2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING GOD’S WORD
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30
1 Thessalonians 5:27
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“…that this epistle be read
unto all the holy brethren.”
THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING GOD’S WORD
Imagine being part of the congregation at Thessalonica when they first received this epistle from Paul. In obedience to Paul’s instruction, the pastor called for a special meeting to come together to hear this letter being read. There would be a buzz of excitement that rippled through the community as everyone looked forward to hearing from the dear man of God whom they were “desiring greatly to see” (1 Thess 3:6).
As the time for the reading drew near, the church would be packed to the brim. Everyone came extra early and waited with nervous anticipation. There would be a reverential silence, more quiet than usual, that fell upon the crowd as the pastor stood before them and started. What was so special about this service? They knew that the word that they would be hearing was not just “the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thess 2:13). Yes, they were the writings of the Apostle Paul, but he wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost, penning the very words of God!
Yes, it would have been thrilling to hear the words of this epistle (or any other Bible book) read in public for the first time. But what we have in our hands today is the complete Word of God, so easily accessible and readily available. Compared to how it was in those days, we have abundant opportunities to read and study the Word of God. Back then, Scripture had to be copied by hand. The number of copies were limited, and cumbersome to carry around. Today, we have it not just on our shelves, but also in our phones and tablets. We have so many tools to aid us in understanding the Word of God. Do we avail ourselves to them? Do we care to pick up the Bible to read, to understand, and then to apply to our lives?
We have spent three months studying this precious epistle, and I trust you have gleaned many precious truths from it. Just as it was for the Thessalonians, it is God’s Word to us. You have received it, understood it. Has it been effectually working in you? (1 Thess 2:13).
THOUGHT: When I read the Bible, God is speaking to me!
PRAYER: Father, may I always love and cherish Thy Word!