Are You Approved?

I have become convinced that fewer of us study scripture as we should. Perhaps a few verses here and there. We love Psalms, because it speaks to our hearts. We read the New Testament centered on the Gospel. We also know the basics of the life of Jesus from his birth to his death and resurrection. Great! We listen to the preacher when he quotes Bible verses, usually to prove a point in his lesson. However, we haven’t studied enough to challenge or agree with his assertions. We take what he says as “gospel” because we assume he has been to the proper schools and has earned his right preach to us. After all, we are paying him a salary to study for us so he can impart God’s word. Is this the way we learn about God and His plans for mankind….from the preacher, elders, bible school teacher, friends? I will challenge you on that.

But what about those endless details of the Old Testament? We have been told the stories of the great heroes….David killing the giant, Goliath; Samson’s strength; Moses leading the people through the Red Sea. But what do you know about the sacrifices, the feasts, the many do’s and do not’s! Why study them? They were written for the Jewish people living hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. They really don’t apply to us, do they? (cf. Romans 15:4). After all, we live in the 21st century. Besides, we have the words of scripture all wrapped up in a neat black book and most of what we read starts with Matthew.

Paul told the young man Timothy. “Study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Paul was referring to the Hebrew Scriptures or the Old Testament. If it was good enough for Timothy, are you and I exempt from that study as well? Please consider this a challenge. Read these verses and study the content. See for yourself how you will be blessed. The Holy Spirit will bring to light the words (Psalm 119:105), and you will come to know the Lord in a more meaningful way. Pray as you read the words. God’s plan for the world and for you can be found only in reading and studying the Word (Ephesians 3:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

“So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). “All scripture is given for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness …. for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Does this include you? —Barbara Hyland

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets