“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 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. 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:14-17
The sixty six books of the Bible, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, are God’s precious gift to us, to inform and instruct us in the faith and practices of a Christ-centred life. The Bible is our instruction manual, as worshippers of Jesus Christ. Reading, seeking to understand and apply what it tells us, of God’s will and His ways, is a foundational component of Christian discipleship.
The way that we check that our faith and practice, to ensure that it fits with Jesus’ mission and ministry is, in the first instance, with reference to the Bible. We look to the Scriptures to lead us into understanding and confirming the plans (Jeremiah 29.11), the promises (2 Corinthians 1.20), the pattern (Romans 12.2) and the purposes of God (2 Timothy 2.19-22) for our lives.
Father in heaven, I thank you that we have received the Bible, transmitting the revelation that you have given to us over many centuries, leading people to faith in and conformity to Your Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. As I read the Bible, speak deeply to me, my God. Illumine me in my understanding by the Holy Spirit. Show me and teach me your Fatherly will, that I might be true to you and please you. To be a blessing of hope and and a bearer of love to many. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
