10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #8 Consider One Another (Hebrews 10:24) Hebrews 10:24, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Everyone needs encouragement! That’s why the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “…consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). This means to thoroughly consider something; to think something through from the top to the bottom; to think hard about something; or to deeply ponder a matter. When God urges us to “consider one another,” He is saying we are to be so concerned about each other’s welfare that we take time to regularly and seriously contemplate how we might encourage one another. The local church is designed by God to be a spiritual family where people sincerely love and are mindful of each other’s needs. Church should be a place where everyone is committed to being a blessing to one another. If each member of a local church family took this approach, observing and contemplating each other’s needs this thoroughly, it would be very hard for discouragement to find its way into the family of God. We can’t encourage one another unless we are regularly together. When we are invested in encouraging one another, we are also learning to function well as Christ’s body. Every Christian has a place within a local church. Every Christian is needed within a local church. Every Christian has responsibilities within a local church. Every Christian is to commit to the members of a local church and to love them, to encourage them, and to stir them up in zeal until the day of Christ’s return. If you do not do your part to reach the lost, then the Church will not experience growth. Likewise, if you do not attend church, you will not receive the encouragement and accountability you need to continue sharing your faith. You will miss out on the iron-sharpening-iron effects of fellowship with like-minded believers. It’s time to let the Holy Spirit use you to be a source of encouragement to others and you can start by letting Him use you to be a blessing to someone today! At least four things occur when God’s people come to church with Hebrews 10:24 in the heart and mind: 1.Exposure to God’s Word. 2.Encouragement of God’s people. 3.Exalt God’s Son. 4.Engagement in worship. Points to Ponder: · List 5 people whom you can stimulate to love and good works this week. · Note specifically how you will do this. · Develop in me a growing awareness of what others need Questions to Consider: · In what ways do you positively provoke or stir up others to love and good works? · Are you a catalyst for others? Prayer, Lord, help me not to become self-centered that I forget to think about other people’s needs. Often, I get so fixated on my own problems that I forget I am not the only person in the world who is struggling with a situation. Help me to take my eyes off myself and to look around me to see who needs a special word of encouragement. Holy Spirit open my eyes and help me be sensitive to recognize people who need a tender touch. I ask You for this work in my life. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 9.
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Today’s devotion is an excerpt taken from the Bible Study page from our website. If you would like to read this article in its entirety, please open the
Bible Study link. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships Biblical Building Block #7 “Love One Another” (I Thessalonians 3:12) I Thessalonians 3:12, And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: Paul wanted God to multiply the love of the Thessalonians. Paul's prayer was that God would make them increase in love. This request of the Lord was to make the Thessalonians abound in love to one another and to all people. Imagine that the church would be so committed to Jesus that He would have free reign in the church to do as He pleases. That is a good request for anyone to make for the church. Because God is love, God's church should be a place of love. When a church has love for the Lord, then they will love one another and will love the lost. The church today must heed the call to love or will lose our opportunity to witness. The great need for which Paul prayed is the supreme need of every believer—the need for love, to grow in love more and more. Paul, as well as other writers of Scripture, spoke often of love. The Apostle John said, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (I John 4:7-8). Family behavior in the body of Christ starts with 'Love one another'. Our Lord told the disciples, By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35). Our love for one another is an outward demonstration of our salvation. The world ought to be able to look at our love for one another and see a demonstration of God's love for them. While we will probably never have to lay down our lives for a friend, but on a regular basis, we are called upon to lay down our busy schedules and take time to encourage someone. Satan’s best and most effective hindrance is to get us too busy to be encouragers. There is no replacement for an intense loving spirit in the church. As a pastor, it is my privilege to love the members. Of course, it’s easy to love those who are always encouraging you and appreciative of your ministry to them. But the church is wider than those who regularly express appreciation and affirmation. Our privilege—and responsibility—is to “increase and abound in love…toward all men.” Paul was able to encourage the church of Thessalonica to abound in love “even as we do toward you.” His expressed love for others set the tone for Thessalonica to be a loving church. Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider: · Who are at least three people you need to show unconditional love to? · Have you been neglecting to love them? · List specific acts of love you can show toward them? · Are you growing in your capacity to love others (loving more people, more kinds of people, and over longer periods of time)? Prayer, Lord God, I am not what I could be or should be. But I am not what I was, and thank You for that. I have a growing capacity to love. Because You have set Your love on me, I am growing in my love for You and for others. I am in process, and I’m moving forward. Please keep growing in me the capacity to love well those You’ve given me. In the name of Jesus, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 8. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #6 Forbearing One Another (Colossians 3:13) Colossians 3:13, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Every day we encounter opportunities to get upset with people about something they did or said. If we let down our guard and indulge in these urges, we will live in a continual state of frustration and strife, and our spiritual lives will suffer dramatically. Sometimes it can be very difficult to convince our minds to overlook a perceived slight, forgive the offender, and move on with our lives. However, the Bible offers us a powerful strategy that can be used to cultivate peace in our relationships: We must learn to extend grace to others and to realize that humans act human This verse specifically outlines how we are to respond to people in our lives who disappoint or upset us. And since life is filled with disappointments, it’s important for us to understand exactly what Paul meant when he wrote these words. Forbearing one another in love means putting up with others; putting up with the things we dislike in others; or to have tolerance of one another in a spirit of love. It is the opposite act of being short tempered with others. It carries the idea of accepting the failures and flaws of others because we love them. This often involves taking the higher road by shutting our mouths and letting go of the offense or disappointment. This is the way relationships in the body of Christ work, as well. This is certainly not an easy task. Instead of complaining when others are difficult to love, believers are called to endure and be patient with them. It is hard enough to be consistently pleasant to those we generally get along with. What a seemingly task to bear with those who are difficult to like. However, God’s Word says that we are to do just that. Bear with those who are unlovable. Questions to Consider: · Maybe you have a personal quarrel with someone right now and can even claim to have evidence to back up. But is it really worth the lack of peace that it’s creating in your life? · Is this a fight you should be fighting, or would it be more productive to just let it go and forget about it? · Have you had other instances in your life when you got upset with someone and held on to it for a long time, but then you finally woke up and realized it wasn’t worth the lack of peace, so you decided to forgive? Points to Ponder: · I cannot control what others may say or do, but I am responsible for the condition of my own heart. · I do not give place to the devil by indulging selfish thoughts or emotions. Prayer, Father, I repent for allowing myself to become angry, frustrated, and unforgiving. That is wrong and I refuse to yield to selfishness any longer. No matter what has been said or done, I have no right to harbor ill will — especially when You have commanded me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Lord, I deeply apologize. If I had been focused on You instead of myself, I would not have become upset in the first place. Help me to see this person and this situation through Your eyes. I choose to get over this offense right now. I let this drop and I refuse to think on my feelings anymore. Instead, I will seek to honor You in this matter. Holy Spirit, teach me how to love as Jesus loved me. In Jesus name, Amen If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 7. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #5 Forgive to One Another (Ephesians 4:32) Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. “I’m truly sorry about that.” “Please accept my apologies.” While these statements are said with complete sincerity. They are inadequate substitutes for “Please forgive me.” Some Christians might not discern the difference between merely apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Here’s the distinction: When two people have experienced conflict, for one to say, “I’m sorry” only communicates that person’s remorse over what he has done. It focuses solely on the offender’s own feelings. By contrast, saying, “Forgive me” confesses that a wrong has been committed against another person and there is a desire to pursue reconciliation. In this case, the other person’s hurt is in focus. The difference may seem subtle, but it is significant. When Christians forgive, the one who forgives is promising that he will not continue to hold the offense against the other, either outwardly in his speech or actions or internally in his thoughts. While it is not easy for someone to ask for forgiveness, it is even harder still for someone to grant it. But the reason any believer should be willing and able to forgive is because of the forgiveness ha has received from God (Matthew 18:21-35). When it came to your salvation, God was willing to forgive your overwhelming debt owed to Him. Forgiveness means it’s over. The debt which is owed is cancelled. “Forgiveness means that you let go of the file of that person’s sin. You stop holding on to it. You stop holding it against them. It’s over.” The book’s cover image of a chalkboard that has been erased beautifully portrays this truth. When God calls on us to forgive, He is not calling on us to rip up the file of that person’s sin. He is asking us to let go of it and give it to Him to deal with. He is saying, “Pass it to Me. Leave it with Me. We can trust Me to deal with it.” We can trust Me to deal with it.” We find it hard to do that. But actually, God is inviting us to walk in a pathway of great blessing. He is inviting us to give up carrying around the burden of that file, which pulls us down towards bitterness.” It all starts with one simple yet difficult choice: to forgive. When forgiving someone, keep in mind three things: 1. I will not bring the matter up to you. 2. I will not bring the matter up to another. 