Together in the Next Step


You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:14-17

 

            The Scripture is the central, guiding source of spirituality and life.

            In 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Paul reminds Timothy that he learned the truths of the Scripture in his childhood. As an adult and a leader, Paul reminded him to “continue” in what we learned and have become convinced of. First, Scripture leads to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Then, Scripture provides everything we need to be sanctified, to be conformed to the image of Christ – teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, Finally, Scripture equips us for every good work.

            The world offers many paths to salvation. All religions lead to God, says our society. But the Scripture says something different. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one come to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). It sounds reasonable to think that someone who is faithful to another religion should be allowed to go to heaven. God is the author of salvation. Heaven is His home after all. Therefore, He determines who goes to heaven not me or you. God said in the Bible that we must believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to experience salvation (Romans 10:9-10). The Scripture provides us with wisdom which leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

            The world offers many and various philosophies and ideas on how we should live our lives. “Do your own thing.” “Whatever feels good to you.” “Follow a standard set of moral checklists.” “Do your homework.” (I just thought I’d through that one in there.) But Paul told Timothy that God’s inspired Scripture is the key and central guiding source for our lives. It will teach us. It will point out where we are wrong. It will provide forgiveness for our sins. It will train us to face the world with righteousness – right living.

            The world will give you all kinds of things to keep you busy. It will give you many things to pursue. Most of those things are not bad to have, but they can be bad when they are your focus and goal. Our focus and goal should be to do things that bring glory to God. “Whether, therefore, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). When we seek God first, He will provide us with good things that honor Him and us.