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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
There are several "lonely" portions of God’s Word. They are lonely because they are seldom visited. Some are lonely because of their seeming boring repetitiousness, lengthy genealogies, or they seem so self-explanatory. Others are not visited because they make one feel guilty, or just nervous or uncomfortable. Being comfortable with our Christian label has been sold as part of the package of being converted, being baptized, joining the church, etc. We subconsciously stay away these lonely ones. Something inside us is saying they could apply to us. Some scriptures we may visit regularly - we have become old friends. Although in their case familiarity does not breed contempt, our circles of scriptural friends is very restricted and prejudicial.
Other scriptures are blessed with a visit, but very, very short visits - short enough to say "hello..", greet, and leave quick enough to avoid a confrontation with our conscience. We are not really related - often not friends, or even acquaintances. Sometimes these lonely scriptures are complete strangers. And yet, they are the ones that might save us. There are some that really seem to cut. How do we - we as believers in God, Jesus, and - the Bible - respond when we read the following:
"Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action)" (2 Timothy 3:16).
In this one verse we have a capsulated description of the origin, purpose, and the proper use of the Bible! Most would probably give a quick accent in agreement with what the Apostle Paul says to Timothy, and rush on for another short visit to another lonely scripture. It would be profitable for me and for you to pause for a longer visit with this one.
Lets consider what has been said, and apply it to ourselves - even if it does hurt when we are cut. That is its purpose for its being in the Bible (Hebrews 4:12). If we stay long enough, it will be for our good - if we do not resist (1 Thessalonians 5:19).
What more can possibly be said about the scriptures of the Bible than this: they are "God-breathed". When Jesus appeared to the disciples in the upper room, He "breathed on them" and they received the Holy Spirit. To receive the Holy Spirit is to be breathed into by God, and to read the scriptures that have been breathed by God, the scriptures can become living words in us. They can then be part of us in their meaning, and in their affect. They are part of us - they become the living Word living in us. This being so, they become "profitable" to us. Most of us know what a profit is. Most would like to have more profit, and sometimes a lot less loss! The profit they provide us with is "instruction". Most know what instruction is. Most of us have had some of it at one time or another. At times it can be difficult to receive, understand, or appreciate - depending upon the relative value we assign to it. Most of us have been willingly instructed, although there are some who have been forced to be instructed. Hopefully, we as Christians are, or can be, willingly instructed by God’s Word. Instruction includes the actions that follow.
The first purpose of God-breathed instruction, for our profit, is "reproof and conviction of sin". This is the first, and primary purpose for the scriptures. We read and/or hear them. We are reproved for our sin, and then convicted by the Holy Spirit with our spirit. This is part of the function of the Holy Spirit - He convicts all the world of sin, where we are wrong, or going astray, etc., contrary to God’s will (John 16:7-8). If any of us feel that we have no sin to be reproved of, then we NEED reproof There are some who apparently feel they have no sin. They feel that Jesus died for their sin, and therefore their sin has been removed as far as East is from the West. This is true. But when we are convicted of a wrong (a sin) by the Holy Spirit, we must confess it and forsake it. Otherwise, we are lying to ourselves - and to Jesus Christ (1 John 1:8-10). There is a particular condemnation for all liars waiting (Revelation 21:8). We who call ourselves "Christians" should be more reproved and convicted of our sins than anyone because we are enlightened to recognize and know what they are - and the more so, as we grow in grace and knowledge! We must allow the scriptures, that are breathed by God to reprove and convict us of our sin, so that we may repent of it, and grow more and more into His image.
Next in sequence as given in this scripture is the "correction of error". This implies the correction of anything in our lives or our thinking, attitudes, beliefs, etc., that may be somewhat less serious, but none the less things that need to be repented of, and resolved to change with the aide of the Holy Spirit. To do this requires a "discipline in obedience". Obedience in big and small things must be the goal for all of us. Small things have a way of becoming large things. Ask anyone who has been addicted. It often begins small, but becomes very large. Obedience is the goal. Without obedience, what does God have? He would have sons and daughters running around for eternity, doing their own thing. Just one of the lonely ones tells can explain why (Judges 21:24-25). Look at the sky tonight - is there anything that does not obey its Creator? That is the reason they are at peace - with Him. So can we be. Obedience is the thing - in everything.
Everything up to this point becomes "training in righteousness" The training up to this point is designed to produce just one thing - righteousness - God’s righteousness. Notice it is all a matter of training. And training in righteousness leads to holiness. And holiness leads to seeing the kingdom of God (Hebrews 12:12,14; Romans 6:19,22). It is not a matter of coasting because it was all settled long ago. That which only coasts, soon stops. That which stops does not long endure. It is only those who endure to the end - whenever that may be for each of us - who will be saved (Matthew 10:22).
There are many more "lonely scriptures" in the Bible. A lonely scripture can eventually create a very lonely Christian. May we find them. And visit them often. And when we do, may we stay for a long visit - even if they hurt us. Do not be offended, and refuse to return, but come back often. Build a very close and loving relationship.
They are probably the ones we need to visit with the most...
"For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it-though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."- 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
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