“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correction and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.“
2 Timothy 3:16-17
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September 18, 2025
Scripture reveals the glory of God. In His greatness, He created a universe beyond our comprehension in complexity and expanse. We ourselves are part of God’s creation, made in His own image with the agency to make moral choices. But unlike God, humans make wrong choices at times. We are broken by sin and capable of great evil.
The Bible also tells the story of God’s answer to our dilemma. God intervened in human history at a particular time through the incarnation of His Son. Jesus lived amongst us and was killed by us. His death was the ultimate sacrifice that satisfied our broken covenant with God. After three days, God raised Jesus from the dead, confirming the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice and defeating death and the grave. Faith in Jesus avails salvation to all who believe.
Faith in Jesus initiates new life, lived in relationship with the living God. We enter into a wholly different existence! The Bible is our manual for living in a way that pleases God—which can be summed up as righteousness. Righteousness does not come to any of us naturally. We need teaching to know the way of the Lord, rebuking when we go astray, and training to stay on the path.
There are also good works God has ordained for us to perform as followers of Jesus. A study of the Bible provides the motivation, knowledge, and understanding necessary for performing the work, although the application will be unique to the individual believer and their specific situation. The Holy Spirit also gifts believers for fulfillment of particular roles within the church to accomplish its mission in the world. We are unable to engage in this endeavor without familiarity with the content of Scripture.
Personal Bible study is also essential for service within the kingdom of God. In short, knowledge of the Bible and an understanding of its teaching are indispensable for any involvement in the work of God by anyone. Our ready access to the Bible in this country is a blessing of the Lord, of which we would do well to take full advantage by developing a rhythm of regular time in the Word of God.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How has the preaching and teaching at Wheaton Bible Church provided motivation for you to engage in service for the Lord?
- Describe your practice of personal Bible study to someone close to you.
- How has knowledge of the Bible prepared you for good work?
Church Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 14; 2 Corinthians 7