Today's Reading:O.T. - 2 Chronicles 10 - 12
N.T. - 2 Timothy 3
Focus Verses: 2 Tim. 3:12-17
12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Insight:
Some of the promises of Scripture don't get quoted as often as others. Verse 12 is one of those: "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." Doing the right thing is likely to lead to difficult circumstances. Jesus faced persecution, so it stands to reason we should not be surprised to encounter persecution as we follow in his steps. The Scriptures are able to give us wisdom for life and salvation. The Scriptures are useful to us because they are alive with the very breath of God's truth and wisdom. The teaching, rebuke, correction, and training we receive from Scripture equips us for every good work and every circumstance.
Response and Action:
I need to expect some measure of hardship and suffering as I follow Jesus. I need God's wisdom and truth to live a righteous life. I will look to the Scriptures as a source of God's wisdom and truth. I will approach the Scriptures with diligence and a desire to be taught, rebuked, corrected, and trained.
O God, how can I keep my way pure? By living according to your Word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Help me to hide your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Give me wisdom and understanding as I commit myself to the study of Scripture. Use the Scriptures to shape and guide me, O Lord, that I might honor and serve you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Proverbs: 16:16
"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!"
Resources:
Transforming Bible Study: Understanding Scripture Like You've Never Read It Before
by Bob Grahmann
