|
October 1
|
How to be Noble-minded
|
“[The Bereans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
✧✧✧
God honors spiritual discernment.
On his second missionary journey Paul, accompanied by Silas, preached the gospel of Jesus Christ in the city of Thessalonica. They weren’t there long before the gospel took root and many turned from their idolatry “to serve a true and living God” (1 Thess. 1:9). In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul says, “We also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God’s message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God.” Their open response to God’s Word made them an example to all the believers in that area (1 Thess. 1:7).
But as exemplary as the Thessalonians were, their fellow-believers in Berea were even more so. God called them “noble-minded” (Acts 17:11). They were eager to hear what Paul and Silas had to say but tested it against God’s prior revelation in the Old Testament before receiving it as a message from God. They had learned to examine everything carefully and to “hold fast” to the truth (1 Thess. 5:21).
The church today, however, has an appalling lack of that kind of discernment. Many believers are duped by novel teachings and outright heresies. They’re “tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). We desperately need a new breed of Bereans who will raise high the banner of sound doctrine and never compromise it.
With that goal in mind, our studies this month will focus on the character and benefits of God’s Word. You’ll learn that it’s the source of spiritual growth, spiritual service, blessing, victory, truth, and knowledge. You’ll see its infallibility, inerrancy, authority, inspiration, and sufficiency.
I pray that by this month’s end, your commitment to learning and applying Biblical truth will be stronger than ever and that you will indeed be a modern-day, noble-minded Berean.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to give you a greater love for His wonderful Word.
For Further Study: Read Acts 17:1–15. ✧ Why did Paul and his companions leave Thessalonica and Berea? ✧ What do Paul’s experiences tell you about what you might expect as you share Christ with others?
|
October 2
|
Programming Your Spiritual Computer
|
“Be filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:9–10).
✧✧✧
Godly behavior is the result of godly thinking.
Perhaps you’ve heard computer buffs use the term G.I.G.O.: “garbage in, garbage out.” Input determines output. What you feed into a computer is what you’ll get out.
Similarly, what you program into your mind will eventually influence your behavior. That’s why you must expose your mind to things that are “true,” “honorable,” “right,” “pure,” “lovely,” “of good repute,” “excellent,” and “worthy of praise” (Phil. 4:8). As one preacher put it, “You should be so saturated with God’s Word that your blood is ‘bibline.’ If you cut yourself, you should bleed Bible verses!” His exaggeration reveals his passion for God’s truth—a passion every believer should share.
Paul prayed that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [and be] strengthened with all power … for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience, joyously giving thanks to the Father” (Col. 1:10–12).
Those are marvelous Christian characteristics, but how are they achieved? Verse 9 gives us the answer: “Be filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” The Greek word translated “filled” speaks of influence or control. It’s the same word Paul uses in Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with [controlled by] the Spirit.” When you’re filled with the Spirit, He governs your choices. Similarly, when you’re filled with the knowledge of God’s will, your choices reflect godly wisdom and understanding.
The phrase “spiritual wisdom and understanding” indicates more than merely knowing God’s Word. It speaks of applying it to your life under the Spirit’s power and direction.
As you prayerfully saturate your mind with God’s Word, it begins more and more to control your thinking and behavior. And the Spirit uses the Word to renew your mind and to protect you from conformity to worldly attitudes and actions (Rom. 12:2).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Holy Spirit to control every aspect of your life today. ✧ Be diligent to apply the appropriate Biblical principles to every circumstance you face.
For Further Study: Memorize Philippians 4:8 as a reminder to feed your mind with the things that produce godliness.
|
October 3
|
Trusting in God’s Promises
|
“My Word … shall not return to Me … without accomplishing what I desire” (Isa. 55:11).
“Man does not live by bread alone, but … by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is both productive and nourishing.
The Bible contains many precious promises, two of which relate specifically to itself. First, the prophet Isaiah said that the Word is productive: “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:10–11).
As you administer the Word, it may encourage a fellow-Christian, bring a sinner to repentance, or even confirm an unbeliever in his sin. Whatever the response, be assured that the Word always accomplishes its intended purpose.
The Word is like a messenger that runs to do God’s work: “He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the hoarfrost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; who can stand before His cold? He sends forth His word and melts them; He causes His wind to blow and the waters to flow. He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel” (Ps. 147:15–19). Just as God sends the natural elements to accomplish His purposes, He also sends His Word.
The Word is also nourishing. Moses wrote, “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3). God’s Word feeds believers, causing spiritual growth.
How should you respond to such a powerful and productive Word? Trust it, so you can live each day in confidence. Proclaim it, so others will come to know its Author. Obey it, so it can continue its transforming work in you, making you more like Christ each day.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: God’s promises are intended to bring you great joy and encouragement. List seven promises that are especially meaningful to you. Use one each day for one week as a focal point for prayer and praise.
For Further Study: What promises does Jesus make in John 14:1–14?
|
October 4
|
Why Study the Bible?
|
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
✧✧✧
The Holy Spirit protects you from false doctrine, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for diligent Bible study.
For the next few days we’ll consider several benefits of Bible study. Today we’ll address the broader question of why Bible study is necessary at all.
Perhaps you know believers who think Bible study is unnecessary. Bible reading, they say, is sufficient because we have the Holy Spirit, who teaches us all things. Often they cite 1 John 2:27 in support of their view: “As for you, the anointing [the Holy Spirit] which you received from [God] abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”
That passage, however, isn’t implying that Bible study or Bible teachers aren’t necessary. On the contrary, John was exhorting his readers to abide in what they’d already learned (v. 24) and to shun only those teachers who deny Christ and try to deceive believers.
The Holy Spirit is the believer’s resident lie detector, granting discernment to shield him or her from false doctrine. Although a Christian may be temporarily confused by false teachers, ultimately he can never drift into apostasy or deny Christ. If anyone does depart from the faith, his departure is proof that he was never a true believer in the first place (v. 19).
The Spirit protects you from error, but you must fulfill your responsibility as a student of the Word. Even a man of Timothy’s spiritual stature needed to study the Word diligently and to handle it accurately (2 Tim. 2:15).
