We have been in a series called “Get in the Game.” It takes teamwork to win games! When we study God’s Word and together we connect people to God, to other people, and to service, that is a “W” in the win column! 2 Timothy 3 gives a number of ways that God’s Word equips us to win.
Connection
In 2 Timothy 3:10-12, we read of the persecutions all Christians will face. Life is hard! The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone. Verses 1-9 of this chapter warn us to stay away from false teachers. Then, we read that we are to gather with true believers around God’s Word. When working, another can help carry the load. When you fall, another can lift you up. A cord of three strands is not easily broken!
Continuation
Verse 14 says, “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them….” The 40 Days of Prayer is over, but don’t stop having daily devotions. Continue! False teachers will tell people what they want to hear and compromise God’s Word to draw a crowd. Continuing in His Word helps us detect these things. In Acts 2 we read of the first church. Verse 42 says, “they continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and fellowship,” and verse 46 says, “continuing daily with one accord in temple….” Don’t give up!
Conviction
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (v. 16). The word is “all.” The Bible is Inspired. It is a living book that gives life. It breathes the very breath of God. The Bible is Infallible. Psalm 19:7 says that God is holy and cannot lie; it’s His character. His Word will never lead you wrong. The Bible is Inerrant (Prov. 30:5). The original copies were without error. The Bible gives Illumination. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He leads and guides into all truth. Everything that God wants us to BE and DO is found in this book.
Correction
Verse 17 tells us that the Bible “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness….” It tells us how to do right. Doctrine is what to believe, or what is right. Reproof is what is not right. Correction is how to get right. Training/instruction is how to stay right. Jesus used the Word of God to defeat Satan. The Word of God is the Sword of the Lord. We need to get a good grip on His Word! The goal is not information but transformation.
Completion
The second half of verse 17 says, “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Why is your Bible sitting on a shelf collecting dust? Why is it you read blogs more than your Bible and you read Facebook more than Faith’s book? Get in the game. Discipline your mind. Vance Havner said, “Find a Bible that is falling apart. It probably belongs to someone who isn’t.”
It is not WHAT we know, it is WHO we believe.
Conversion
You are not saved by believing the Bible. The demons believe and tremble. Verse 15 says, “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is not WHAT we know, it is WHO we believe. I am not believing in something I am believing in someone – Jesus Christ. It is not religion. It is a relationship. We love these pages ultimately because we love a person!
Get up 15 minutes earlier this week. Spend time with Him by reading His Word. Before you know it, it will be 30 minutes, then 1 hour. Then, you’ll find He wakes you up! It’s that good.