TWENTY UPs!

Part 4

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

The Word of God establishes us and furnishes us up to do all that God wants us to do. How does this happen?

12. Doctrine Up

It happens through doctrine. It is not enough to tell our children Bible Stories and take them to Sunday School, although this is great. They need to be nurtured daily in the doctrines of the Word of God. They need “all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) It is not always necessary to isolate certain doctrines (although this can be good from time to time) but if we consistently take our children through the Word of God (not just the Psalms or our favorite chapters) they will gradually imbibe doctrine.

Another thing we must realize is that doctrine is not only an intellectual understanding on subjects such as  baptism, justification, sanctification, etc. It is practical “know how” on how God wants us to live. Paul told Titus to “speak the things which become sound doctrine.” What was the sound doctrine? Explicit instructions on how the older men are to conduct themselves and the behavior of the older women. Sound doctrine is teaching the younger women “to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good and obedient to their own husbands.” It is good advice for the young people and how servants are to act toward their masters! (Titus 2:1-15)* Sound doctrine gets to the nitty-gritty of daily living. That’s why we and our children need to be doctrined up!

Some families like to take their families through the Bible chapter by chapter. We have done this from time to time. Currently we use THE DAILY LIGHT which gives Scriptures from different parts of the Bible on a specific theme. We find this very effective.+

13. Reproof Up

The Word “reproof” actually means “to convict.” The daily reading of the Word of God brings conviction to our souls and to our children. We can go on blindly through each day, not knowing that we are grieving the Holy Spirit by our thoughts, words and actions until we are convicted by the Word of God. It keeps our children sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

14. Correct Up

This word means “to make right what is wrong; to refute error.” Constant reading of the Word will show us what is wrong in our lives and show us how to make it right.  It will expose deception and lead us into truth. No wonder we can’t do without it.

15. Instruct Up

The Word is profitable for “instruction in righteousness.” This Greek word includes chastening. God’s Word not only instructs, but chastens us. Chastening often leads us to righteousness. .

The psalmist in Psalm 119:67 says, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” He confesses again in verse 71, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues.” (Hebrews 12:10-11) J. B. Philipp’s translation calls it the “re-setting the direction of a man’s life.”

16. Furnish Up

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable… that the man of god may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

This is the plan. This is the fulfillment—that we will be “fully equipped” for every good work that God has planned for us to do. The Word prepares us for our destiny. The Word prepares our children for their destiny.

I believe that the Word of God is able to fill up that which is lacking in our lives and make us complete in that area. If I have a weakness in my life, I will look up every Scripture in the Word relating to this area. I will write out these Scriptures, meditate upon them, and embrace them into my life. I find that they always bring victory.

I  also did this when raising our children. If I saw a weakness or an area of their lives that needed attention, I would look up the Scriptures relating to that subject, write them in large colored letters on paper and pin them up in the home. I would read the Scriptures to them. I would get them to memorize certain Scriptures relating to the subject. As the Word filled their hearts, they were built up and made complete in this area.

Truly, this living, breathing Word of God has power to change our lives. Let’s drink in the truth as we read it again from another two translations…

Knox, “Everything in the Scripture has been divinely inspired, and has its uses; to instruct us, to expose our errors, to correct our faults, to educate us in holy living; so God’s servant will become a master of his craft, and each noble task that comes will find him ready for it.”

The Message, “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”

Love from NANCY CAMPBELL

Above Rubies, www.aboverubies.org

PRAYER:

“”Thank you, Lord, for your living and active Word which is able to fully equip me and my children for the work you have planned for us.”

AFFIRMATION:

I’m equipping my children for life with the anointed and inspired Word of God.

*Other Scriptures about Sound Doctrine:

Proverbs 4:2; Isaiah 28:9-19; John 7:16-17; Acts 2:42; Titus 1:9; 1 Timothy 1:10; 4; 6, 13, 16; 6:1-3; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1: 9;2:6-8; 2 John 1:9.

+What is THE DAILY LIGHT? It is a daily devotion with a Morning and Evening reading comprising of Scripture verses on a particular theme. We love to use it because it is the Word of God, not someone else’s interpretation.

How can I get hold of THE DAILY LIGHT? Go to www.aboverubies.org and click on ON-LINE SPECIALS. Or call 1 877 729 9861 to order by credit card.

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