I pray that the psalmist’s attitude toward Scripture will be yours as well: “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His precious Word. ✧ Ask Him to give you a deeper love for its truths.
For Further Study: Read Titus 1:7–16 and 2 Timothy 2:2. ✧ What skills must an overseer have regarding God’s Word? ✧ Why are those skills necessary? ✧ Do those skills apply to church leaders only? Explain. ✧ Are you skilled in handling God’s Word?
|
October 5
|
Longing for the Word
|
“Like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
✧✧✧
Scripture is our source of spiritual growth.
A newborn baby was abandoned in a pile of trash in a city alley. The mother had obviously left it there to die. The infant was near death when someone heard its faint cry and summoned medical help. The child survived, but only because it received the attention and nourishment it needed.
That situation has a spiritual parallel, which Peter used to illustrate the believer’s dependence on God’s Word. If a baby is deprived of nourishment, it will soon die. Similarly, if a Christian doesn’t feed on the Word, he or she will languish spiritually and will become ineffective for the Lord. On the positive side, a believer should long for God’s Word as intently as a newborn baby longs for its mother’s milk.
Scripture draws on the parent/child metaphor in other ways as well, referring to Christians as being born again (John 3:7; 1 Peter 1:3), children of God (Rom. 8:16; 1 John 3:1), and adopted sons (Rom. 8:15; Eph. 1:5). Just as it is natural for biological children to grow and mature, Christians also have the capacity for spiritual growth. In fact, we’re commanded to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
The Word of God is the mainstay of your spiritual diet. It’s your primary source of nourishment. Paul said, “As you … have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed” (Col. 2:6–7). “Your faith” in that context refers to the content of Christianity—the doctrines of Scripture. As your knowledge and application of Biblical principles increase, you will become more and more grounded in truth and steadfast in Christ.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: If you’ve lost your appetite for God’s Word, it may be because of sin (1 Peter 2:1). If so, ask God to cleanse your heart and to give you a renewed longing for His truth. Then commit yourself to daily time in the Word.
For Further Study: Read Acts 20:32 and 1 Thessalonians 2:13, noting the effect Scripture has on believers.
|
October 6
|
Preparing for Spiritual Service
|
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable … that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
✧✧✧
Scripture equips you for spiritual service.
Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.
That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).
This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).
“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to Biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.
I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but they haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.
Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly, and follow it closely.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you. ✧ Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.
For Further Study: According to Philippians 1:12–18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.
|
October 7
|
Enjoying God’s Blessings
|
“Blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it” (Luke 11:28).
✧✧✧
Obeying Scripture brings spiritual blessing.
When Scripture speaks of a person’s being “blessed,” it usually refers to the reception of some temporal or spiritual benefit. It also includes the joy and sense of well-being that comes with knowing that God is at work on your behalf.
The psalmist wrote, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1–2). Those who know and obey God’s Word will be blessed. The psalmist likened them to a strong, productive, prosperous tree.
James added, “One who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty [God’s Word], and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25). Again, the very act of obedience brings blessing.
John opens the book of Revelation with this promise: “Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it” (Rev. 1:3). Jesus closed Revelation with the same promise: “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book” (Rev. 22:7). Obedience and blessing always go hand in hand.
As a Christian, you’ve been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). Every spiritual resource is yours. Even in times of sorrow and persecution, God’s blessing rests on you (1 Peter 4:14). But you can forfeit His blessings by neglecting His Word or by committing other sinful acts. So guard your heart carefully, and continue in the Word. As you do, your joy will be boundless!
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Make a list of specific ways in which the Lord has blessed you in recent days. Praise Him for each one.
For Further Study: Read James 1:12, 1 Peter 3:14, and 1 Peter 4:14. How does God’s blessing apply when you’re suffering unjustly?
|
October 8
|
Experiencing Spiritual Victory
|
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. … Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee” (Ps. 119:9, 11).
✧✧✧
Scripture is the source of spiritual victory.
Many Christians struggle with spiritual defeat or recurring sins because they haven’t learned to apply Biblical principles to specific situations. Perhaps they don’t know God’s will because they haven’t matured in the Word. Or maybe they know what He expects of them, but they disregard His counsel. In either case, the result is the same.
Jesus Himself repelled Satan’s attacks by quoting specific portions of Scripture that applied to specific temptations (Matt. 4:1–11). He knew the Word, believed it, and refused to compromise its principles. In so doing, He set a pattern for us to follow.
Using metaphorical language, the Apostle John emphasized the priority of the Word when he described three levels of spiritual maturity: children, young men, and fathers. In 1 John 2:13 he says, “I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.” Spiritual children aren’t yet mature in their faith, but they know who their Heavenly Father is. They know they belong to God.
John continues: “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (v. 14). Spiritual young men are healthy, vibrant, and aggressive because the Word abides in them—it has found a home in their hearts. They’re victorious over the evil one because their doctrine is sound and they’ve cultivated spiritual wisdom and discernment (Phil. 1:9). They recognize Satan’s lies and reject them.
First John 2:14 also says, “I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning.” Spiritual fathers have a deep, mature relationship with God that comes from prolonged time in prayer and the Word.
Which of those terms best describes you—spiritual child, young man, or father? What specific things can you do today to move toward a more mature and victorious Christian life?
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you love Him more deeply and to know His Word more completely. Therein is the key to spiritual victory.
For Further Study: Memorize Psalm 119:11. Recite it often as a reminder of the priority of hiding God’s Word in your heart.
|
October 9
|
Giving Godly Counsel
|
“Concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another” (Rom. 15:14).
✧✧✧
Scripture is the source of godly counsel.
In recent years the question of who is competent to counsel has become an important issue in the church. Many pastors and other church leaders have curtailed their counseling ministries or stopped them altogether. They’ve been made to feel inadequate for not having formal training in psychological counseling techniques.
Behind this movement away from pastoral counseling is the subtle implication that the Holy Spirit and Scripture are incapable of addressing the deepest needs of the human heart. It is claimed that only secular psychology dispensed by trained analysts can do that.
