“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim3:16-17

People throughout history have risked their lives to obtain or translate the Bible. In 1536, William Tyndale was burned at the stake because he fought to translate the Bible into English so you and I could read it. This verse was written while Paul was awaiting execution and martyrdom. He was very courageous; he didn’t fear for his life—his concern was for the spread of the gospel, which is the Word.  Some may wonder why the Bible was so important to these men that they would give their life for it.

The Bible is God’s breathed out love story that extends to us salvation and binds the very words of life!  The very idea of us being able to take in the breath of God should entice us to not only read His breathed out words, but to treasure it in our hearts. In 1 Peter 2:2 it is says, “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow up in respect to salvation—.” Wow, how often do newborns feed off milk? New mothers often complain on not being able to get anything done—even sleep, because a newborn baby wants to nurse all day and night long. Do we constantly feed on the Word?

The Word of God is essential for truth and protection against the enemy’s lies. Teaching happens at every level. Even a new believer can teach an unbeliever. Parents teach their children.  Mature Christians then teach the younger in faith. Teaching others carefully actually helps us learn more ourselves. The word rebukes or convicts of our sin or error. Correction is defined as the bringing back from error to truth. Paul warned of Judaism-like false teaching and charged the church of Galicia not to turn away from the gospel. Scripture is meant to cure faults and bring reconciliation between us as sinners and our maker God. Next, training in righteousness is how we grow and are sanctified. We are to be clothed in righteousness to combat the persecution and accusations of the world. Living godly lives produces persecution itself; but we are called friends of God when we are obedient. This is how we abide in the love to God that he has gracious given us in the cross through faith in Christ. Ps85:10 says it beautifully, “Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other.”

Many people think that they don’t know enough to be able to evangelize or share this wonderful good news. However, Paul says that the Word makes one adequate—in sharing the gospel to others, serving, ministry… and every good work. As a brand new believer I use to go to the streets of downtown San Diego to do homeless ministry and at first I felt incompetent but I soon realized that the people in the streets were not just starving for physical food but they were really in need of the spiritual food that is the word. I would take my Bible and just offer to pray for them and several were receptive and thankful.   Man of God in the Old Testament was a phrase for “messenger of God.” Every believer has a message to tell to another…our message is the Word of God—the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We tend to be held captive by thoughts of things of the temporal world. Why? Sometimes we don’t have a clear vision of time. This life is but a vapor! We don’t know when the Lord will return or take us home to account for our days on this earth. While the world is in constantly in chaos, God is unchanging and his Word stands forever. There are so many theological shams that only threaten to move us backward. The Bible is our offensive weapon against the enemy. We weaken the lies of Satan with the truth of God’s Word. We’re called to feed on the Word on a daily basis and work together to build each other up as a beautiful bride adornding herself for Christ’s return. The church is in dire need of being rooted on the Bible or deceivers lead us astray.  I’m thankful to be part of a local church committed to expository preaching.  By God’s grace, he has gifted us with the all-sufficient Scriptures.  In them we hold truth that is God-breathed, desperately needed for church edification and grants us competence. May our soul sing these words of an old hymn, “My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed…. I need no other argument, I need no other plea. My heart is leaning on the word, the written Word of God!”

Photo credit: Abigail Larson, Ordinary Joy Photography.  Thank you for the amazing family Christmas pictures!