In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read that God's word is inspired (literally "God-breathed") "and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." Each of those words has a unique meaning and special application for us as we read the Bible. They suggest 4 questions we should ask whenever we read: 1. If it is useful for teaching, what do I need to learn about the world, life, myself, or God?
2. If it is useful for rebuking, what do I need to stop doing in my life that is detrimental to me?
3. If it is useful for correcting, how does it say that I can get back to the pace where God can bless me?
4. If it is useful for training in righteousness, where do I need to grow and accept God's challenge to do or be better than I am right now? Here is the chapter for the new day: February 8: Proverbs 3 Because I am a pastor, I have multiple opportunities to recommend verses to people. Other than John 3:16, there are probably no verses I have recommended more than Proverbs 3:1-12. I’ve written them in graduation notes, on baptism certificates, in notes to newly weds, etc. I recommend these so often because they present—in a condensed fashion—some of the most practical and applicable advice in God’s word about living fully and successfully. In those verses, we are taught how to find favor with God and people (vv3-4), how to find clear direction in uncertain times (vv5-6), how to increase our physical health by having a healthy view of ourselves and God (vv7-8), how to honor God with our money … and experience his blessing in return (vv9-10), and how to respond when God disciplines us (vv11-12). And those are just the first 12 verses of chapter three. So, what kinds of answers could we give to our 4 questions today? For #1 (What do I need to learn?), how about God is concerned about and involved in every area of my life (my relationships with and treatment of others, my practice of trusting Him, my mental and physical health, my financial management, my response to his discipline). For #2 (What sin do I need to stop?), maybe I haven’t treated others the way we should, or honored God by tithing, etc. … and it has hurt my relationship with God and others. For #3 (How do I need to change?), okay—start treating others lovingly, tithe, seek God’s word for direction. For #4 (Where am I being challenged to grow?) Okay, let’s be honest, pick any of the 5 things in verse 3-12; all of them are a challenge. Actually, we need to go for all 5, don’t we? Verses 13-15 tell us how valuable living by God’s wisdom is and how blessed is the person who does so. I want it all and hope that you do as well. Keep reading!
Here are the notes on earlier days:
February 6: Proverbs 1
The main writer / editor of Proverbs is King David's son, Solomon. You might remember that God gifted Solomon with wisdom, early in Solomon's reign as king (see 1 Kings 3:4-15 and 1 Kings 4:29-34). And if you know the story well, you know that Solomon didn't always "practice what he preached." But remember that God is the author of Scripture, so even though Solomon may have strayed, what God had him write down is accurate. In the first part of Proverbs 1, the purpose of the book and the promises of reading and applying the teachings of this book are stated. It's purpose includes helping us attain "wisdom and discipline" (v2)-- it will impact both what we know and what we do. The promise is that this wisdom & discipline will help both those who are beginning to learn the ways of God . . . as well as those who are down the road ("let the wise listen and add to their learning" v5). We are given an important truth for both reading Proverbs and for life--"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (v7). In other words, to revere and obey God, first and above all else, is the secret of success in learning & living. In reading through Proverbs, we will get a lot of information (often more than we think we can process in a single reading or during one day). That's why you may want to make a long-term habit of reading a chapter a day; God will apply something "new" the different times that you read through the book. For today, notice the things God teaches us and warns us about--don't get enticed by those who try to lure us into sin. Though they promise reward, God says he will punish. Also listen as "wisdom" calls out to us to follow "her" (and reminds us of the price of not doing so). February 7: Proverbs 2
Proverbs 2 begins with an important follow-up to what we read in chapter 1. Proverbs 1:7 is a key verse for the entire book. In that verse Solomon says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge….” Now in 2:1-5 Solomon says, “if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding ... call out for insight … cry aloud for understanding … look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” There is a connection. What if we applied our four questions to those verses and those that follow? Question #1 What does this teach me; what do I need to learn? Maybe that I am going to have to put out effort to learn and grow. I am going to have to “accept” his words (literally, “take hold of” “acquire”) and “store up” (literally, “treasure”) his commands. Do I do that? Question #2 What do I need to stop; what things am I doing that keep me from being who I need to be? The last part of the chapter (and other chapters to follow) warn of the dangers of “the adulteress.” We need to take that literally as well as figuratively—being unfaithful to God and the things His word teaches are costly. Are you flirting with some dangerous people and things? Question #3 How do I need to change; what kind of corrections do I need to make in my life to get to the place where God wants me? In verse 2 when he says “turn your ear to wisdom” maybe it is because we tend to listen to the wrong voices and need to turn away from them so that we can better hear from God. Do you need to turn off or turn away from some harmful things? Question #4 Where do I need to grow; where is God challenging me to go deeper or farther? Verses 7 & 8 use words for the person God blesses like “upright,” “blameless,” “just,” and “faithful.” Do those things characterize your life? What do you need to do to get there? It may be a challenge, but it will be worth it. What else is God teaching you today?
Bro. Mark
Unless indicated otherwise, the New International Version, 1984 (NIV) is the Bible version quoted. |