But the truth is, the heart of man is “more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jer. 17:9). No one. That includes humanistic counselors. Verse 10 says, “I the Lord search the heart, I test the mind.” Only God can understand the human heart.
David prayed, “O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, and art intimately acquainted with all my ways. … Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence?” (Ps. 139:1–3, 7).
Only God knows what’s in a person’s heart. Only His Spirit working through His Word can penetrate one’s deepest thoughts and motives to transform the heart and renew the mind (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 12:2).
Professional psychologists are no substitute for spiritually gifted people who know the Word, possess godly wisdom, are full of goodness, and are available to help others apply divine truth to their lives (Rom. 15:14).
When people come to you for counsel, the best thing you can do is show them what God’s Word says about their problem and how it applies to their situation. But you can’t do that unless you know the Word and are allowing it to do its work in you first. Then you’ll be in a position to counsel others more effectively.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the wise and all-sufficient counsel of His Word. ✧ Reaffirm your commitment to share it at every opportunity.
For Further Study: According to Psalm 119:24, on what did the psalmist rely for his counsel?
|
October 10
|
Searching for Truth
|
“Thy law is truth. … And all Thy commandments are truth. … The sum of Thy word is truth” (Ps. 119:142, 151, 160).
✧✧✧
Scripture is the source of divine truth.
It amazes me how people can spend so much time searching for truth but ignore the Bible. In his poem Miriam, John Greenleaf Whittier reflected on the same conundrum:
We search the world for truth. We cull
The good, the pure, the beautiful,
From graven stone and written scroll,
From all old flower-fields of the soul;
And, weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from the quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.
God never intended for truth to be mysterious or unattainable. His Word is a repository of truth, containing every principle we need for life and thought.
But knowing truth begins with knowing God, who is its Author. First John 5:20 says, “We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true, and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
The psalmist proclaimed, “The works of His hands are truth and justice; all His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness” (Ps. 111:7–8).
As Christians, we are those who walk in truth. That’s how Jesus described us when He prayed to the Father: “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). Similarly John said, “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth” (3 John 4). In contrast, unbelievers “suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” thus making themselves targets for the wrath of God (Rom. 1:18).
To love God is to love truth; to love truth is to love the Word. May you walk in the truth of God’s Word today and every day.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of knowing Him and being able to walk in His truth.
For Further Study: How does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit in John 14:17, 15:26, and 16:13?
|
October 11
|
God’s Self-disclosure
|
“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (Heb. 1:1–2).
✧✧✧
Scripture is the storehouse of divine revelation.
For decades liberal theologians have misrepresented the Bible as merely a collection of man’s religious thoughts and aspirations. But Scripture is much more than that. It is in fact divine revelation—God’s self-disclosure through His Spirit to the human authors. Man could never know God’s identity, attributes, perspectives, or commands if God hadn’t revealed them to him. Nor could man know his own origin, purpose, or destiny.
Paul said, “‘Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.’ For to us God revealed them through the Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9–10). In 2 Timothy 3:16 he adds, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” God inspired every word of Scripture and speaks on every page.
Hebrews 1 speaks of two general means by which God revealed Himself: Old Testament revelation (“long ago,” v. 1) and New Testament revelation (“in His Son,” v. 2). First He spoke to the Jewish fathers through the Old Testament prophets “in many portions.” That refers to all the books of the Old Testament. “In many ways” speaks of the specific means by which He communicated: visions, prophecies, parables, types, symbols, ceremonies, theophanies, and audible voice.
From the close of the Old Testament to the arrival of John the Baptist, there were approximately four hundred years during which God was silent. But that silence was shattered when John announced the coming of Christ. From that time on, God spoke through His Son. The Gospels record His life and teachings, the book of Acts shows the propagation of His teachings through the apostles and early church, the epistles apply His teachings to everyday life, and Revelation tells of His triumphant return and the consummation of divine revelation.
Isn’t it wonderful to know God’s perspective on life and history?
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God that His Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105).
For Further Study: According to Deuteronomy 29:29, what is the purpose of divine revelation?
|
October 12
|
Modern-day Revelations
|
“Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, emphasis added).
✧✧✧
Scripture contains everything you need to know for godly living.
For many years I’ve watched with deep concern as a significant number of Christians have drifted from a thoughtful, Biblical, God-centered theology to one that is increasingly mystical, non-Biblical, and man-centered. One of the most disturbing indicators of this trend is the proliferation of extra-Biblical revelations that certain people are claiming to receive directly from God.
Such claims are alarming because they dilute the uniqueness and centrality of the Bible and cause people to lean on man’s word rather than God’s. They imply that Scripture is insufficient for Christian living and that we need additional revelation to fill the gap.
But God’s Word contains everything you need to know for spiritual life and godly living. It is “inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,” so that you may be fully “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). What more is necessary?
When the Apostle John died, apostolic revelation came to an end. But that written legacy remains as the standard by which we are to test every teacher and teaching that claims to be from God (1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John 4:1). If a teaching doesn’t conform to Scripture, it must be rejected. If it does conform, it isn’t a new revelation. In either case, additional revelation is unnecessary.
God went to great lengths to record and preserve His revelation, and He jealously guards it from corruption of any kind. From Moses, the first known recipient of divine revelation, to the Apostle John, the final recipient, His charge remained the same: “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2; cf. Rev. 22:18–19).
Don’t be swayed by supposed new revelations. Devote yourself to what has already been revealed.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to guard your heart from confusion and to help you keep your attention firmly fixed on His Word.
For Further Study: According to 2 Timothy 4:1–4, why must we preach and uphold God’s Word?
|
October 13
|
From the Mouth of God
|
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is inspired.
Second Timothy 3:16 speaks of the inspiration of Scripture. “Inspired” is the translation of a Greek word that literally means “God-breathed.” Every word of Scripture is from the mouth of God!
Theologians speak of inspiration as the mysterious process by which God worked through the authors of Scripture to produce inerrant and divinely authoritative writings. Inspiration is a mystery because Scripture doesn’t explain specifically how it occurred. The only glimpse we have is from 2 Peter: “Know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (1:20–21).
