(The following is the September 15 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 Thessalonians 2 and pay close attention to verses 13-16.)
What do people think about the Bible? Some passionately oppose it and readily speak against it. Perhaps their opposition stems from adherence to another religion with its own “sacred” writings. Many oppose it because it directly confronts the sins they love. Others may reject the perfect God revealed in the Bible due to the unchristian actions of self-professed (but possibly false) believers.
You may also know people who seem to be indifferent regarding the Bible. Perhaps they didn’t grow up in a home where the Bible was revered or taught. They may come from a culture, country, or region with little exposure to God’s Word. Some are legitimately ignorant of its contents through no conscious, active rejection on their part. Others may see it simply as ancient literature written by men with nothing extraordinary about it compared to any other ancient literature.
Christians accept God’s Word differently than those above. Because God has opened our eyes through faith, we receive it like the Thessalonians: “This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe” (v. 13). Therefore, we believe Scripture’s testimony about itself that every word of God is pure (Prov. 30:5-6), inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17), living and effective (Heb. 4:12), and will never pass away (Luke 21:33).
The Bible isn’t merely human writing. It is the eternal truth God has chosen to reveal to us. Let us cherish and obey it as such.
Next Step:
Read the following passages and reflect on the significance of God’s written Word: Proverbs 30:5-6; Luke 21:33; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Revelation 22:18-19.
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