Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
The Bible says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect , throughly furnished unto
all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let me briefly explain the underlined
word, “perfect.” In the New Testament, there’re several words translated from
different Greek words rendered “perfect.” This particular one is translated
from the word “artios,” which actually means “a freshness in completeness.”
For instance, you can say, “completely fresh” or “complete now afresh”;
both expressions are akin to the word “updated.” It’s like when you say in
computer parlance, “I have the latest update or version” of a certain
application or software. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is saying that the Christian,
through the Scriptures, would have his life “updated” and upgraded all the
time. He’d have the latest spiritual information and be in sync with the
Spirit, all the time.
Christians who aren’t given to the study of the Word aren’t updated;
they’re “old version” Christians. The King James uses the term “perfect,” but
it means “perfect now”; “fresh,” as in right now. The “updated” Christian is
the one that’s thoroughly furnished unto all good works, because his knowledge
is “complete.” In Matthew 13:52, we read that “…every scribe which is
instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an
householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.”
The “updated” Christian brings out of his treasury both new and old; he’s
got the updated and newest information, plus all the old information! God
expects you to continually increase your knowledge and understanding of the
Word, because “…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews
11:6).
The underlined clause doesn’t mean looking for God in the literal sense;
it means studying the Word to know and discover more about Him. The more you
study the Word, the more you discover His nature, and He’ll manifest Himself to
you in increasing glory.
PRAYER: Your Word O Lord, is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my
path! Through your Word, my faith is strengthened and my life is upgraded! The
eyes of my understanding are enlightened, and my mind is renewed and elevated
to think at your level, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know
the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us
as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to
them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto
the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself,
and them that hear thee.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, Isaiah 64-66
2-Year BibleReading
2-Year Bible
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