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WEEK #07: 8^th – 14^th June 2009

PROFITABLE, COMPETENT AND EQUIPPED

SCRIPTURE PASSAGE/S

Please take time to read these passages: 2^nd Timothy 3; Psalm 119:105-112

THINKING ALOUD

Paul's mandate is for us to remain faithful to the Holy Scriptures. It is supremely valuable for our life of faith. TWO REASONS were given:

First, all scripture is absolutely trustworthy; it is the inspiration of God, it is God-breathed. Peter said that men wrote the Holy Scriptures as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 1:21). In Proverbs 30:5 we are told that every Word of God is pure – is trustworthy. Check out Psalm 19:7-9 - The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

Second, all scripture is spiritually profitable. Paul lists FOUR different functions of the word of God with each having a contribution toward spiritual profit in our lives. (a) He said to young Timothy that the Word of God is profitable for doctrine. The CONTENT of God’s Word is important and profitable. The Word is our light to life, unto which we'll do well to take heed as a light that shines in a dark place." (2 Peter 1:19) It instructs us as a master-teacher, showing us the path of life. (b) The Word of God is profitable for reproof. We can call that CONVICTION – to rebuke another, with such effectual wielding of the victorious arms of truth, and to bring him, if not always to a confession, yet at least to a conviction of sin. (c) The Word of God is profitable for CORRECTION – restore to an upright state. (d) The Word of God is profitable for CHARACTER building - instruction in righteousness. The Word of God was not given simply to increase our knowledge but mostly to infect our character and conduct.

So what is the intended purpose of Word of God for us? Well, Paul said “that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (1^st Timothy 3:17). When we break these words of Paul into simple and logical fashion he had this to say about the intended purpose of God’s Word in our lives: (a) COMPETENT - fit, sufficient, complete, and able to meet all the demands. The full counsel of God's Word enables the man of God to meet all demands which may be required of him. (b) EQUIPPED. Another translation said “thoroughly equipped" - completely outfitted, fully furnished or supplied.

Note that all this is for every good work - not many, or most but every good work! This verse is crucial for determining how to find God's will for our individual life. Man is to live "by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4) and the Great Commission involves "…teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…" When we leave God's Word aside and seek to determine His will through other means, then we are turning our backs on Him before He has finished speaking to us!

The Psalmist (Psalms 119:105-112) gave us some of the purpose of God’s Word. First, God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet – enough to show you where your next step should be without stumbling – and a light unto your path – enough to give you the assurance that you are going on a right path. Second, when we are down and out, severely afflicted, the Word of God will give us life; will give us comfort and hope. Third, the Word of God will keep US from the snare of the evil one – keep us away from falling into deception. Fourth, the Word of God will bring joy as we come to understand the testimonies of the unfailing Word of God.

MEMORY VERSE

2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

LIFE APPLICATION

Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 and you will notice that knowing God and His revelation is a process. Likewise, how profitable the Word of God will be to you would be dependant upon your attitude. If you are a child you think like a child and talk like a child BUT spiritual maturity requires you to look into the mirror of God’s Word and no matter how dim it might be for the moment you hang onto it by faith till God illumines it to you in the process of time.

How much of the truths of God’s Word would you allow in your life to direct your daily walk, to affect your daily decision, and your daily interaction with others?

Are you willing to allow the Lord to cleanse you by the washing of water with the Word (Ephesians 5:25)? Is there any area for rebuke that you need? Is there any area for correction to be highlighted by His Word?

Would you yield your life to Him completely so that He can train you in righteousness through His Word?

PERSONAL PRAYER

Father, I acknowledged that your Word is absolutely trustworthy and spiritually profitable to me. I acknowledge the need to be taught the Word of God. I am ready for His Word to cleanse me; either to reproof me of wrongdoing, correction for disobedience, and training in righteousness. Lord, I acknowledge that I need to grow up spiritually; therefore, I will submit to your Word and yield to your Lordship daily.

By Pastor Heok Cheow