“Interpretation” speaks of origin. Scripture didn’t originate on the human level but with the Holy Spirit, who “moved” upon the authors to write it (v. 21). “Moved” is the translation of a nautical term that describes the effects of wind upon a ship as it blows against its sails and moves it through the water. Similarly, the Spirit moved on the Biblical writers to produce the Word of God in the language of men.
The human authors of Scripture knew they were writing God’s Word, and they did so with confidence and authority. Often they cited or alluded to one another as authoritative agents of divine revelation (e.g., 2 Peter 3:15–16).
On a personal level, inspiration guarantees that what Scripture says, God says. It’s His counsel to you; so you can study and obey it with full assurance that it is true and will never lead you astray.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Praise the Lord for His inspired Word. ✧ Reaffirm your commitment to live according to its principles today.
For Further Study: Often the New Testament affirms the inspiration of the Old Testament by attributing Old Testament quotations to God Himself. For example, compare these Old Testament passages with their New Testament counterparts: Genesis 2:24 with Matthew 19:4–5; Psalm 2:1–2 with Acts 4:25–26; Isaiah 55:3 with Acts 13:34; Psalm 16:10 with Acts 13:35; Psalm 95:7–11 with Hebrews 3:7–11. ✧ How might you respond to someone who says that the Bible is merely the words of devout religious men?
|
October 14
|
Rallying Around the Word
|
“Every word of God is tested [pure, flawless]” (Prov. 30:5).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is without error.
The term inerrancy conveys the belief that the original writings of Scripture are wholly true in everything they teach—whether doctrine, history, science, geography, geology, or any other discipline or knowledge. It also applies to accurate copies of those original writings.
Inerrancy is an unpopular concept with some people because they believe it isn’t really important. But consider the implications. No Christian would deny that our relationship to Jesus Christ is of utmost importance. But how can we know Him except as He is presented in the Bible? He is our Lord, and we must obey His commandments (Heb. 5:9). How can we know what He commands if we doubt His Word?
Others reject inerrancy because they think it’s divisive. But inerrancy should be a rallying point for evangelicals, not a dividing point. What unifying factor do we have if we can’t agree on the truth of divine revelation?
Still others withhold judgment on the issue, thinking it’s a technical matter that is best decided by Biblical scholars. On the contrary, it is the most basic of all matters. It’s nothing less than asking, “Is there a sure word from God?”
Inerrancy isn’t simply a matter of theological debate. It’s a matter of God’s character. God cannot lie (Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18); therefore His Word is true. Jeremiah 10:10 says that the Lord is “the true God” or the God of truth. The Apostle John said, “God is true” (John 3:33). And Jesus defined eternal life as knowing “the only true God” (John 17:3). Christ came so we might “know Him who is true … the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).
Don’t be shaken by those who attack the integrity of Scripture. As you have opportunity, study any problem passages so you’ll know firsthand what the issues and proposed solutions are. And remember, Scripture was given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who is “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). He cannot err.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: If Psalm 119:12–16 reflects the intent of your heart, read it to the Lord as a prayer of praise and commitment.
For Further Study: According to Matthew 22:29 and John 17:17, what was Jesus’ view of Scripture?
|
October 15
|
Trusting God’s Word
|
The law of the Lord is perfect. … The commandment of the Lord is pure. … The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:7–9).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is infallible.
Infallibility refers to the truth of Scripture as a whole, whereas inerrancy focuses on the accuracy of every single word. Like inerrancy, infallibility is grounded in the character of God. God cannot lie and does not change (1 Sam. 15:29). He is thoroughly consistent in everything He does, and His Word reflects those characteristics. The psalmist wrote, “The sum of Thy word is truth, and every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting” (Ps. 119:160). Paul said, “The Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good” (Rom. 7:12).
Jesus said He didn’t come to abolish the law or the prophets (sections of the Old Testament) but to fulfill them. He promised that everything in Scripture will be fulfilled (Matt. 5:17–18). John 10:35 declares that the authority of Scripture “cannot be broken.” It is binding and cannot be destroyed, abolished, or done away with. God’s Word is indestructible, authoritative, and infallible.
On a practical level, infallibility means that you can trust the Bible. It will never deceive you or give you counsel that will later prove to be erroneous. That was the confidence of the psalmist when he wrote, “Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee. Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Thine ordinances are good. Behold, I long for Thy precepts; revive me through Thy righteousness. May Thy lovingkindnesses also come to me, O Lord, Thy salvation according to Thy word; so I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Thy word. And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I wait for Thine ordinances. So I will keep Thy law continually, forever and ever. And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Thy precepts. I will also speak of Thy testimonies before kings, and shall not be ashamed. And I shall delight in Thy commandments, which I love” (Ps. 119:38–47).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God that His Word is utterly trustworthy.
For Further Study: Memorize Psalm 119:165 as a reminder of the infallibility of God’s Word.
|
October 16
|
Submitting to Divine Authority
|
“Listen, O heavens, and hear, O earth; for the Lord speaks” (Isa. 1:2).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is the only source of divine authority.
We might assume that those who affirm the inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility of God’s Word would automatically submit to its authority. But that isn’t always the case. Even those who hold to a high view of Scripture sometimes fail to obey it. We need to be reminded that the authority of God’s Word isn’t simply a doctrine to be affirmed but a priority to be pursued.
Israel fell into the trap of holding to a high view of Scripture while failing to abide by its statutes. To them Paul said, “If you bear the name ‘Jew,’ and rely upon the Law, and boast in God, and know His will, and approve the things that are essential, being instructed out of the Law, and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth, you therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? … You who boast in the Law, through your breaking the Law, do you dishonor God? For ‘the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you’” (Rom. 2:17–21, 23–24).
Israel’s sin led unbelievers to blaspheme God. That’s analogous to our society in which the Lord is constantly ridiculed because of the sins of His people.
You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?
Christians will always be maligned, but let it be for righteousness’ sake, not because of sin. As Peter said, “Keep your behavior excellent among [unbelievers], so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Confess any areas of your life where you are being disobedient to God’s Word. ✧ Seek His grace and power to live each day as one who truly respects the authority of God’s Word.
