If you have ever gone exploring, camping, caving, or hiking, you likely have a survival pack or survival gear of some kind; you know, just in case something happens along the way.
In the nineteenth century, a Swiss designer of surgical tools and equipment by the name of Karl Elsener worked for many years on the development of an all-purpose knife for the military. Today, we have the Swiss Army Knife. Think about what all you get with this small but useful tool: a knife, spoon, fork, toothpick, screwdriver, and scissors. Some models actually have a magnifying glass, a ruler, and a pen for writing. Can you imagine all of that in one handy knife? So no wonder campers and hikers use it in the wilderness. This item can surely make one feel ready for anything.
What about being in this sinful world? What do we have to equip us when we need to survive spiritually? Paul wrote in II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”.
The Bible is not a collection of stories, fables, myths, or secular ideas about God. It is not a book of human design. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed his person and plan to certain believers, who wrote down his message for us (II Peter 1:20-21). We understand this process to be called “inspiration.” The writers wrote from their own personal, historical, and cultural contexts.
Although they used their own talents, minds, style, and language, they wrote what God wanted them to write. Scripture is completely trustworthy. How do we know? Because we know that God is the One in charge of the writing. Its words are perfectly authoritative to our faith and lives.
The whole Bible is God’s inspired (God-breathed) Word. We should read it and apply it to our lives. The Bible is the standard by which all else is measured that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teachings and tells us how we should live. It also tells us how we can be saved. Its purpose is to equip us to do that which is good in the world and win others to Christ. Our knowledge of God’s Word is not useful unless it strengthens our faith and leads us to do well.
That word “equipped” in verse 17 means to “furnish or fit completely.” How does the Bible do that for us? It gives us spiritual; it shows that we are imperfect (or incomplete) without Christ; it reveals that we have sinned; and gives us instruction for living the Christian life.
Friend, there is not a more valuable tool that a person can have than that of God’s Word so we may be fully equipped for surviving spiritually and growing personally. It contains everything we need for a healthy soul.
Russ
Russ Vickers is the minister of the Middle Fayette Church of Christ, Fayetteville, Ga. The church building is located in the Glynn-Hood Plaza at 372 North Glynn St. across the road from La Hacienda Restaurant. They invite you come and visit them on Sunday for Bible study at 9:00 a.m. and worship at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday evening Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. They also offer a free of charge DVD based Bible Study at their church building. Just call to make an appointment. Visit them on the web at www.mfcoc.org for the plan of salvation and other information.
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