“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Bible has been around, as it is currently known, for several hundred years. It is classified as the number one best-selling book of all time. During the time Russia had banned Christianity from the country, their colleges were teaching the Bible as an excellent piece of literature. Yet, while all of this is true, it is something more than just a great piece of literature.
Although men did the physical part of writing it, the writings were inspired by God. They were led by God as to what to write. With this in mind it makes the Bible much more than just a piece of literature.
Looking through it you can find great teaching on every area of life. It will guide you in how to live correctly in the best way possible.
As it teaches, the Bible will also rebuke. When you are living in a sinful way, the Bible will point it out and show you Jesus. It can be used to show what sin is and the dangers of it.
As the Bible rebukes, it also corrects. When you slip up and start living in a way that is against God, it will correct you. It will get you back on the right path to God.
It also provides needed training. This training is again in how to live for God. It provides examples alongside the lesson plans.
All of these things are done to teach you to live a righteous life for God. The purpose of living a righteous life is to honor God and to do what He wants you to do. God wants you to do good works. If you are not taught, rebuked, corrected and trained by the Bible, you will not be able to do the good works correctly.
As you read the Bible, are you just reading good stories or morals? Or are you letting it change your life?
God’s Word is alive. Allow the Bible to impact your life and change it. Live for God. He has given you the manual on how to do it. Study it and live by it.
I pray today that God will make His Word come alive to you; that you will allow the Bible to change your life; that you will live by what you read in the Bible; and that you will allow God to equip you for every good work He has for you to do.
Hi Tom, I didn’t know that they still studied the Bible in Russia when Christianity was banned. How strange! But at least a bit of light got in! These are great Scriptures, which never fail to uplift! Thanks for sharing!
It was crazy that they would do it, but God works in strange ways. I had experienced in Suadi Arabia the Muslims would have me read the Bible to them in order to attempt to contradict it. I looked at it as planting seeds in the lives. God did that in Russia many years ago through their own people.
I didn’t know you’d been in Saudia Arabia, Tom! Maybe you could share about those experiences some time. It would be interesting!