Approved By God

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

Today I struggled with writing this devotion. I did not want to do it, and only with constant prodding by the Holy Spirit, for that is all I can attribute the necessity; so I write. How do we "correctly handle the word of truth?" Paul gives this admonition, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Not just for Bible study, but everything must be tested. What is the standard to measure the testing? The Holy Scriptures! Therefore, it necessitates that we dig deep into the scriptures to arrive at the truth for any area of life, so that we are in conformity with God's will as outlined for us in His Word.

It seems there is a movement within the Churches today for "Spiritual Formation" and has led many into all kinds of efforts to reach "spiritualality." Experiential Christianity as such becomes faith in the experience rather than faith in the power of the Holy Spirit to act. Christian men and women are running to this conference and to that special person who touts that he has the way to improve your relationship with God. To teach you how to acquire "spiritual gifts." Jesus when sending out the twelve He spoke this over them, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). In the name of Christianity throughout the history of the Church men have wormed their way in and brought with them heresy. The selling of books, the prestige they seek for themselves, all in the name of Christ.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, be cautious, take time to investigate the Bible slowly, with good commentaries, a Greek interlinear Bible, and gather yourself around those who want only to teach the Word of God, humbly, and without motive other than to teach the plain Truth found in the Scriptures. If all we seek is a "self help" type of study, always focusing on you, that is not scriptural and must be avoided. We all called to "deny ourselves", to become Christ-like, anything other than that must be questioned. Find a good Bible study, examine the study before entering into fellowship with them. Then do the work at home, get into the Bible, take time to learn, go slow, pray for guidance. The Word of God will become alive and fresh when you study in that manner. How important is this? We carry to the world, the words of life, eternal life. How much more important than that can it be?

Daily Prayer:

Father, lead me to those who hunger and thirst after Your word, and not to those who wish to misuse Your name and have only personal gain. Teach me, guide me, I am available for You to use me in whatever manner You desire. I want to know the Truth. I want to bring Truth about You to my world.  Thank you.   Amen