Scripture Reading(s)
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
3:15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
3:17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:
4:2 proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.
4:3 For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires,
4:4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.
4:5 As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Reflections
We live in a day in which our faith is constantly being challenged and in some countries where persecution for proclaiming Christ is real and rampant. This is a passage that is urging for the church and us believers to stand firm in God’s word, the truth that it holds and the power it can do. The ministry of the church is to set its foundation solely upon God’s word and its ability to teach, reproof, correct and train us to be more righteous and represent Christ.
Each day we are faced with the temptation to doubt and give into our fears, lusts and selfish desires rather then rely on the promises of God. That is why taking the time to delve into Gods word, meditate on it and make it a part of our lives is crucial to living out the Christian faith. Satan is always on the move to tare down any and all hope that we have in Christ. God’s word is there to shield us and strengthen us against any weapon or tool that may cause us to fall away from God.
Every morning you wake up with the choice to either submit your all to Christ or fall into temptation. Make it a point to constantly saturate yourself with Gods word and you will begin to experience God’s working power in your life. Say no to the things of this world and eagerly run to the things of God.
If a Christian asked me why they should read the scriptures I think that Paul’s letter to Timothy would the first place I would go.
- It’s inspired by God
- It trains and equips us for the work of the gospel
- It is beneficial for training and instruction
- It is beneficial for correction and discipline
Reading and studying the scriptures and tradition handed down to us is more than just a “good” thing to do. It is what prepares us for the calling to serve Christ. It is why sets us on the right path. We are lead by the inspired works of God and those who came before us.
Do not neglect the scriptures. It is part of the fuel that keeps the engine of the body of Christ running. It is the basis for our teaching and instructions.