For Further Study: Read 1 Corinthians 10:1–13. What purpose does the Old Testament record of Israel’s punishments serve for us?
|
October 17
|
A Psalm of Sufficiency
|
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
“They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
“Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; let them not rule over me; then I shall be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:7–14).
✧✧✧
God’s Word addresses the soul’s every need.
King David was a man of stark contrasts. He knew the humility of shepherding a flock and the prestige of reigning over a nation. He experienced glorious triumphs and bitter defeats. He sought after God, yet also suffered immense guilt and pain from immorality and murder. That led to even his own son’s seeking to take his life. Some of his psalms reflect great hope and others despair. But through it all he continued to look to God, being assured of God’s sovereignty and the sufficiency of His divine resources.
In Psalm 19 David penned the most monumental statement ever made on the sufficiency of Scripture. As we study it in the days ahead, keep in mind that every need of your soul or inmost being is ultimately spiritual, and God has supplied sufficient resources to meet those needs completely. That was David’s confidence. May it be yours as well.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Throughout our study of Psalm 19, ask God to give you fresh insights that will enable you to appreciate and rest more fully in His gracious provisions.
For Further Study: Reread Psalm 19:1–14. ✧ What terms did David use for God’s Word? ✧ What benefits does the Word bring to believers? ✧ Are you enjoying those benefits?
|
October 18
|
God’s Transforming Word
|
“The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul” (Ps. 19:7).
✧✧✧
God can transform you through His Word into the person He wants you to be.
Many today doubt the power of Scripture in dealing with the deeper aspects of the human heart and mind. The Bible may be helpful for certain superficial or “spiritual” problems, they say, but it’s too simplistic and inadequate for the more complex psychological issues of modern man. The truth is, however, the best psychology can do is to modify external behavior. It cannot redeem and transform the soul. Only God can do that through the power of His Word.
That’s the truth behind Psalm 19:7, which calls Scripture “the law of the Lord,” thus emphasizing its didactic nature. It is the sum of God’s instruction to man, whether for creed (what we believe), character (what we are), or conduct (what we do).
The law of the Lord is “perfect.” That represents a common Hebrew word that speaks of wholeness, completeness, or sufficiency. Commentator Albert Barnes wrote that Scripture “lacks nothing [for] its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of Divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct. … It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the [needs] of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct. There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there” (Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms, Vol. 1 [Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 1974], p. 171).
Man’s reasoning is imperfect, but God’s Word is perfect, containing everything necessary for your spiritual life. It is so comprehensive that it can restore your soul. That is, it will convert, revive, refresh, and transform every aspect of your being to make you precisely the person God wants you to be.
Don’t look to impotent human alternatives when God’s Word stands ready to minister to your every need. Spiritual warfare is fought with spiritual weapons, not fleshly techniques, theories, or therapies (2 Cor. 10:4).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to keep you focused on His counsel regarding every situation you face today.
For Further Study: Memorize 2 Corinthians 9:8 as a reminder of God’s super-abounding grace to you.
|
October 19
|
Gaining True Wisdom
|
“The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7).
✧✧✧
God’s Word imparts wisdom and knowledge beyond the realm of mere human understanding.
David’s characterization of God’s Word as “the testimony of the Lord” (Ps. 19:7) speaks of its role as God’s witness to who He is and what He requires of us. In addition, it’s a “sure” witness. That means it’s unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and trustworthy.
Peter made the same point when, after recounting his incredible experience with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–18), he said, “but we have a testimony more sure than that—the prophetic word” (v. 19, literal translation). The testimony of God’s written Word is a surer and more convincing confirmation of God’s truth than even apostolic experiences with Christ Himself!
Perhaps that’s why our Lord prevented the two disciples on the Emmaus Road from recognizing Him as He gave them a Biblical basis for the things they had seen and heard (Luke 24:27). Their faith and preaching were to be based on Scripture, not merely on their own personal experiences—no matter how profound or moving those experiences may have been.
The benefit of God’s sure Word is that it makes the simple wise (Ps. 19:7). It takes undiscerning, ignorant, and gullible people and teaches them profound truth from God that they can apply to their lives. As they do this, they become skilled in the art of godly living.
That was the psalmist’s joy when he wrote, “Thy commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have observed Thy precepts” (Ps. 119:98–100).
Applying that principle to New Testament believers, Paul prayed that we would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (Col. 1:9). As that occurs, we’re enabled to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [and] to please Him in all respects” (v. 10). That’s the outworking of godly wisdom and the key to holy living.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Pray that God’s wisdom will increase and abound in your life today and every day.
For Further Study: Read Luke 24:13–35, noting how Jesus ministered the Word to the disciples on the Emmaus Road.
|
October 20
|
Living a Joyous Life
|
“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8).
✧✧✧
Knowing your life is on the right track is a source of great joy.
What brings you joy? Your answer will reveal much about your priorities and about the direction your life is heading spiritually.
The psalmist wrote, “How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers” (Ps. 1:1–3).
That psalmist knew that true joy and happiness come from knowing God and abiding in His Word. That was David’s confidence when he wrote, “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart” (Ps. 19:8).
“Precepts” in that verse speaks of divine principles and guidelines for character and conduct. God created you and knows how you must live to give glory to Him. And He revealed in His Word every precept you must know to do so.
Every divine precept is “right.” It shows you the path that is right and true. What a wonderful confidence that is! While many around you may be discouraged or despondent because of their lack of direction and purpose, God’s Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Ps. 119:105). It guides you through the difficult mazes of life and gives your life eternal significance. Don’t live simply for your own pleasures. Your life has a high and holy purpose, and each day can be filled with joy as you see that purpose unfold.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to help you be mindful of your eternal purpose today and every day. ✧ Ask Him to direct you to someone who needs Christ and is sensing a lack of purpose in his or her life.
For Further Study: Read Colossians 3:1–4. ✧ How did Paul describe Christ? ✧ What should be the focus of your thinking? ✧ Are you heeding Paul’s exhortation?
|
October 21
|
Obeying God’s Commands
|
“The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps. 19:8).
✧✧✧
Obedience to the Word is the hallmark of a true believer.
