Bible Pathways - Dec. 10, 2008
December 10
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Paul urges Timothy to teach others the Word (2:2,15). Paul foretold of much persecution and many unfaithful Christians in the last days (Ch. 3). All Scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for us (3:16-17).
Paul knew that his life would soon end when he wrote this Epistle (4:6-8), and he was deeply concerned that Timothy, his son in the faith (I Tim. 1:2), remain faithful to God. Paul knew that the Scriptures would prepare Timothy to be responsible to carry out the Lord's commands (II Tim. 2:3).
The Book of II Timothy points out the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures — through the indwelling Holy Spirit — to reveal the answers to all of life's problems. Because of this, it emphasizes the importance of thoroughly studying all the Bible. As a good soldier of Jesus Christ, Timothy should expect hardships and sufferings (2:3). Paul knew that for Timothy to remain faithful in the midst of trials and disappointments, he would need to diligently study the Word of God as essential for spiritual wisdom.
The Apostle Paul left no room for doubt as to his one source of strength and guidance, when he wrote: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2:15). How emphatic! Study . . . rightly dividing the Word of Truth. We invest time, discipline, and effort in pursuing life's vocation. But our first commitment is to God to study His Word, that we may shew . . . (ourselves) approved unto God.
We too must have integrity and sincerity to rightly . . . (divide) the Word that one's personal life may be brought into harmony with God's will. Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (3:14-15).
The power of God is found in the Holy Scriptures. Those who choose to read through the Bible as God arranged it see a fuller revelation of every subject. It's of utmost importance to read all of it to obtain a full and true understanding of any doctrine.
Paul also emphasized that all Scripture is necessary in order for Christians to be fully prepared to fulfill the will of God in their lives when he wrote: 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, throughly (thoroughly) furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16-17).
Thought for Today:
The person that truly wants to know God will find Him as He reveals Himself in the Scriptures. Seek, and ye shall find (Matt. 7:37).
Cross Reference:
For II Tim. 2:19: See Num. 16:5; also Nah. 1:7.
Word Studies:
2:4 entangleth himself =b> becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes =b> create or beget quarrels; 3:3 incontinent =b> without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware =b> be aware, be on guard.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL), Rep. John Boozman (AR), and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) • Country: Sao Tome and Principe (155,000) two larger and several smaller islands in the Gulf of Guinea, 125 miles off the western coast of Africa • Major language: Portuguese • Religious freedom is fairly new • 83% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant; 2% animist • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for boldness in telling others about the Lord (Ps. 119:46).
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 2:21
