iStudy
Thoroughly Equipped – Part 1
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Key Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In the next few days I want to look at a second spiritual discipline that most believers struggle with: Study of God’s Word. First, let’s define what it means to study. One good definition is: “Application of the mind to the acquisition of knowledge by reading, investigation and reflection” (www.dictionary.com).
The goal for every believer is to apply their minds to acquire knowledge of God and how to serve Him. This is our lifelong goal and it is a daily goal. A good question to ask ourselves: What did I learn today about God? For Christ followers, this is central to our very existence: to know Him better every day. The Apostle Paul wrote, “That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight in order that you may discern that which is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). Read this verse from Paul again, slowly, and reflect on the results of gaining more and more knowledge.
Our scripture for today reminds us of why we study God’s Word: to be equipped for every good work! We never study for study sake. God doesn’t give blue ribbons for each hour of study. Study is to equip us for service!
Father, I want to become a student of your Word in order to serve you as you deserve! Grant me your Spirit of self-discipline. In Jesus’ name, amen.