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 good work.1
I’ve heard this statement from people, “I am a child of God although I don’t know much of the Bible.” Rather than argue the idea, let me posit some rhetorical questions—as a parent do you invest time and effort that your child may grow in character and skill? Do you educate your child? Do you save up for their University or Post Graduate? God willing, would you desire an Ivy League school for them? Why?
Among others, there are 2 benefits for increasing in the knowledge of God: One, growth in your relationship with God; Two, ability to stand firm when hardship, persecution, and suffering come.
1. Growth in your relationship with God. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 Let them praise the name of the LORD! For he commanded and they were created.3 God is exalted above all things when we give thanks to his Name and his Word.4 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my Word and the Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my Word. And the Word that you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.5
2. Ability to stand firm when hardship, persecution, and suffering come. Paul never worked alone. In the book of Colossians and Philemon he mentions men with him; among them was Demas.6 Yet years later while awaiting his execution, Paul pleads for Timothy to come soon as Demas, in love with the present world, had deserted him.7 I wonder if Demas had understood that there will come times of difficulty,8 or was he aware that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted?9 Paul warned Timothy and encouraged him to continue in what he had learned and firmly believed.10 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.11 Furthermore, he said to be sober-minded and endure suffering.12 Truth is your firm foundation and your sure hope!
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.13 He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.14 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. He has said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?15 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see an almond branch.” Then the LORD said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it”.16
Notes:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. John 1:1
3. Psalm 148:5
4. Psalm 138:2
5. John 14:23-24
6. Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24
7. 2 Timothy 4:9-10
8. 2 Timothy 3:1
9. 2 Timothy 3:12
10. 2 Timothy 3:14
11. 2 Timothy 4:3-4
12. 2 Timothy 4:5
13. Proverbs 30:5
14. Psalm 148:6b
15. Numbers 23:19
16. Jeremiah 1:11-12
