Perfected!

Perfected!

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. 2 Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 KJV

Context:

Paul writes to his protégé Timothy, who he had spent time teaching and training in the way of the Lord. He had laid his hands on Timothy, who had received God's gifts to bless the lives of those he was called to serve. Paul takes time to warn him, as well as those of us reading these words now, that perilous times are here. If God could send these words about 2,000 years ago, imagine how true and relevant they will be now. God leaves us in no doubt as to what is ahead, so we can make up our minds how we want to respond. In the light of all that is going on around me, with the seemingly careless attitude to sin, am I really ready for the return of Jesus? 

Message and Response:

Paul warns about these times we are in, but he also prescribes the only medication that will enable us survive the trouble that is coming: the Word of God. Paul warns Timothy: continue in those things you have learned and become assured of. It is not about what I say, or ask you to do, but that which you have found out to be true. There is a danger to raising a dependent generation, which is unable to think for itself. It does not search the scriptures for itself, but would rather depend on a man for guidance on what to do. When you have a man with allegiances and uncertain priorities telling you what to do, how can you confirm God's mind if you do not seek it for yourself?

It is the Word of God that can make a man wise unto salvation. The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but for all who have come to know the power of the cross, you know you cannot do without that start. Why is the Word of God this important:

1. Doctrine - the foundation of the church is set on the teachings of Jesus. All doctrines of the church, its beliefs and practices must be based on the Word of God. It is not the vain rantings of a man, no matter how popular or powerful, but the gleanings from the life of Jesus. If he is the perfect example, his life and practices must be perfect lessons for all who claim to follow him. 

2. Reproof - this is seen as an expression of blame or disapproval. God's Word is not complete if it has no warning or correction to make in me. If I think I have arrived, and have no need for caution, then I am in danger of destruction. God's Word must be able to correct me when I have done wrong. If it cannot, maybe I was never God's child. He who God loves, he is able to discipline. 

3. Correction - this is the action/ process of correcting something or effecting a change that rectifies an error or inaccuracy. Closely related to reproof but this time, it is the Word of God that confronts falsehood or heresy with its own consistency. I may be swayed by the strength and logic behind wrong teaching, but as I go back and study the Word of God, clarity will come and the premise of the wrong teaching will be addressed. But as was said earlier, correction can't come if I don't search the Word for guidance. People of Berea were not swayed by the education or eloquence of Paul; they searched out the scripture for themselves to see if the things Paul said were true. Picture that church and tell me how false doctrine or heresy will be established if they continued to search out the Word of God on a daily basis. Can I walk in the same path as the people of Berea? Is all I know about God what 'they said'? 

4. Instruction in righteousness - and for my daily walk of righteousness, the Word of God is the only tool. Yes, life may call for different reactions at different times, but you cannot go wrong with the guidance of the Word of God. We make the wrong assumption that the Word of God, physically written down centuries ago, does not have the answer to the issues of today. We forget that it is called the Word of God, the contemporary and eternal God, who speaks into the end even before the beginning began. There are at least over a thousand verses of the old testament that were actually repeated in the new testament, and there are also several other parts of the new testament that are still awaiting fulfilment. That tells you that the Word of God is more than words; it is the person of God himself, by which the earth and the heavens were made and sustained. When I have that Word, I have all that I need for life and Godliness. Without the word, I am like a ship cast out to sea without a compass and an anchor. The waves will eat me alive. I dare not look into the eye of the storm without adequate preparation, and I cannot be fully prepared for that which is ahead, without the help of the One who speaks into the future because he owns, holds and controls it. 

You will notice that there is no OR between all the four points above. You cannot pick and choose that which makes you comfortable; in fact, if the Word of God makes you too comfortable, watch it. It is a means of constant self-examination; you never get to a point where you think you have it all figured out. Until the day the Lord comes for me, it is a daily call to examine myself to see if I am still in the faith. The same verse in the Word of God may call me to order, and yet be a word of encouragement and comfort to another person. It could wound me so it can heal me, and the same word can become instruction for another. All the four points above work towards the stated end: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. That which the Word of God cannot save, it cannot bring into eternal life. Whatever it is that denies the impact of the Word of God, that thing is beyond saving. If the Word of God cannot convict me, then it cannot save me, and if it cannot save me, then I am not fit for the kingdom of heaven. After all, the Word of God is Jesus himself, and if he is not my Lord and Saviour, how do I claim that which is only available in and through him? 

As long as I seek perfection, this is only available in the one whose word is perfect and all his ways are just. And it is ALL parts of it, not just the lovely Songs of Solomon, but even the accounts of wars, with God directing the utter destruction of nations. As I read these words, it is clear to me that only a daily walk with God will preserve my life from evil. A lot is going on around me and a lot of uncertainty around the events of the end time. I hold on to the Word of God. All that is here now  has been foretold by him so there is no surprise. Do I seek perfection? Do I seek impact as defined by God, not man? The answer lies in the Word of God. His time of favour is here.