Bible Reading: Jeremiah 18, 19; 2 Timothy 3
“All scriptures 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
The origin of the scriptures is traceable to God. The bible said in 2 Peter 1:21 (KJV), “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Every line of the scriptures was perfectly arranged and put in there with divine knowledge for the purpose of giving wholesomeness to the word of God. No one line of the scriptures is out of place, they are properly knitted together as espoused in Isaiah 28:10 (KJV), “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”
The authorship of the scriptures is the Holy Spirit, though men penned it down. However, the purpose of the scriptures is multifaceted and studying it diligently attracts divine approval (2 Timothy 2:15). We will take the purpose given in the above verses of today. Profitable for doctrine. A doctrine is the body of teachings of an ideology, mostly religion. The Christian doctrine is consummated in the scriptures which is the bible. The scriptures is complete and teaches us the mind of God. It is God’s manual for man, outlining our purpose on earth, hence studying it will guide us properly and enhance fulfilment of our purpose and assignment.
For reproof. God uses His word to rebuke and reprimand us with the intention to help us and prevent us from falling victim of our previous mistakes again.
For Correction. Through reading the scriptures our erroneous believes are corrected. We gain better understanding and direction on God’s position on an issue. The scripture feeds us with God’s perspective on any given issue.
For instruction in righteousness. The word of God instructs us in the path of righteousness. It appeals to our conscience and exposes right and wrong, good and evil. It helps us to identify bumpy paths to avoid and the good way to follow.
The essential benefit of the scriptures is that it will lead us to perfection and cause us to be thoroughly furnished (prepared) in all good works. “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as the Spirit of the Lord” 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV). Through studying the word, the Holy Spirit effectively engage in transforming us on a gradual process until perfection. The Word of God is consummate. Due to the invaluable and unquantifiable benefits inherent in studying the word of God, God admonishes us in Proverbs 4:20-22 (KJV), “My son, attend to my words; incline thy ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh”.
My dear friend, Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word, the Wisdom of God and the Power of God. All powers in heaven, on earth and underneath the earth have been handed over to Him. It pays you, therefore, to repent from your sins and surrender your wretched life to Him to produce a meaningful life out of you. When you come to Christ, you become a recipient of His work of grace and consequently begin to enjoy the Holy Spirit’s leading and direction. Repent now and ask for His forgiveness, so you can be engrafted into God’s family.
Prayer: Father I thank you for making me a recipient of your divine guidance and love.
Brother Joel Ezeugo