It isn’t popular these days to speak of God’s Word as a book of commandments. Commands imply law, and we’re accustomed to grace. But the fact is, both the Old and New Testaments contain many commandments that all God’s people are to obey.
The Apostle John said, “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected” (1 John 2:3–5). John equated the commandments of God with the Word of God.
Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15), and “He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father” (v. 21). If you truly love Christ, your life will be characterized by a pattern of obedience to His Word.
Every commandment of God is “pure,” the psalmist said (Ps. 19:8). Its effect is “enlightening the eyes.” God’s Word brings spiritual truth into clear focus. Not every passage of Scripture is easy to understand, but taken as a whole, the message of the Bible is clear to the regenerate mind.
But as clear as the Bible is to believers, unredeemed people can’t understand it. To them it’s foolishness because their minds are unenlightened (1 Cor. 2:14). In their spiritual blindness they choose humanistic philosophical speculations over God’s Word. But as a believer, you are continually being enlightened by the truths of God’s Word as the Holy Spirit enables you to understand them and apply them to your life.
Your ability to understand the Word is a priceless gift. Take advantage of it daily by expanding your Bible knowledge and increasing your obedience.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for opening your mind to the truths of His Word. ✧ Commit yourself to discovering at least one additional truth from Scripture each day.
For Further Study: Read 1 Corinthians 2:14–16. What comparison did Paul make between the natural (unregenerate) man and the spiritual (regenerate) man?
|
October 22
|
Fearing God
|
“The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever” (Ps. 19:9).
✧✧✧
Fearing God leads to reverential attitudes and actions.
In the Old Testament, to fear God was to view Him with reverential awe and to bow to His sovereign authority. In Psalm 34 David wrote, “Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Who is the man who desires life, and loves length of days that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (vv. 11–14). His son Solomon added, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. … Fear the Lord and turn away from evil” (Prov. 1:7; 3:7).
The concept of fearing God isn’t limited to the Old Testament. Paul said, “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:12), “Let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1), and “Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ” (Eph. 5:21).
Our fear of God compels us to worship Him and to conform our lives to His will. If you fear Him, pleasing Him will be your greatest delight, and displeasing Him your greatest disappointment.
In Psalm 19:9 David uses “fear” as a synonym for God’s Word, implying that Scripture is God’s manual on how to worship Him. “Clean” is a comprehensive term that speaks of the absence of sin, corruption, filthiness, defilement, imperfection, and error. The message Scripture conveys is always “flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times” (Ps. 12:6, niv).
Because it is so perfect, Scripture endures forever (Ps. 19:9). That’s why Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Mark 13:31). It never needs to be updated to accommodate contemporary thinking. It stands forever, authoritative and unyielding. Those who judge it, slander it, or ignore it are in grave peril. It is far better to fear God and to bow to His revealed will.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Read Psalm 33 as a prayer of praise to the Lord.
For Further Study: Memorize Proverbs 3:5–7 as a reminder always to seek God’s will and approval.
|
October 23
|
The Source of Righteousness
|
“The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9).
✧✧✧
God’s Word is true and produces righteousness in the believer’s life.
The inability of human wisdom to produce right living was reaffirmed in my thinking as I read a contemporary psychiatrist’s book on how to overcome depression. The doctor’s first suggestion was to shout “Cancel!” every time you have a negative thought. She also recommended playing a tape recording of positive messages while you sleep at night and listening to positive music during the day.
Cultivating a meaningful spiritual philosophy was another of her suggestions. She said any will do—as long as it works for you—but cautioned against those that speak of sin and guilt. Her final point was to find the spiritual light within yourself.
That kind of advice is foolish because it has no basis in truth. The best it can do is mask a few symptoms. It cannot cure the illness.
Jesus illustrated the hopelessness of searching for truth through such means when He said to a group of unbelievers, “Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil … [who] does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature; for he is a liar, and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. … He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God” (John 8:43–47).
Unbelievers don’t see the truth of God’s Word for what it is. But believers hear the truth and receive it. Like David, they acknowledge that “the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Ps. 19:9).
“Judgments” in that context speaks of ordinances or divine verdicts from the Supreme Judge. “Righteous altogether” implies that Scripture produces comprehensive righteousness in all who receive it. Together these words emphasize that true righteousness originates from God’s Word and flows through His people.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God for giving you the truth that produces righteousness.
For Further Study: What do the following verses say about God’s righteous Word? Psalm 119:89, 128, 137–138, 142, and 160.
|
October 24
|
Desiring God’s Word
|
“[The judgments of the Lord] are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb” (Ps. 19:10).
✧✧✧
You should value Scripture more than all earthly treasures.
I have a friend who has a beautiful collection of rare Bibles. My favorite is one of the earliest printed copies, dating back to sixteenth-century England. The first time I held it in my hands I noticed that the top third of every page was covered with a dark stain. Tears filled my eyes when I realized it was from the blood of its original owner.
My friend explained that when Bloody Mary ruled England, she delighted in terrorizing Protestants and murdering as many as she could. Her soldiers would execute their victims through some bloody means, then take his or her Bible and dip it into the blood. Some of those Bibles have been preserved and are known as Martyrs’ Bibles. Scientists have confirmed that the dark stains on every page of my friend’s Bible are, indeed, human blood.
That same Bible is well-worn from being studied. And many of its pages have water stains on them—perhaps from tears. Obviously it was someone’s most precious possession, and his or her blood is there to prove it.
Psalm 19:10 captures the heart of such people, extolling the preciousness of God’s Word. To David, Scripture was more valuable than the best gold and the purest honey. Meditating on it meant more to him than the richest and sweetest things in life. He knew its ability to satisfy every spiritual appetite.
As precious as God’s Word is, many Christians take it for granted and become complacent in their studies. Some go for long periods without gaining fresh insights from its pages.
Perhaps you know someone who is in that situation. If so, ask the Lord for wisdom as you gently encourage him or her toward greater faithfulness in the Word. At the same time be careful not to become negligent yourself.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the example of those who have loved His Word to the cost of their lives. ✧ Ask Him to give you the desire to feed on His truth daily and the drive to satisfy that desire.
For Further Study: Read 1 Peter 2:1–2 as a reminder to keep your heart sensitive to the precious gift of God’s Word.
|
October 25
|
Heeding God’s Warnings
|
“By [Thy judgments] Thy servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:11).
✧✧✧
Heeding God’s warnings brings spiritual protection and great joy.
Psalm 19:11 concludes David’s hymn on the sufficiency of Scripture. How appropriate that it ends noting the value of God’s warning, because guarding His people against temptation, sin, error, foolishness, false teachers, and every other threat to their spiritual well-being is a major concern to God.
For example, God said to the prophet Ezekiel, “Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth, and give them warning from Me” (33:7). The great tragedy of the Old Testament is that Israel rejected God’s “statutes and His covenant which He made with their fathers, and His warnings with which He warned them” (2 Kings 17:15).
The Apostle Paul defined his ministry as that of proclaiming Christ and warning “every man and teaching every man with all wisdom” (Col. 1:28). After exhorting the Thessalonian church to maintain sexual purity, Paul added, “The Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you” (1 Thess. 4:6).
He also warned the Ephesian church, saying, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish [warn] each one with tears” (Acts 20:29–32). He did that by declaring to them the whole counsel of God (v. 27).
The warnings of Scripture aren’t intended to frustrate or stifle you. On the contrary, when you heed them, they shelter you from spiritual harm and bring the joy of knowing you’re in God’s will. That’s the “great reward” David speaks of in Psalm 19:11. May you earn it, as he eventually did, through heeding God’s Word in every aspect of life.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Overwhelmed with the sufficiency of God’s Word, David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14). Make that your prayer as well.
For Further Study: Re-read Psalm 19:7–11, reviewing each characteristic and benefit of Scripture. Think carefully about how they apply to your life.
|
October 26
|
Passing on a Godly Heritage
|
“From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).
✧✧✧
Planting and nurturing the seed of God’s Word in a child’s mind can produce an abundant spiritual harvest.
Not long ago I met with a group of Christian leaders to consider several candidates for a significant ministry position. During our meeting it dawned on me that each candidate’s father was a prominent pastor. Each candidate had grown up in a family that daily taught and exemplified Biblical truth.
That illustrates the enormous impact a Christian heritage can have on a person—whether he pursues the pastorate or not. And by no means is it fathers only who influence their children toward righteousness. Quite the contrary; a godly mother usually has far more opportunity to do so.
Dr. G. Campbell Morgan had four sons—all of whom followed his example by becoming ministers. It’s reported that at a family reunion a friend asked one of the sons, “Which Morgan is the greatest preacher?” “That’s easy,” the son replied. “Mother!”
Timothy knew the benefits of a spiritual heritage like that. His mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois (2 Tim. 1:5) taught him the sacred writings, which give the wisdom that leads to salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). Even as a child, Timothy was being equipped for the ministry to which God would later call him. The spiritual training he received as a child—and the reservoir of Biblical knowledge he accumulated in those early years—were crucial elements in his adult ministry.
If you are a parent, the most precious gift you can give your child is a godly upbringing that will serve as the foundation for his or her future ministries.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God for those who have instructed you in the Word and encouraged you in righteousness. ✧ If you are a parent, pray that your children will exceed you in the faith. ✧ Be faithful to pray for the young people around you and to set a godly example for them to follow.
For Further Study: Read 1 Samuel 1:1–2:10. What characteristics of a godly mother did Hannah display?
|
October 27
|
Learning Truth
|
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
✧✧✧
Scripture is a manual of divine truth.
This month we’ve considered many benefits of Scripture. Second Timothy 3:16 lists four more that will be the focus of our studies as we draw this month to a close: teaching truth, reproving sin and error, correcting behavior, and training in righteousness. We’ve touched on each of those to some extent in our past studies, but they warrant additional discussion from this verse, which is Scripture’s most concise statement on its own power and purpose.
First, the Bible is profitable for teaching. The Greek word translated “teaching” refers more to content than to the process of teaching. Scripture is God’s manual of divine truth for patterning your thoughts and actions.
As a believer, you have the capacity to understand and respond to Scripture. That’s because the Holy Spirit indwells you and imparts spiritual discernment, wisdom, and understanding (1 John 2:27). You have “the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16).
But having the ability to understand spiritual truth doesn’t guarantee you’ll exercise that ability. God said to the Israelites through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (4:6). His truth was available to them, but they ignored it and lived in disobedience.
I’ve heard many people lament that they could have avoided much grief if only they had known the Bible more thoroughly—if only they had taken the time to learn what God expected of them in a particular situation. Perhaps you’ve felt that way. The best way to avoid making that mistake in the future is to faithfully, prayerfully, patiently, and thoroughly saturate your mind with Biblical truth now, and then discipline yourself to live according to its principles. Now that’s the challenge of a lifetime, but it’s the only way to profit from Biblical teaching and to avoid unnecessary heartaches.
I pray that you will be encouraged today as you study God’s Word and diligently apply it to your life.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Ask God to use the circumstances you face today to draw you closer to Him and to motivate you to dig deeper into His Word.
For Further Study: Read Exodus 24:1–8. What was the Israelites’ response to God’s Word? What is yours?
|
October 28
|
Avoiding Spiritual Deception
|
“All Scripture is … profitable for … reproof” (2 Tim. 3:16).
✧✧✧
Scripture is the standard by which you must measure all teaching.
In November of 1978, United States Representative Leo Ryan of California visited the People’s Temple (a California-based cult) in Guyana. He went to investigate reports that some of the people were being held there against their will. The world was soon shocked to learn that the congressman and his party had been ambushed and killed.
Even more shocking was the grim discovery that followed a few days later. Authorities who entered the compound at Jonestown, Guyana, were horrified to find the bodies of 780 cult members who had been shot or had committed suicide by drinking cyanide-laced punch. Their leader, the Reverend Jim Jones, was found lying near the altar—dead from a single bullet wound to the head.
For many, it was the first time they had witnessed the deadly effect of Satanic teaching. Editorials and articles for months attempted to explain how such appalling deception and genocide could occur in this day and age. But as tragic as the Jonestown deaths were, most observers missed the greatest tragedy of all—the spiritual damnation into which Jim Jones, David Koresh, and all other false teachers lead their followers.
