2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
If it is done with consistency, there is one thing that can change the life of Christian in miraculous ways.
And that one thing is reading the Bible.
But if we call ourselves a Christian, and we do not read the Bible, our walk with Jesus will be very frustrating.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of God’s inspired Word in our lives:
1. It is “useful to teach us what is true.”
Sometimes, we are stubborn. Occasionally, we don’t believe it to be true because there is something that we are unwilling to give up to live in this truth.
Living a life as a Christian is going to require submission to God’s Word.
And God will continually give us opportunities to live this truth out; it is essential to pay attention to the trials that we face and the frequency. I believe that God will provide us the grace to overcome these trials when we submit to His truth.
2. It helps “us to realize what is wrong in our lives.”
This is a vitally important distinction that we need to come to terms with.
The keywords here are “wrong in our lives.”
We need to pay attention to this in our thinking. For example, the Pastor is preaching a message, and your mind goes to people in your lives who can use what they are talking about. Or you are reading verses and start to think of someone who should understand that verse.
Thinking like this is not a proper application of God’s Word.
If we are to do anything, it would be to gently and humbly encourage others to read the Bible, knowing that when people read the Bible, God will speak to them through His Word.
3. It “corrects us when we are wrong,” and “teaches us to do what is right.”
The Word of God will help us with our thinking about ourselves and others, but it also provides us with instructions on what we should think about ourselves and others.
4. “God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
In this end, God’s Word should effect a change of behavior in our lives.
James 2:14 NLT
What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?
This change in behavior will bless others and glorify God.
Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Word continues to shape my mind, affecting my heart and changing my behavior.
I pray that I look at others compassionately and that my heart continues to submit to the promptings of the Spirit.
Thank You for the people in my life. You say there is no greater love than to lay one’s life down for a friend; let this be the Spirit that dwells in my heart.
I pray this in the Holy Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!! 🙏❤️
