Three Ways Of Handling The Word Of God

God has favored humanity by giving us a written revelation of His sacred will (2 Samuel 23:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1; Jeremiah 34:1; Jeremiah 40:1; Jeremiah 47:1; Ezekiel 2:1-4; Ezekiel 7:1 Ezekiel 11:5; Galations 1:11-12). We call it the Bible. While most Americans have a copy of the Bible, not all make the same use of it.

1) Some Neglect The Bible — They do not "read" or "study" it (Ephesians 3:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Like a souvenir, it lays on a table or stands on a shelf, unopened and unused. It benefits them none at all. Rather, it is a silent witness to their indifference and lack of appreciation to the God who made and will one day judge them (Romans 14:12; cf. John 12:48).

2) Many "Corrupt" The Word Of God (2 Corinthians 2:17 KJV) — Not all do so intentionally. Through the influence of others, they have missed the correct meaning of Scripture. That error they pass on to others. But some corrupt the word of God from evil motives to justify their sin, or their quest for power over others; to intentionally avoid the clear meaning and intent of Scripture; to support their own thinking and opinions about religion; to defend a long and fondly held tradition.

3) Faithful Men and Women "Give Diligence" To Present Themselves Approved Unto God, Handling Aright The Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:14-15 ASV) — They recognize Scripture as a divine and holy gift from the Creator. They see it as "inspired" of God (2 Timothy 3:16). They know that being the Word of God, given by the Holy Spirit, it is inerrant — the "sum" of perfection (Psalm 19:7). They acknowledge the full and final authority of the Bible in all matters of faith, worship, and practice of the church (Colossians 3:17).

They study it with diligence. They seek to understand its meaning. They strive to follow its precepts and honor its prohibitions. They do not challenge or question its claims or the truthfulness of the wondrous events it records. They love it, cherish it, and are willing to stand up and speak up in defense of Scripture (Philippians 1:16-17). They love all who share their allegiance to God’s Word and reject and refuse those who do not (Titus 3:8-10). The question is, “How do you handle the word of God?” —John Waddey

Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

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