Bible Pathway - Dec. 10, 2010
Read 2 Timothy 1
Highlights:
Be not thou . . . ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . but be thou encouraged to be a faithful partaker of the afflictions of the Gospel (II Tim. 1:8). Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness (2:22). For men shall be . . . covetous . . . more than lovers of God (3:1-4). All The Bible is given as our Guide to gain the best out of our lives (3:16-17).
Paul reminds Timothy that his mother and grandmother had faithfully taught him that the holy Scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. He encouraged Timothy to remember that: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, (lack nothing) throughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works (II Tim. 3:15-17). This can only mean that God expects us to read all Scripture.
To say the words: "Every Scripture that is inspired," becomes an act of questioning the wisdom of God. Such a statement is not in harmony with biblical doctrine. The Apostle Paul wrote: But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached . . . let him be accursed. . . . If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). Beginning at Moses (the first five Books of the Bible) and all the prophets, He (Jesus) expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27; comp. 24:44). Jesus never once implied that some Scripture was inspired and other portions were not inspired. All Scripture obviously means every verse in the Bible. This fact is of vital importance. Both the Old and New Testaments warn against adding to or taking from the inspired Word of God (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19).
We are to preach (teach) the Word . . . in season, and out of season (II Tim. 4:2). Nothing is as essential as knowing the Word of God. There are no options or alternatives which can replace it.
Paul also spoke of some: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof (3:5). Their doctrine may be correct, but it has no genuine effect upon their heart, thoughts or conduct. All Scripture is . . . profitable for discipline in righteousness, giving direction for growing in grace. This means all Scripture teaches us to be all that God would have us to be in order to fulfill His perfect will for our lives. Surely the Holy Spirit is still saying: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Tim. 2:15).
Thought for Today:
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief (Prov. 28:14).
Cross Reference:
For II Tim. 2:19: See Num. 16:5; also Nah. 1:7.
Word Studies:
2:4 entangleth himself becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes create or beget quarrels; 3:3 incontinent without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware be aware, be on guard.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schatz • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Rep. John Boozman (AR), Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (PA, and and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) • Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian • strongly Orthodox country • 67% Macedonian Orthodox; 23% Muslim; 3% Catholic; 2% Protestant; 5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Is. 58:9-11).
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Chronicles 7:14
