One of the greatest ways that God reveals Himself to us is through his Word!
And it blows me away at how any times you can read a verse or two over the years but in a different light, it's true message shines even brighter.
Take for example a new book that I have been reading over the past few days. It's called 'Bible Reading For The Home' and it's compiled by a ministry within the Seventh Day Adventist Church. It's one of the pieces of literature that is quite popular as an evangelism tool, however I never have dug into it.
Until now...
So I'm browsing through the book, as it's presented in a question and answer format and I believe this is a fantastic way to present doctrine and what the bible actually says. This book asks a question and then goes directly to the bible to find the answer. And when I got started reading the first few chapters, this is what I came across....
I have studied and read 2 Timothy 3:16 for years now. It's always my go to verse when I share with others how to begin proper bible study. I mean, this is quite the rock solid verse right? As straight forward as it gets....
But then I read verse 17.
I usually never read verse 17, as I stop on verse 16.
But look at what verse 17 says in context of first the question asked and then what verse 16 says. Let's dive in....
The question is, what is the purpose for the bible?
What is the purpose of bible study, reading verses, memorizing chapters....What's the purpose? What does God intended for us when it comes to his holy scriptures?
When know how the purpose is fulfilled within verse 16 but BANG....Look at what verse 17 says:
"That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Wow.
Now a few things as I unpack this. When you hear Christian's are to be 'perfect' there is plenty of debate of that actually means...Perfect. I believe this is the journey of sanctification. The bible literally shows us how to live, and live in in righteousness each and every day. We can't do this alone, that's why we can do all things through Christ ;)
But I get it....'Perfect' is quite the aim of the Christian. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. And we have all sinned....So how on earth can on be...Perfect?
Keep reading verse 17....
"Thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This to be is sanctification defined. Our walk with Jesus and the fruit of that walk is...Our good works. Are we saved by the works? Absolutely not. But they are the fruits of a life in Jesus. So here was my big 'aha moment' as I dug into these two simple verses:
We know how to walk in Christ effectively. A thriving prayer life with our nose deep in the bible every day!
The results of that, becomes what we put out into the world. Good works.
This is the justification, sanctification and eventual glorification of the Christian experience.
What about you?
What do you take away from these very popular verses that many Christians know and talk about daily in their experience?