2 Tim 1:13, “Hold to the standard~~ of sound words that you heard from me and do so with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”

I am continually amazed at the limited knowledge today’s believers have of God’s word. Any member more than five years in the Lord should be thoroughly versed in Bible doctrine, evangelism, the commands for Christian living, and discipleship. If spiritual maturity is not the church’s primary internal task, then the church is negligent in her duty to the flock.

Many insist that teaching doctrine kills the spiritual life, believing that only emotional experiences can keep it alive. However, in a day when most believers were without any theological convictions, Paul told Timothy to “be continually holding to the standard of sound words.” The imperative verb means “to have and hold as a continual possession”—-that is, to be continually dealt with and applied to every situation.

Many today are more interested in feeling God than knowing Him. There are two attitudes toward Scripture to be avoided. The first focuses on dead theological systems and arguments, putting little emphasis on practical obedience and the Great Commission. The second ignores the written word, generating only a feeling–based experience.

The word of God is the only divinely inspired, Holy Spirit–-revealed, infallible, perfect, and totally sufficient truth for all believers at all times. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim 3:16–-17).

The word is to be practiced or obeyed “with . . . love that [is] in Christ Jesus.” Paul described the relationship as “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6). This is possible because the “love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Rom 5:5). Does your knowledge of God’s word motivate you to give of your time and resources for God’s purposes?

“Lord, in a day of fluctuating values and worldviews, keep me true to knowing and living by every principle and command in Your word while caring for others.”

 

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