THE BIBLE MUST BE READ

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” – 2Timothy 2:15

LIGHT FOR NOW: The bible must be read.

The word “study” in the above text (which was translated from the Greek word “spoudazo”) implies eagerness to make an effort. It is a word used for diligence. Paul later used this word “study” in chapter 4 of the same epistle: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me” (2 Timothy 4:9). “Do thy diligence to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). The word “diligence” in the two texts listed above was translated from the same Greek word “spoudazo” which was translated as “study” in 2Timothy 2:15 by the King James Version of the bible. In essence, Paul’s instruction to Timothy (a minister of the gospel who was a mentee of his) emphasizes that the study of the scripture must be with a quality of diligence. That is, the bible should not be read casually or haphazardly; the bible must be read diligently.

In other words, bible study must be done with the quality of diligence. No wonder Paul’s letter says in 2 Timothy 2:15 “…rightly dividing the word of truth”. You can not rightly divide what you have not rightly studied.
Thus, diligence in bible study is what will take away errors in bible interpretation. Notice, if the word of truth can be rightly divided (which is a product of diligence in study), then the word of truth on the other hand can be wrongly divided (which is the product of lack of diligence in the place of study). Outside the place of diligence is bible study, don’t aim at rightly dividing the same. Therefore, bible study is not a kind of study that should be done casually or carelessly; bible study demands diligence; it must be done laboriously and an attentive approach to details for proper comprehension is very vital. Studying God’s word first of all begins at reading it, studying cannot be done outside reading. The bible must be read. No wonder Jesus Christ always responded to question passed to him by the Pharisees and Sadducees with the statement, “have you not read”? Glory!

INSTRUCTION: When reading the scripture, be sure to rightly divide it.

CONFESSION: Father, I receive the grace to rightly divide your word, in Jesus Name, Amen.

QUOTE: The bible must be read.

DAILY READING: MORNING: COLOSSIANS CHAPTER 1; EVENING: COLOSSIANS CHAPTER 2