What's The Bible To You?

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

-Second Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)

I've had people tell me that they love God, yet don't believe that the Bible is essential to their lives. I've had people tell me that the Bible contradicts itself. I've had people tell me that the Bible is ancient and archaic. I firmly believe all these people are wrong. How can you love God, yet ignore His instruction manual. Think of it this way: if you are going to build a swing set for your children, you'd read the instruction manual that came with the set so that you could put it together properly. You wouldn't just put it together any way you wish, or haphazardly, right? No, you'd carefully read the instructions that came with the swing set, to be sure it is properly constructed and will not injure your children. Living our Christian life is the same principle. We don't live haphazardly, any way we wish. As Christians, we want to live to please God. We want His best in our lives. How can we obtain that? By reading His instruction manual.

Paul says, in verse 16, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Look at what Paul lists as the benefits of Scripture: Teaching (Doctrine), Rebuking (Reproof), Correcting, and training for righteousness. How can we be taught, how can we rebuke the works of satan in our life, how can we correct where we've missed the boat, unless we are instructed in how to live right with God? It can't be done. I can not rebuke the evil in my life unless I'm taught what is wrong. I can't correct where I've failed God, unless I know how God wants me to live.  Once I understand this part of verse 16, verse 17 reveals to us the work of Scripture. "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." Once we understand and apply what Paul taught us in verse 16, we'll be ready for all the work God will do in and through us. 

What's your view on the Bible? Do you treat it like just a book? As something ancient and archaic? Or is it your instruction manual, that you read and study so you can live the life God wants? Think About It.