3. I will not bring the matter up to myself. Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Prayer, Father God, please reveal those I need to forgive. Shine the bright light of Your truth into the dark corners of my heart, where I hide unforgiveness. I choose today to forgive. Because it’s something You commanded me, I know it’s possible. And because it’s something that pleases You, I beg You to help me. Please help me to forgive, deeply, from my heart, as You have forgiven me. Wherever possible, and as much as it depends on me, please heal my relationships. In the name of Jesus, who paid the highest price for my forgiveness, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 6. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #4 Be Kind to One Another (Ephesians 4:32) Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. One of the characteristics of the earthly ministry of Christ was kindness. Everything He did was done through a kind heart that sought to glorify the Lord. In reading the Scriptures, you can't help but notice the Lord's kindness on the poor, weak, sick, and less fortunate people. While some people ridiculed or avoided the poor, Christ reached out to them. When the sick were cast out of the city, Jesus went to them and healed them. His kindness was not only for the scholars, rich, or religious people; He displayed kindness to everyone He met. Jesus was kind and tenderhearted and we are to follow in His steps. This is not going to be an easy path to walk, but with His leading it is possible. The word kind means to be "disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent." It carries the idea of being gentle, caring, courteous, good, and giving. It is the exact opposite of what anger makes us want to do. Being kind one to another is a command many times repeated in the word of God. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:10). Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering (Colossians 3:12). Kindness demonstrates that we have a tender heart, and that we are not absorbed by self-interest but genuinely are motivated by God’s love. The Bible tells us that God wants us to be kind, and show kindness toward others. If you look around today, you will easily find people who are desperate for a kind and encouraging word—give it to them. There are people all around you who carry burdens, face difficulties, and need a touch from God. You can be His ambassador in their lives. Ask Him to show you how you can be kind to them today. So many people in our world are faced with times of intense grief and emotion. Do you know someone who's grieving right now? Grief can come in many forms, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a friend. Grief and emotions can hit hard in such times. As Christians, God desires us to reach others through compassion, but perhaps no time is more important than during times of grief. When we treat people with kindness, we often open doors for them to receive a witness of the gospel. If you know someone who's experiencing grief, take time to minister to them through kindness. Ask God to give you a way to comfort them. Send them a card, give them some flowers, bake them a meal, offer to watch their children, send them a comforting Bible verse, pray with them, or simply spend time listening to them and grieving with them. Through God's help, seek to be a comfort to someone struggling right now. Prayer, Father, show me the people around me who need a special touch from You, and help me to be kind to them. Give me a heart of compassion and love. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 5. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #3 Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13) Galatians 5:13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. The problem was that some had abused the principle of Christian liberty turning it into license. We have been set free from the bondage of sin and are expected to use that liberty as an occasion to be used of God. We have received liberty freely through redemption and it requires responsibility on the part of the Christian. Liberty is not a license, it is an opportunity to help those in need. The real goal of spiritual liberty is to "serve one another." The word love here is “agape” and speaks of sacrificial benevolence. The word "serve" means to do service; to give oneself up. To serve describes an attitude of helping other in such a way that what we “do for others would be to their advantage.” The love of Christ delivers us from the power of the flesh. Although a Christian possesses a flesh nature which motivates him to serve self, he possesses the Holy Spirit, which motivates him to serve others, even at the cost of great sacrifice to self. Resistance of the flesh will keep us from focusing on self. We were not saved to live a self-centered life. The freedom to which we have been called is a freedom to invest time and effort into others. Not only ought we to love one another, but also serve one another in the same spirit. We have a choice to help others or selfishly serve