Obedience is Derived from Good Information

Photo by Karl-Ludwig Poggemann

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Insights: Today we finish our 2 Timothy study.  Specifically today we are looking at how obedience is actually derived from good information.  Good information comes from two sources.  The first source is the people with whom we associate.  There is an old adage that says you become like the people with whom you spend the most time.  If you hang around bad people, you are going to likely become bad.  You hang around wealthy people, you are probably going to become wealthy.  You hang around good people, you will likely become good.  Paul is encouraging Timothy to remember those people like his mother and grandmother as a source of inspiration for Him as he proclaims Jesus.  People are not the only source of information which leads us to a life of obedience.  The second source is God’s Word, the Bible, directly.  Notice God’s Word is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.  I want you to notice, however, Paul is not telling Timothy it is just okay to hang around the right people.  It is equally not okay just to become knowledgeable about the Bible.  These relationships and God's Word ought to push us toward obedience.  We ought to be compelled to serve Him.  In fact, this truth is the final part of verse seventeen.  This individual that hangs around the right people and studies the right Book are then adequate and equipped for every good work.  We are not called to sit on the sidelines.  We are called to serve.  Beloved, let us serve well and all for His glory.

Questions:

 1. Who has mentored you in your spiritual life for whom you are grateful?

 2. What lessons have the Scriptures taught you recently?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the people You have put in my life.  Thank You for giving me Your Word, the Bible.  Thank You for growing me into the person I have become for You.  May I walk obediently as a result of all You have dispensed into my life.  Amen.

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