December 10

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV84) — 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

Most of us know the above scripture. It is a popular one because of its richness. It comes right after the Spirit warns us to watch out for imposters and deceivers. Paul continues to write about the greatness of the scriptures and how they have made us wise unto salvation. The Word of God cannot be underestimated. It is the power of God unto salvation! The Words of God have power – for us who believe. We know that God created everything with Words. He didn’t need to speak, He could have just thought and motioned with His hand, but He spoke and hopefully we understand this important concept of the Kingdom.

Rarely do I hear verse 17 quoted with verse 16 of 2 Timothy. It finishes the thought, and it is aligned with what God has given us as a theme for this year (and hopefully for our lives until we see Jesus), …”grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” It is the work, this “ergon” or “energeo” (we get the English word energy from this word), that God is wanting ALL to enter into.

2 Timothy 3:17 (NIV84) — 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

You can see that the scripture is good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, and that all of this is for something – so we can do our work as equipped people. Although the Kingdom of God is NOT about doing this and doing that or keeping this rule, it is about expending energy in its function and for its (the Kingdoms) expansion. God has chosen us to partner with Him to do the stuff! This isn’t some list that we have to keep or accomplish, but neither do we get saved and learn the Word for knowledge sake. The Kingdom of God MUST move through us towards the world, it presupposes that action! It comes naturally to us! We will not be those who become deceived that it is all about us. Our rich partnership is here, and the Word of God is here to equip us thoroughly.