2 Timothy 2:15-19
Verse 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
While this verse gives us the urge to study to be able to show God we are serious about our relationship with Him it doesn’t give us the urgency of the original language. The original wording was to hasten to be able to present ourselves to God. This requires putting in the time, effort and urgency to learn and be all that He has called us to be.
It is so easy for us to say we will start studying the Word someday. Maybe we decide to make it a New Year’s resolution – for next year, or we say when life slows down a little – as if it ever will, when the kids grow up, the work load is less, or so many other excuses we use for things we aren’t really wanting to start. That’s the crux of the matter, isn’t it?
It isn’t that we don’t think it is important but that it just isn’t that important to us. Let’s face it, we make time for the things which are important and if we make excuses we aren’t as serious about it as we may think. If we truly want to know Him better, there is no way other than putting in the time to make that happen.
It doesn’t matter what form the study takes. There are Bible study resources written for use with groups but which can be used for personal study. There are other resources such as commentaries, dictionaries, charts and maps which can also help you start studying. In fact, with such items you may find yourself seeing the Bible as something which has life instead of just being a book to read.
When the Word starts becoming alive to us we will find ourselves going from reading it because we know we should, to reading it because it is catching our attention and we know it will help us grow. We may start seeing ourselves in the various characters and therefore seeing how Jesus would deal with us in everyday situations. Before we know it the Bible will become something we can’t wait to study each day and that will lead to not being able to keep from sharing what we are learning with others and thereby sparking an interest for them.
Making It Personal
Have you increased or been more intentional with your Bible studying? What has studying done to your faith life? Have you found yourself talking to others about what you have been learning?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you learned anything new about the Bible lately? Why do you think that grabbed your attention? Is it hard to remember the people in the Bible were real people?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for providing us with this amazing gift of Your story through history. Give us excitement about reading it and humility to accept the conviction You bring along the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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