self. Love takes the selfishness out of one and helps that one focus on others. Service without love becomes a chore, but service through love becomes a blessing to all. How should our faith show? Our faith shows by loving and serving others. A person who loves and serves as the Lord intended, does not act like a lord over people; he serves and helps, shows kindness and gentleness, expresses concern and care, demonstrates sympathy and empathy. The person who truly loves identifies with a person, gets down where they are, even below where they are, and ministers to them. Love serves—always reaches out to do whatever it can for the other person. It never withdraws from the other person, feeling that he or she does not deserve the effort or help. We are obligated to do all we can to share the love of Christ with those who remain in bondage to sin. Think of the lost person who never comes to Christ for salvation because of those who abused the liberty of God. Point to Ponder: Rather than a desire to satisfy the flesh, there should be an overwhelming desire to serve the Lord and others. Question to Consider: Can you imagine the world that we would live in if everyone had a desire to serve others above the desire of pleasing themselves? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for the desire You put in my heart to serve others. Help me to always serve others with a joyful heart. I want to always be passionate about serving others. Give me wisdom to understand the needs of others, to give of my time without complaining or criticizing. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 4. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Biblical Building Block #2 Receive One Another (Romans 15:7) Romans 15:7, Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. As our Lord has received us (both Jew and gentile), we are instructed to receive each other. Paul is not dealing with major doctrinal differences. Rather, he is dealing with brethren who were prejudiced against each other over minor differences of understanding. The greater principle is unity within a local church. A strong and mature church is one that is united where everyone accepts one another. There is no discrimination whatsoever in a strong church. The word "receive" means to take to oneself; to receive a person as a friend; to treat as the closest of friends with the most caring kindness. Believers are to receive one another in the closest of bonds. 1. The Greeting of the Example. "Receive ye one another." This speaks of receiving the "weak in the faith." Mature saints are not to exclude those who are "weak in the faith" from fellowship. "As Christ also received us." Paul encouraged us to receive each other as Christ has received us. How did Christ receive us? Christ received us with much grace, mercy, and love. He received us with all our faults. He received us when we were ungodly, sinners, and enemies (Romans 5:6-10). He saw us not as we were but as we could be. 2. The Goal of the Example. "To the glory of God." The reason behind this welcomed reception is that God may be glorified. That is the highest and noblest motivation of all. The believer has the greatest pattern imaginable for how to treat the "weak in the faith": Christ Himself. Christ received us for the purpose that God may be glorified. Therefore, believers must receive each other so that God may be glorified through their lives and church. Just look at how far Christ went. Christ received the Gentiles and ministered to them. He came to bring them the mercy of God, that they might praise God for His mercy. Remember He received and ministered to the Gentiles when they were living the most licentious and indulgent life-style imaginable (Romans 1:18-32). Paul was instructing his readers to treat one another with love and respect in the same way Christ treated us. We are to do the same to those who are "weak in the faith." Believers are to receive one another even as Christ has received us. Our relationships with one another are very important to the Lord. How we treat one another is not only a reflection of our relationship with God; it should develop from that relationship. No person is too prejudicial or critical, too weak or base for us to receive, therefore, believers can receive one another. No one is too far gone to be rejected and cast away. If God accepted us into his family, we should not leave anyone out of the family. We will bring praise to God when we accept others as Jesus did. Paul adds that Christian unity is based on our justification in Christ: We are received despite our weaknesses and errors; therefore, we should accept others despite their shortcomings and failures. In fact, the way you can tell how much you understand the Gospel is to look at how much you love people despite their flaws. Do you say: If God overlooks my sins through Christ, how can I fail to do so with this person? Points to Ponder: ·We are to receive each other, as Christ also received us. ·We are to receive each other for the glory of God. Prayer, Father, thank You for always seeing in me what others may never see in me and for giving me the strength and desire to serve You. Help me to utilize these truths for the purpose of ministering to others. Please show me how I can actively and passionately engage in the ministry opportunities You have sovereignly placed around me. Give me eyes to recognize these opportunities, a heart dependent on You, and a desire to come alongside people in my life to help them to grow into a deeper relationship with You. Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 3. Today’s devotion is an excerpt taken from the Bible Study page from our website. If you would like to read this article in its entirety, please open the Bible Study link.
