God’s Clarifying Word // 2 Timothy 3:16

I read a Francis Chan quote the other day that really got me thinking: “Whenever I read the Bible and come across something I disagree with, I have to assume I’m wrong.” We don’t really like to think accordingly, do we? We want to assume we’re right and if something we read runs contrary to our preferences or more “modern sensibilities,” well, you know…

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (NLT). We need the powerful Word of God to reveal what is right and true to us, as well as show us how we need to change. Hebrews 4:12 states it this way: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (NLT).

What do you think when you realize God’s Word is revealing something to you? What about when that revelation is a blindspot? Do you discount it as some ancient text written for a people on the other side of the world? Or do you recognize that God’s Word is for all people over all time? The Bible makes it pretty clear. Will you let it clarify those places in your own life where you need to be corrected and taught? I pray so.