Spiritual deception is a very serious issue to God. That’s why in Scripture He lays down the truth and reproves anything contrary to it. The Greek word translated “reproof” in 2 Timothy 3:16 means “to rebuke or confront someone regarding misconduct or false teaching.”
If you have a thorough grasp of Scripture, you have a standard by which to measure all teaching. Then you can easily recognize false doctrine and can avoid spiritual deception. That’s what John had in mind when he said, “I have written to you, [spiritual] young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14).
False religions will always attempt to distort Scripture because they must eliminate God’s truth before they can justify their own lies. Beware of their subtleties, and be strong in God’s Word.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for protecting you from spiritual deception. ✧ Pray for anyone you may know who has fallen victim to false teaching. Take every opportunity to impart God’s truth to them.
For Further Study: Read 2 Corinthians 11:1–4, 13–15. How did Paul describe false teachers?
|
October 29
|
Reproving Sinful Conduct
|
“All Scripture is … profitable for … reproof” (2 Tim. 3:16).
✧✧✧
People who aren’t interested in holy living will avoid being exposed to sound doctrine.
Paul instructed Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Tim. 4:2). He knew a time was coming when many people would reject sound doctrine and, “wanting to have their ears tickled, [would] accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and … turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths” (vv. 3–4).
That’s certainly true of our day. Many who profess to love Christ seem intolerant of His Word. Often they fall into spiritual complacency and surround themselves with teachers who tell them exactly what they want to hear. If they can’t find a comfortable message, they drift from church to church or simply abandon it altogether.
Such people have exchanged conviction for comfort and need to examine themselves to see if they are genuine believers (2 Cor. 13:5). Their attitude toward the Word is in stark contrast to those who truly love Christ and come to the Word with an earnest desire to learn its truths and live accordingly.
But even true believers can fall into the trap of negligence and compromise. Perhaps you’ve noticed how sinning Christians often try to avoid exposure to God’s Word. Sometimes they’ll temporarily stop attending church or Bible studies. They also try to avoid other believers—especially those who will hold them accountable to what they know to be true.
But like any loving parent, God won’t allow His children to remain in sin for long without disciplining them (Heb. 12:5–11). Sooner or later they must repent and be reconciled to Him.
An important element in reconciling sinning Christians to God is the faithful prayers of other believers. God may choose to use you in that way; so always be ready to pray and be eager to restore others in a spirit of gentleness (Gal. 6:1).
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Do you know a Christian who is being disobedient to God’s Word? If so, ask God to bring him or her to repentance. Assure the person of your prayers and concern, and be available to be further used in the restoration process if the Lord wills.
For Further Study: What does Matthew 18:15–20 say about how to confront a sinning Christian?
|
October 30
|
Increasing Your Spiritual Strength
|
“All Scripture is … profitable for … correction” (2 Tim. 3:16).
✧✧✧
God’s Word strengthens the repentant sinner.
If you’re a gardening buff, you know that skillful pruning promotes the overall growth and productivity of a plant. Jesus assumed His audience knew as much when He said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you” (John 15:1–3).
Jesus was comparing believers to branches, which the Father prunes for maximum productivity. The Word is His pruning shear, which He applies with skill and precision to remove our imperfections and to promote godliness. He wants to eliminate anything from our lives that may restrict our spiritual growth.
The word translated “correction” in 2 Timothy 3:16 speaks of the strengthening work of God’s Word. Scripture not only exposes your sin, but it also strengthens you and restores you to a proper spiritual posture. It convicts you and then gives you instruction to build you up again.
Job 17:9 says, “The righteous shall hold to his way, and he who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.” Paul added, “I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
As the Spirit uses Scripture to expose sin in your life, forsake that sin, and follow what Scripture says to do instead. You will be strengthened in your spiritual walk as a result. To aid in that process, be “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and … sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:6).
I firmly believe that any weaknesses you have can become areas of great strength as you allow God’s Word to do its sanctifying work within you.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the strengthening and restoring power of His Word. ✧ If there’s an area of your life that is weak and vulnerable to temptation, confess it to the Lord, and begin today to strengthen it according to the Word.
For Further Study: Read Ephesians 1:18–23 and 3:14–21. ✧ What did Paul pray for? ✧ How did God demonstrate His power toward believers? ✧ Is God’s power sufficient for all your spiritual needs? Explain.
|
October 31
|
Training in Righteousness
|
“All Scripture is … profitable for … training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
✧✧✧
God’s Word nourishes your spiritual life.
We conclude our study of the character and benefits of God’s Word by focusing on the benefit that ties all the others together—training in righteousness. Everything the Word accomplishes in you through teaching, reproof, and correction is aimed at increasing your righteousness, so you’ll “be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17, niv).
“Training” refers to training or educating a child. The New Testament also uses that term to speak of chastening, which is another important element in both child-rearing and spiritual growth (Heb. 12:5–11). The idea is that from spiritual infancy to maturity, Scripture trains and educates believers in godly living.
Scripture is your spiritual nourishment. Jesus said, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). Peter exhorted us to be like “newborn babes [who] long for the pure milk of the word, that by it [we] may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
You should crave the Word just like a baby craves milk. But Peter prefaced that statement with an exhortation to put aside “all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander” (v. 1). That’s the prerequisite. James taught the same principle: “Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word” (James 1:21). Attempting to feast on Scripture without confessing your sin is like attempting to eat a meal while wearing a muzzle.
Either the Word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Word. Deal with sin immediately, so it doesn’t spoil your appetite for God’s Word. And even if you know the Bible well, be regularly refreshed by its power and reminded of its truths. That’s the key to enjoying spiritual health and victory.
✧✧✧
Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the nourishment His Word provides. ✧ Seek His wisdom and grace in dealing with personal sin. Don’t ignore it, for it will diminish your desire for Biblical truth.
For Further Study: Read Philippians 3:1 and 2 Peter 1:12–15. ✧ What did Paul and Peter say about the importance of being reminded of Biblical truths you’ve already learned? ✧ Do you follow that advice?
