will help get you back on the right path. The word of God will tell you both what you're doing wrong (reprove) and how to make it right (correct). To ‘correct’ gives the idea of setting things up in a straight line or in order again.
Think of bowling. All the pins of your life are standing up straight, neatly, and in order. Sin is the big bowling ball; it rolls down the lane, hits a few pins, and knocks them over and your life goes really haywire. Your pins are no longer in order, they are not nice and straight. In our analogy, God’s word makes ‘corrections’ and tells us what we need to do about the bowling ball of ‘sin’ that came our way. It then instructs us on how to turn around (repent) and set everything in order again. Then your pins can stand right back up and be put in a beautiful line again. Stay in God’s word to prevent the large bowling balls from wreaking havoc on your spiritual life.
What is the simplest, easiest way to get started? Read God’s word every single day. If you’re having trouble beginning, get started with reading Proverbs every day. Whatever today’s date is (for instance September 22), read Proverbs 22. Tomorrow read Proverbs 23, and so forth. It helps keep track of where you are as you read. In the New Testament, consider reading 1 John which helps to summarize everything needed for the Christian life. Another thing to consider: follow the reading plan at The Sword of the Lord; prizes are given for successfully completing all the readings every month.
Whatever you do, stick with God’s word and know that it is a refuge from the world, the flesh, and the devil in these troublesome times.
This devotional has been adapted from the message, Not Just Another Book, preached by Pastor Dr. Doug Mann from 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
Click here for the complete message.
Complete Blog Series
1. The Greatest Book for Our Family to Read
2. What God's Word Does in you, part 1
3. What God's Word Does in you, part 2