Good morning,
Second Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that the scriptures are profitable (practical) for doctrine, reproof, correction and training in righteousness. This week we will look at these four areas as it relates to the Bible is practical.
The Bible is a practical book. It tells us about God’s creation, man’s sin, the flood, what caused the current conflict in the middle east, the creation and history of Israel. And that is just the books of Genesis and Exodus. It tells us that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus came to pay our sin debt by becoming sin for us. He shed His precious, holy, sinless blood for our sins. Died, was buried, and rose the third day. It tells us of the struggles between good and evil. It tells us of heaven and hell, and how we can go to either.
It also tells us how to live in a world opposed to God and His Son Jesus Christ. This study is not all inclusive. We will see more during the coming weeks.
Come with me on a journey to explore what the Bible says. The Scriptures are always helpful, encouraging, and challenging. That’s how we grow in our relationship with God!
The Bible is Practical
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy3:16-17)
Correction
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:7)
In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. (Deuteronomy 30:16)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. (Proverbs 13:3)
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:5-6)
Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
If we have chosen to disobey God’s commandments, we must repent. Agree with God that we have sinned, admit guilt, then turn away from that sin and move on.
God gives us advice on how to stay out of sin. They require action on the part of the believer.
Follow God, walk in love, rest in the Lord, wait patiently on Him, walk in His ways, keep His commandments, submit yourself to God, control our speech, commit our ways to Him, trust in Him, cleave to what is good, honor one another, and put on the whole armor of God.
These are practical actions. This is a Godly lifestyle. It is one that puts God first.
Choose to follow God!
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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