JAN 2

2 Timothy 3:14-17
Memorise 2 Timothy 3:16
“…Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?”

Some critics of the Bible say that because the books of the Bible were written by so many different people over a large span of time, and are ridden with contradictions and discrepancies, therefore the Bible could not possibly be the Word of God, but the words of men. They assert that no one can insist that the Bible is perfect, for it is filled with errors, and is not even reliable as a historical document. Is this true?

2 Timothy 3:16 clearly asserts that “all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The phrase “given by inspiration of God” in Greek literally means God breathed. This means that every word of the Bible is exactly given and precisely as God intended it to be. The Holy Spirit moved (2 Peter 1:21) each of the Biblical writers to write the exact words in the manner that He wanted them to write. Although each author would retain their individual writing styles and vocabulary, their writings are all alike the inspired Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 is therefore the proof text of the doctrine of Verbal Plenary Inspiration, meaning that every (‘plenary’) word (‘verbal’) is inspired of God. The Bible Itself says so, and therefore by faith we must believe it to be so, just as in yesterday’s reading every true believer will believe that the Bible is God’s Word. That being said, the Bible has to be perfect, for how can a perfect God give us an imperfect Word?

Dear teen, do not be tempted to treat the Bible as a literature text, or as a compilation of stories for good bedtime reading. This is no ordinary book; God spoke every word, and you must treat each word of Scripture as such. Once you do so, you should look to the Bible to understand what truth is (‘doctrine’), where you fall short (‘reproof’), how you should then correct your ways (‘correction’) and how you should keep from falling away from the truth (‘instruction in righteousness’). It is no surprise that those who are in sin or backsliding into sin often treat the Bible lightly. Do you?

Thought: Do I treat the Bible lightly?
Prayer: May I keep from backsliding by regularly meditating on the Bible!