Weekly devotional: Holy writ (12 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

Photo: George Bannister, flickr

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:14–17).

Many Christians memorize 2 Timothy 3:17, and I can understand why, for it’s the strongest statement about the Bible made in the Bible. But reading this statement on its own, out of the context of Paul’s letters to Timothy, dilutes its impact. As we’ve spent many a week considering these missives, we can gain a sense of the power of Paul’s view of the Bible – this crescendo at the end of the two letters reveals how he knows its worth and necessity in church life, especially when dealing with false teaching.

We can take comfort and courage knowing that Scripture is “God-breathed” and, as Hebrews 4:12 says, “alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow…” With the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, when we read the Bible we can hear God speaking to us: words of love and affirmation; words of conviction and direction. As Paul says, we will find teaching there, and sometimes the sense of being rebuked and corrected; through it we will be prepared and given the tools to do the works of God.

Dallas Willard, a renowned writer on the spiritual disciples, prized the practice of memorizing Scripture, and would regularly commit large passages to memory. He even said if one had to choose between a “quiet time” and memorizing, he’d choose the latter. When we do so, we find God’s word more readily available in our hearts and minds.

May we become wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Word made flesh. May you bring us wisdom as we read the Scriptures that we may serve you and reach out to those in need.