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April 6 - Every Good Work
"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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16 - 17)
All Scripture, the entire Bible, was given to us by the inspiration of God, and it is profitable for "doctrine, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" so we would be complete and ready for every good work. But many churches believe that the teaching of the church has to be "seeker sensitive" and make people "happy." What these churches and leaders do not understand is that Israel was led astray when they did not "heed" the Word of God.
"Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth." (Proverbs 5:7)
The Words of God's Mouth are treasure, a light, a guide and everything precious I need to conduct my ministry. Is the Bible the "steering force" in our churches or are opinion polls and the majority vote of the congregation our steering force? Is the Bible the source of wisdom to conduct church board meetings and business meetings, or is human wisdom our source of leading? The Bible says that there will be perilous times when believers and whole churches would abandon the clear teaching of the Word of God.
2 Timothy 4:3 warns us as Christians and churches to beware of drifting from the Word of God. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;..." It is for this reason that instead of preaching about the grace of God, many ministers have chosen to entertain or make people "feel" better. Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel (see Romans 1:18). The gospel that was preached was one of grace of a Holy God who was offended by humanity and sent His Son to pay the debt we owed. Jesus died in fulfillment of Scripture. Jesus often spoke of terms of "it is written" and quoted, as did the Apostles, from the Old Testament. Therefore we should preach and teach the Word of God as written so that we will be prepared for every good work. Otherwise we will only be prepared to entertain the masses with a less than powerful message.
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