Reflection on 2Tim 3:16
All Scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
The sword is good for both offense and defence. God has armed us for spiritual warfare with the perfect weapon – the sword of the Spirit – the Word of God (Eph 6:17). The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to accomplish God’s work on earth. Today’s spiritual seekers need two things above all else:
– the knowledge of the Scriptures, outside of which there is no truth necessary for man’s salvation,
– the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, without which Scripture cannot be understood.
THE WORD OF GOD – A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION WITH MAN
The Bible is the most remarkable book ever written. It was written by some 40 authors of different nationalities and walks of life over a period of some 1,500 years in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Yet the Bible has only one major theme and one central figure – Jesus Christ. This would not be possible if the Bible did not have a single author: the Holy Spirit.
- What do we learn about Scripture from 2 Timothy 3:16?
The word “inspiration” came to us via Latin from Greek. It originally meant “breath”. “God-breathed” does not mean that the Father breathed on the writers, nor does it mean that He somehow breathed on what was written and gave it miraculous power, but it means that the writers wrote under God’s guidance. God spoke through them. The writers were His messengers.
2a. How did we receive the Word of God? 2Pet 1:20f
2b. So who helps you understand the Bible? 1Cor 2:12-13
- What do the following verses say about the Word of God?
Mt 24:35
Jn 17:17
Heb 4:12
Question for reflection
Study Psalm 19:7-10. Use the chart below as a study aid (you will not find the answer for every column in every verse):
| Verse | How is Scripture called? | What is it like? | What does it give us? |
| 7 | |||
| 8 | |||
| 9 | |||
| 10 |
Mark two or three ideas from this list that resonated with you the most.
HOW SCRIPTURE HELPS YOU
- Look up the following verses and give reasons why Scripture is important to you.
Jer 15:16
Jn 5:39
2Pet 1:4
1Jn 2:1
- Analogy is the way we explain one thing by comparing it to something else. What is God’s Word compared to in the following verses? What do these images tell us?
Jer 23:29
Mt 4:4
Jam 1:23-25
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
- Psalm 119 is called “a celebration of God’s Word”. Almost every verse of this psalm talks about God’s Word and how to apply it in everyday life. Notice the psalmist’s attitude towards God’s Word and his actions! Complete the chart for verses 9-16.
| Verse | Attitude | Action |
| 9 | ||
| 10 | ||
| 11 | ||
| 12 | ||
| 13 | ||
| 14 | ||
| 15 | ||
| 16 |
- How do you become a disciple of Jesus? Jn 8:31
Think about how you would explain these words to another person.
- The following chart will show you what the Word of God can do in our lives and why.
| Activity | Reason | |
| Ps 78:5-7 | ||
| Acts 17:11 | ||
| Jam 1:22 | ||
| Rev 1:3 |
- Ezra is a good example of a man who felt responsible for God’s Word. What was his approach to Scripture? Ezr 7:10
Notice the progression of Ezra’s ministry. First he applied God’s Word to his own life, and then he taught others.
- Read carefully Colossians 3:16.
a) What practical steps will you take to let God’s Word dwell in you richly:
b) Number them in order of effectiveness:
c) Think about how you are going to put all this into practice in the coming week.
The importance of reflecting on God’s Word
Reflection on God’s Word is a prayerful response to the Word that leads to its best understanding and results in its application. The aim is to identify with God’s will by reflecting on God’s Word and our own lives.
- Using Joshua 1:8, answer the following questions:
a) What should be the source of your thinking about God’s Word?
b) Briefly describe the relationship between thinking and applying.
c) What results does correct thinking produce?
- Think about the first Psalm. Write down your thoughts. Perhaps these few questions will help you get started: How is a Christian like a tree? What are the differences between a believer and an unbeliever in their habits, their sense of security in life, and their future? What are some new thoughts in this psalm that will help you in your relationship with God?
Draw a simple picture to illustrate verses 2 and 3.
SUMMARY
God communicates with man through His Word – the Bible. The Bible is the final authority on all matters of faith and life. Through the Scriptures you can know the Father better, understand His will and grasp the truths of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. God tells His children to let His Word dwell in them richly. If you give your whole heart to the Father, He will fill your life. Effective reflection on God’s Word leads to personal application in daily life. Reflection and application will enable you not only to “get into” the Bible, but also to let the Bible “get into” you.
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