We live in an ungodly world that is constantly attacking the Word of God. Despite its critics God’s Word has stood the test of time and is popular today worldwide. It is important for believers to consider the role the Scriptures have in our lives.
The Formation of the Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:16-21
In a beautiful section of his second epistle Peter recalls a very special event in his life. Speaking of the Lord Jesus on the mount of transfiguration he said that they “were eyewitnesses of His majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). Here he was given a preview of when the Lord will come in great power and glory. He said, “we were with Him on the holy mountain” (v. 18). Just an ordinary mountain; the difference was the Lord’s presence, because He is holy! Moses who appeared with the Lord had a similar experience seeing a bush that burned but was not consumed. The Lord said, “Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” (Ex. 3:5).
Peter had an amazing experience, but knowing that those he was writing to could not relate to it, He gave them something much more assured—the prophetic Scriptures. They are totally reliable and are given, “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (v. 19). He reminds us, “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (vv. 20-21). The Lord Jesus told his disciples, “the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my Name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:26). Paul in Ephesians 3:5 speaking of the mystery of Christ said, “which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.”
The Book of Revelation unveils the Lord Jesus Christ, the Angel sent it to John who communicated to the seven churches of Asia by the Holy Spirit. The Bible, the Word of God, was written by men; they were not its author! The author was the Holy Spirit of God; therefore we must give earnest heed to its content, submitting our lives to its absolute authority. No political leader or world power has insight into the future like we have. No need for alarm at world events where many hearts fail for fear. What is certain, the coming of our Lord, is very near indeed. Until then bask in the light of the Holy Scriptures giving you confidence, hope, and comfort no matter your circumstances. Praise Him today, “who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
The Wisdom of the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:15
Paul says to Timothy “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” (2 Tim. 3:15). Those of you who have been raised in a home where the Word of God was central to daily life, please do not despise your Godly heritage. For Timothy no doubt his biggest influence was his mother and grandmother. Parents and grandparents have a crucial role in their children’s spiritual lives. I also give a challenge to all who are involved in Sunday schools, DVBS, kids’ clubs, youth ministries, camp ministries, and so on. Involvement in sowing the good seed of the Word of God into young and tender hearts is a precious and valuable ministry. Many of the Lord’s people who were saved later in life by the scriptures, learned them when they were young. What incredible wisdom to impart so keep up the good work! The Searching of the Scriptures: Acts 17:1-11
In Paul’s missionary journey after leaving the City of Philippi, he visited the City of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1). He was there for a few weeks which was enough time to teach on three Sabbath days at the synagogue. He reasoned from the Scriptures that “this Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ (Messiah)” (Acts 17:3). This resulted in some Jews, a number of devout Greeks, and a few notable women being persuaded. The outcome was a local church planted, a source of joy to Paul. He learned of their “work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thess. 1:3). The Jews who did not believe gathered an evil mob and stirred the people against them, accusing them of “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).
Paul escaped and came to Berea where he was well received. They “received the Word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). What a wonderful example for us today! Far too often more credibility is attributed to the ministers who preach than to the Scriptures themselves. It is always dangerous putting men in the place of prominence; Paul condemned this in 1 Corinthians 1:12. The Corinthians were following their favorites: Paul, Peter, and Apollos. Paul reminded them these servants were not in competition but a complement to each other. Each one was needed for their spiritual development and growth. The best way to avoid error and false teaching is a serious searching of the wonderful truths of Holy Scripture.
The Profit of Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Even in busy lives it’s important to take some time in the day to read, study, and meditate on the Word of God. It enlightens our minds, enriches our hearts, and encourages us through the various circumstances of life. Second Timothy 3:16 speaks of profit in the area of doctrine (teaching). When good wholesome teaching is set aside, it leaves the believer open to anything and everything false being circulated today. It’s profitable for reproof showing when you wander off and go astray. Another profitable aspect is correcting and leading us back into the right way. Instruction in righteousness is profitable in keeping us on the right course. David said, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa. 119:105). How necessary for the man or woman of God, to “be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (v. 17). Our life and service for the Lord will only be truly effective if we are steeped in the Scriptures of Truth.
The Exposition of Scripture: Luke 24:24-27
Turning now we look at the interesting journey our risen Lord took with two of his disciples returning home to Emmaus. They were sad and surprised that the Stranger who joined them did not know the events that took place in Jerusalem. In conversation they told Him certain women had gone to the tomb and found it empty. They said angels appeared to them saying, “‘He is alive!’ Jesus said to them, ‘O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’ And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (vv. 25-27). I would have loved to listen to the greatest of all teachers expound from the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
To everyone who handles the Word of God may it bring the hearers to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The exposition of Scripture is so essential in developing deeper personal relationships with our Lord. This enables us to love, worship, and serve Him better. When He is at the center of our lives everything else will fit exactly into place! Jim Paul