But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and
how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to
make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture
is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
These are words of encouragement and instruction from the Apostle Paul
to his friend and fellow pastor, Timothy. If it’s important enough for
Paul to write to Timothy, a pastor, about being in the Scriptures and
using the Scriptures, do you think it’s important for you as well?
Dear friends, continue in what you have learned and what you believe in
because the Scriptures are the only way we are made wise for salvation.
It’s in those Scriptures that God reveals his unlimited love for you in
Christ Jesus. Continue in these Scriptures, which are given to us by
God himself in order to teach and be taught, to rebuke and be rebuked,
to correct and to be corrected, to train and to be trained in
righteousness. Knowing what these Scriptures mean for our life here and
for our eternity, how can we not continue in them? How can we not long
for them, cling to them, and thirst for them?
An unknown writer said, "The Bible is the mind of God, the state of man,
the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of
believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding; its
histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy. It contains light to
direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's
sword, and the Christian's character. Here paradise is restored, heaven
opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject,
our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the
memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently,
prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of
pleasure. Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the
empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for
eternity.”
May God work in you a desire for his Word and then fill you with what he
desires to give you there. Continue in what you have learned so that
you may be equipped for every good work that God has prepared for you!
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