10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships Biblical Building Block #1 Be Affectionate One to Another (Romans 12:10) Romans 12:10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; The words "kindly affectioned" indicate a family love for one another. Christians are members of one family. Believers are to love each other in a family way. Paul is saying that we should love one another as if we were related. Paul is telling us that our relationships in the Body of Christ should carry the authenticity of family. It represents two or more friends who love each other just as deeply as if they were members of the same family. We should indeed love each other as if we were genuinely blood brothers and sisters. In fact, our love for one another should be so profound that we hold one another in honor. "In honor" means "in reverence, deference, or respect." It means to treat someone or something as valuable and precious. To show genuine appreciation and admiration for others. We are to have a love for all brethren, regardless of their status of being either rich or poor, young or old, black or white. The word "preferring" means "to go before and lead." This involves deferring or yielding to the other person. We are to yield the right-of-way. This is true humility. Paul admonished the Philippians, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). Real love is putting others first. We understand that every human being is created in the image of God. Honoring another above ourselves means to listen to the other person, to be most aware of his or her hopes, joys, needs and fears, and to be considerate. Paul is calling on Christians to outdo one another in bestowing honor to one another. Points to Ponder: God did not create any relationship to benefit one person and not the other. Choose today to put others above yourself. Look for ways to bless them, and God will in turn bless you. Questions to Consider: 1. Are some of your relationships so precious that you hold them to be as dear to you as family? 2. If so, have you taken the time to really express to them how much you love them? 3. What can you do to improve your skills to become a better friend? Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the incredible friendships You have placed in my life. I am blessed to have such loving, faithful, and true relationships. When I think of all the people who live such lonely lives, it makes me want to stop and express my gratefulness to You for placing such precious people in my life. Lord, I also ask You to please help me see those who need to be loved so I can include them as a part of my life. I want to give to others the love and support that I have received. In Jesus name Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 2. 10 Steps to Building Biblical Relationships
Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Relationships can be enriched by exercising God’s Biblical design regarding relations with one another. Therefore, for the next several days, we will be discussing a ten-part series focusing of building blocks to strengthening relationships. Each day we will be concentrating on a different source. It is no mystery that many people today, even we believers struggle with relational problems. Consider for a moment all the people you encounter every day and you will realize how common these problems are. Just this week you may have heard the complaints of a friend who recently argued with their spouse because they have different expectations for their relationships. Or a co-worker who has ridiculed the supervisor over a disagreement concerning how something should be done. Regrettably, it is almost an everyday occurrence to hear of people in quarrels, insults, and disagreements. Unfortunately, even believers have relational problems. Christians who know God personally lack a Biblical understanding concerning building healthy relationships with one another. Today we are witnessing the relationships between Christians behaving more like the relationships between non-Christians. The good news is that we do not have to approach relational problems the same way of unbelievers. We have the Word of God to instruct us in building healthy relationships. The Bible gives us a precise view of God, ourselves, and others, laying the foundation for building Biblical relationships. God is the architect and His Word are the blueprints. It is imperative that we understand that we must have God as the center or the cornerstone in this building program. Since God is our Creator and of relationships, this going back to the garden (Genesis 2), He is concerned about our relationships. As we practice relational relationships, we demonstrate our love of God through our love of others (I John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12). May this series enrich relationships regarding marriage, co-workers, family, and community and so on. Tomorrow, we will begin with the first building block. Visit this site each day for another building block. Questions to Consider: ·How can God help you with the struggles you encounter with others? ·What ways can you commit to building Biblical relationships? ·What areas do you need to focus on more than others? Points to Ponder: ·Ask the Lord to strengthen you in any areas you may be struggling with. ·This series could not only be for you; but also, for someone you care deeply about. ·Be willing to overcome ant obstacles that might hinder your relationship with God and others. Prayer, Father in heaven, You have searched me and known me. You do know my thoughts from afar. You are acquainted with all my ways. Speak to me regarding my relationship with You and with others and help me to grow. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Please Visit webpage again for – Part 1. God’s Word: Inspirational and Instructional
II Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. There are many books in the world today that are based on man's opinion of something. Whether the topic is politics, sports, the weather, self-help, or society, sometimes not everything published in a book is true. But there is one book we can trust. We know God's Word is true because it comes from God. In a day when so many things are based on opinion, God's Word is based on truth. All 66 books; 39 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament. Every one of 1,189 chapters. All 41,173 verses and 3,566,480 letters--all Scripture is God-breathed. The greatest verse about Biblical inspiration is also a great verse about Biblical application. II Timothy 3:16-17 not only tells us who gave us the Bible but also why it was given. God breathed out His Word for our benefit. Every part of it is profitable. Waiting in its pages is a wealth of blessings ready to teach, reprove, correct, and train us in righteousness. We call the Bible “God’s Word” because it contains what He wants to say. He speaks into our lives through it. Each verse and every word accomplish at least one of the purposes listed in today’s passage. No matter what our need, God has provided a response in His Word. 1. The Bible teaches us. The word doctrine means that which is correct and right (core teaching). Whatever we find in Scripture is truth that's worth being taught. Every time we read it, we should be asking, what is God teaching me in this passage? 2. God’s Word reproves us. The word reprove means what is wrong. It is the precision instrument of the Holy Spirit, often stopping us in our tracks through the conviction of sin. When the Lord says “Don’t” in Scripture, He always means, “Don’t hurt yourself.” He graciously reprimands us. 3. God’s Word also corrects us. The word correction means how to get (it) right. A sincere Child of God wants to stay right with the Scriptures. Notice: It is we, not the Bible, that needs correcting. The Scriptures never need adding to, correcting nor updating. It not only points out the wrong, it also provides the right response. The Bible straightens out our lives like nothing else. On our own we steer in wrong directions, but God consistently directs us in the way we should go. 4. Scripture trains us in righteousness. The phrase instruction in righteousness means speaks of how to keep it right. It is an absolute guide for the lifelong process of discipleship God wants to bring about. We will never outgrow our need for His guidance. Truth, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness are all ways God brings light to our lives by His Word. When we need to see where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going, we have a trustworthy source of guidance in the book God wrote. This is the picture described in Psalm 119:105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. But there’s a catch in this great promise about the benefits found in Scripture. Note the last phrase in the verse: “. . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” All that God has for you in His Word may come to you if you dig into it. But if your Bible remains closed, though the benefits are all there, you have not accessed them. Amazing things can happen when you open your Bible. Get familiar with it. Figure out how to find your way around. Ask for help. The spiritual maturity you long for will never be a reality until you practice regular, careful study of Scripture. Becoming a disciple of Jesus—one who is equipped to carry out the tasks He places before you—will always involve His Word. When you are reading His inspired thoughts, the Lord is breathing into you His truth, loving reproofs, gracious correction, and the guidance you need. Questions to Consider: What parts of Scripture do you gravitate to most often? Which ones do you tend to avoid? Since it’s all profitable, how do you think you could benefit by taking time to familiarize yourself with books and chapters of in the Bible you have rarely visited? Prayer, Lord, thank You for breathing out Your Word and using faithful servants to record it for the rest of us. Thank You that I can hold it in my hands, open it at will, and anticipate that the words my eyes fall on are for my benefit, to teach, rebuke, correct, and train me. I desire that every time I read the book You wrote I would delight myself in it. I thank You today, for the precious gift of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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