I have to confess that I have a disdain for reading instructions. I am always tempted to try to put together an item I bought without even opening the instructions. I have learned, however, that sometimes instructions are necessary because there is simply no way I would know how to put together a new item without following the directions. In other words, I have to apply the instructions if I want to have an item that is working well and put together as best as possible. After all, how can I know how to use the item I purchased without reading instructions? The same is true with Scripture. If we want to obey God and apply Scripture, we have to actually read it.
The apostle Paul wrote to His mentee, Timothy, about studying Scripture in 2 Timothy. In this chapter, He wrote, "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth" (verse 15). Paul made it clear in his teaching, to be able to "correctly explain the word of truth," we must be devoted to studying the Bible. After all, studying and knowing the Bible must be done to understand what we are called to do as followers of Jesus.
In a world where many things are competing for our time, attention, and affection, we must fight to read the Bible and study it consistently. How do we build consistent habits in reading God's Word? We make it a priority. After all, we make time for what is important to us. When something is a priority, it matters to us. Not only does it matter to us, but it also matters more than many other things that are not a priority. When this happens, we will begin to find that spending time in God's Word becomes a more natural rhythm in our daily lives.
It is time that you and I take God's call to study His word seriously. It is time that we make reading His word a priority to us. As we dedicate time to studying His Word, we will find ourselves aligning our lives around it and doing what it says.
If we want to apply the Bible truly, we must read it. Do you have a consistent time each day where you read and reflect on God's Word? If not, what are you waiting for? Make a plan. Set aside a small pocket of time each day where you can reflect and study the Bible consistently.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer,[a] as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
