God’s Word Is Not Chained
Join
with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a
soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his
commanding officer. Similarly, anyone
who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by
competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to
receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will
give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised
from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am
suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is
not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in
Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Here is a trustworthy
saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will
also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are
faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Keep
reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling
about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best
to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be
ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter,
because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
2 Timothy 2:3-16
Be
diligent in your reading of the Bible. Search for the truth at all times. Don’t
be chained by your own rules and life. Become unchained. Look for the truth. Do
not take a careless, inattentive approach to the Bible. Let the Bible drive
you, and that will allow you to embrace the relationship you have with God.
Are you
taking the time to study the Bible? Are you taking the time to seek His
approval of what you are doing with your life?
God speaks to those who take time to listen,
and He listens to those who take time to pray.
Our Daily Bread –