2 Timothy 3:16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Wait nuh…is it really Wednesday already? But it was just Monday! Hn, hn, hn! I guess with the constant rain and darkness over the last few days, I’ve lost track of time. It seems dry now, but still somewhat cloudy. And it’s a good thing I had the Holy Spirit of Christ to keep me anchored, otherwise I might have lost track of myself too. (smile)
Now that just goes to show how important the Holy Spirit is in a believer’s life. It keeps us anchored in Christ, our feet on the ground, so that we don’t lose our way. Without the Holy Spirit’s wise guidance we’d indeed be lost and ever so vulnerable to the enemy’s wiles and deceitful schemes. But He is our sounding block, our go to person in times of doubt and trouble, He holds our reins and guides us along the paths of righteousness. He leads us to the appropriate word of the Father when we need it, because as the scriptures tell us: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105)
And in all truth, there’s not a problem we face in this life that we can’t find a wise word from the Good Book to show us the right way, the best decision to make. Remember, it’s our Guidebook for earthly living. Just like you look at all the guidebooks when you travel to see the best places to go, likewise, we ought to continually look within the Lord’s Word to see how we ought to live our lives.
Bruh Paul said it thus to Timothy in his second letter. ‘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, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17) Now those are remarkable words my brethren, words that we ought to take to heart and follow as best we can, because they were written for our edification and benefit, so that we can grow and mature as true Christians.
And the scholars offer some interesting explanations on those verses. ‘3:14-17. Inspiration of God (lit. “God-breathed”) describes the unique character of Scripture. It is not only written by men, but authored by God. Inspired by the supernatural guidance of the Spirit of God, so that what they wrote was the divine Word of God, transcribed accurately, reliably, and without error in the original manuscripts.
For doctrine means to tell one what to believe. For reproof means to tell one what is wrong. For correction means to tell one how to correct wrong. For instruction in righteousness means to tell one how to live. Perfect (proficient, capable) is having everything to do what God wants. Thoroughly furnished means “thoroughly equipped.” God’s inspired Word properly used and applied, provides all we need for life and ministry.’
And the most important words there my brethren are ‘properly used and applied.’ Yes, if we don’t learn the Word of God and apply it properly it will be useless, just like any other guidebook not followed properly. And that’s one of the problems facing the church these days; too many different interpretations and directives of the same scripture.
That means different doctrines and guidelines, which consequently lead to serious disputes amongst the brethren. And since no one wants to believe or admit that their interpretation is wrong or faulty, or that there could possibly be a meeting of the minds, Christ’s church is filled with dissension and disunity, strife, anger, and all the negative stuff that pleases the enemy and has Him laughing all the way to his lair in hell.
Oh my fellow believers, we cannot win souls for Christ, or even get them to consider living for Christ if we as Christians can’t live in peace with each other. And to make matters even worse, the way our society functions today does not lend itself to godliness. As Bruh Paul so accurately described it to Timothy. ‘For men shall be LOVERS of their own selves, covetous (money LOVERS), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded (haughty), LOVERS of pleasures, more than LOVERS of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.’ (2 Tim. 3:2-5)
And if that isn’t the gospel truth regarding our current society, then I don’t know what is! Yes friends, apostasy, or the rejection of Christianity is happening in droves, since the culture of the society will not tolerate our standards of godly living. And as Bruh Paul told Timothy, re a form of godliness, where all we have is mere religion and no power or true spiritual life, is exactly what’s happening today!
Our world has certainly gone bonkers with supposed Christian leaders watering down the Word and using it for their own evil purposes. The enemy even has flowering organizations working under Christ’s name. So, what else can we expect but strife and confusion in our unanchored, storm-driven society. It’s truly unfortunate friends, that when civilization has reached its highest pinnacle in terms of learning, of knowledge and understanding in things like science and technology, it has also reached a sad low point in godliness, truth, peace and LOVE!
However, there is yet hope for some turn around through our relatively small group of faithful believers. And size doesn’t really matter, since we have Almighty God working with us. Remember what the twelve…or eleven disciples of Jesus did, a couple of thousands of years ago? They began proselytizing the world, saving it from sin and Satan, and it’s our bounden duty to continue that awesome work. So please, let’s stand strong and work smart, guided by the Word of God and His Holy Spirit!
Now, for those of us who are seriously endeavouring to do just that, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Now, having said all of that, we also need to remember that if we endure with Jesus to the very end, that the future will be even more glorious than our puny, finite minds can ever imagine! Much LOVE!
…a Christian’s lifeline…read the Word of God…believe it…and live it through His Holy Spirit…
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