We usually prepare for specific events in our lives, but how do we prepare for life in general? The Bible teaches us that the people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits. Since it is essential that you know God, you may ask, “How do I get to know God?” The Bible, the written Word of God, reveals Jesus, the living Word of God. The Psalmist realized the essential nature of God’s word in his life,

O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. (Psalm 119:97)

Do you realize the value of knowing and applying God’s word to everyday life? The Apostle Paul enumerates four benefits of reading and applying the Scriptures as he wrote to his protege in the faith, Timothy,

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Timothy 3:16)

The word “inspired” literally means “God breathed”. As you read the Bible you must realize that God is speaking to you through His word. The first benefit he mentions is teaching us to live a righteous life. The word teaching refers to the precepts that keep you in a right relationship with God. At times however, we go may astray. The Bible reproves us when we’ve gotten off track. The word reproof was a legal term that involved bringing a sense of conviction to the guilty party. The Bible not only lets us know when we’ve gone astray, but it also teaches us how to get back on the proper track. Correction implies the restoration to a right state by enabling you to “put off” old habits and “put on” new practices.

Finally, Paul mentions training in righteousness. The word training referred to the total life instruction and education of children (with an emphasis on the mind and morals). It was instruction that aimed at increasing virtue and included discipline. The emphasis is living a disciplined lifestyle of righteousness. The result of reading and applying the Bible is revealed in the next verse,

so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:17)

This is an amazing promise! God’s word is able to equip you, the man or woman of God, for every good work. The  word adequate conveys the idea of being complete and perfectly fitted for the assigned task. You are thoroughly equipped to face the tasks of life. Don’t neglect the tremendous resource that you have in God’s word. Reading and applying God’s word equips you for every good work. This is the advice God gave to Joshua as he was preparing to enter the promised land.

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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