BENEFITS IN READING GOD’S WORDS

“Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” – 1 Timothy 4:13

There are vast BENEFITS in READING GOD’S WORDS: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim.4: 12-13). Paul told Timothy to “devote” himself to three areas: the public reading of Scripture, which at that time specifically meant the Old Testament; exhortation or preaching; and teaching others. All three aspects are important in the life of a minister: being able to publicly read Scripture, proclaim it, and instruct others accurately. The effectiveness of public reading of scriptures is however premised on the personal habit of regular and sound private reading of God’s Word.

After giving Timothy details on how to choose church leaders and the proper conduct of church members, Paul focused on Timothy's personal spiritual choices and conduct as a Christian leader. Of particular importance was for Timothy to be an example to other believers by live the truth. By devoting himself to these principles, Paul reassured Timothy that he can be a powerful positive influence for Christ. Primary to such a life of witness is the habit of Reading the Scriptures. It is clear that the Scriptures were to be central to Timothy’s ministry; they were to be a part of his lifestyle.

Our attitude to reading God’s Word is a strong indication of how important it is to us. When we humble ourselves before Scripture, acknowledging that it has been given to us by the living God, we will receive innumerable blessings, among which are the following:

SALVATION comes through God’s Word. The way of salvation is clearly revealed by reading the Bible (Jh.3:16; Rom.10:9). We are saved by believing the truth of Scripture whether we read it ourselves or are taught it by someone else: “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1Pet.1:23).

DIRECTION comes from Scriptures. God’s Words guide our steps: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa.119:105). If we read and heed His instructions, He will show us where to go, what to say, and how to make decisions. His Word reveals when we’re heading the wrong direction and warns us of the consequences of continuing down that path.

WISDOM comes from God’s Word: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psa.119:130). Scripture is our greatest protection. It’s like a shield before us, guarding our way and warning of danger. But if we neglect reading and obeying the Word, we won’t be able to distinguish right from wrong.

LIFTING comes from God’s Word. The Living Word lifts our burdens. The Lord is interested in every aspect of our lives, hence we can run to His Word in our pain, grief, loneliness, or sickness and receive help in our time of trouble: “My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word” (Psa.119:28).

JOY flows from God’s Word. Loving His Word, we’ll find great joy and comfort in reading it: “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Psa.119:111). When facing tough, discouraging situations, our first response should be to open the Scriptures. There, we’ll encounter a passage or verse which can restore our hope and joy. Even without a Bible at hand, God can bring to mind the verses that we’ve stored in our hearts. Once we experience how the Scriptures can change sorrow into joy, our love for the Lord and His Word will overflow in praise and gratitude.

PEACE is in the Scriptures. This most desired possession in the world can only be found in the Lord: “Great Peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psa.119:165). The perfect and peculiar peace Jesus promised to His disciples comes only by His Word (Jh.14:27).

God honours and is committed to blessing those who respect and love His Word like their most precious possession.