Titus 1:9–A Call to Bible Study

Titus 1:9–"He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as it has been taught, so that He may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it."

Paul's entire letter to Titus is about leadership in the Church, in particular, qualifications and responsibilities for leaders.  This passage, from the first chapter, gives us a distinct and certain exhortation about the need for sound biblical knowledge.  The necessity of the Bible cannot be overstated.  Aside from prayer and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is the single most vital resource for Christians in regards to learning who God is and who we are in Him.  We must not ever lose sight of this.

Recognizing the utter importance of sound biblical knowledge in the life of the believer prompts me to ask some simple, contemplative questions:

• Have you read the Bible today?
• Have you read every book?
• When was the last time you read an entire book of the Bible in one sitting?
• Are there parts of the Bible you don't know well?
• have you memorized any verses lately?

Ultimately, the Bible is our toolbox and our weapon.  We must become totally acquainted with so that we could wield it expertly and appropriately.  I don't ask these questions to convict but if you are convicted, then...you know what needs to be done.

2 Timothy 3:16-17–All Scripture is God-Breathed

2 Timothy 3:16-17–"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

God's Word, His written testimony about HImself for mankind, is a purposed work.  In other words, Scripture is not whimsical or haphazard but it is highly and directly intentional.  Every bit of Holy Writ, from Genesis to Revelation, was written at specific times and for a particular purpose.  In the very least, the purpose of Scripture is about conveying certain historical information.  However, this is just the basic.  Every bit of Scripture also serves to impart specific theological information as well.  It is this theological information that Paul is referring to in 2 Timothy.  This is why it is so vital that we would commit to reading Scripture and making it a foundational part of our lives.