Word of Encouragement (11/2/2020)

We continue our reflection on the importance of reading Scripture as a means of pursuing holiness.

“The reading of Scripture is also a means of grace because God promises His Word is all-sufficient. No matter what our need, no matter what the plight in which we find ourselves, no matter what the challenge of dealing with unbelievers, no matter how low, destitute, and afflicted we may be, God’s Word is sufficient to meet our need” (p. 151). The authors provide the following examples:

“If we need guidance, God’s Word is our compass” (Ps. 119:9, 24, 105).... If we need a preventative against sin, a fortress and shield against temptation, God’s Word is our protection (Ps. 119:11, 59, 101).... If we need help in our afflictions, a staff to lean upon, or a cordial to heal, God’s Word is sufficient (Ps. 119:50, 92).... If we feel at our wit’s end with no escape—even in our darkest hour and under the heaviest affliction—God’s Word assures us [to revive us]... (Ps. 119:107). If we have lost hope, God’s Word offers it to us... (Ps. 119:49). If we are tempted by a world bent on riches, God’s Word satisfies us… (Ps. 119:72, 162). If we feel befuddled by the relativism in our world, we are assured that God’s Word stands forever true... (Ps. 119:160). If we face arguments from this world and need an answer, God’s Word equips us... (Ps. 119:98-99, 130). And if we feel anxious about the things of life, God’s Word alone tells us, ‘Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them’ (Ps. 119:165)” (pp. 151-152).

Of course, the Bible does not address every specific and unique situation of ours and answer every question we have. The Bible tells us that there are matters of right and wrong as well as matters of wisdom and “indifference.” Even so, we can say that the Bible is all-sufficient because “The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture” (Westminster Confession of Faith, I:1). The Bible as God’s self-revelation also connects us to the all-sufficient God, who works all things together for His glory and for our good.

“Finally, God promise that reading His Word is a means of bringing about our holiness” (p. 152): “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). So, when we read the Bible, we should get excited because it is “profitable”—not only by providing comfort and encouragement but also teaching, reproof, correction, and training. So, we should be ready to respond properly to what God is communicating to us—with the readiness to learn what He wants to teach us, with the humility to receive reproof and correction, with the endurance to complete training in godliness and competence. May the Lord bless your reading and meditation of God’s Word!