The Bible, it’s that important

This post is part of a devotional series based on our 2019 Bible Reading Calendar.

In Second Timothy, Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy, whom he considered a son in the faith. We see hints in the letter that Timothy had fallen on some difficult times, at least emotionally and spiritually, and seemed to be backing away from a once passionate faith.

The letter is filled with encouragement to persevere, following Paul’s own example. Within that encouragement, Paul wrote:

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. ~ 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Paul encouraged Timothy to remain faithful to God’s word, like those who had taught it to him.

The Bible is meant to be a lifelong companion and guide to the follower of Jesus. It is to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, as it continually shows us Jesus.

Even if it’s through someone else paraphrasing and summarizing the message, the Bible is the way that we learn the good news of Jesus so that we place our faith in him. It is God’s gift to us, his self-revelation in verbal form, that continues to teach, challenge, correct, and train us for a life dedicated to Jesus. The Bible is the very thing that equips us and continues to equip us to live each day loving God supremely and loving others deeply.

The Bible is that important.

So whether you read through it quickly and read through it again or whether you take your time and absorb at your own pace; whether you struggle to understand certain parts or whether you grasp them with little trouble; whether you choose to use the King James or the Christian Standard versions; whoever you are and wherever you are in your journey of faith: Read the Bible, learn the Bible, and live the Bible.

Scripture quotes taken from the Christian Standard Bible.