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)
Instruction in righteousness
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23-24)
He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21)
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
God wants us to live lives of righteousness. So, He gives us instructions on what to do. If we choose to follow God’s advice, we will be living righteously.
Read the Scriptures above. Ask, am I doing these things? Do I desire to do these things?
Our thoughts are so easily distracted from the things of God. Philippians 4:8 is a practical lesson on keeping minds focused on God.
Think on these things.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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