Laboring For The Truth Of The Bible

When the truth of God’s Word is communicated through writing or speaking, the power of it can bring very positive results. But before we look at the results, we must be clear about the source. 2 Peter 1:19-22 says, “We have a prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” The “morning star” refers to Jesus. This is the absolute truth of God! It is not human opinion or relative truth based on the world’s culture, and it does not change from generation to generation!

How does the truth of God’s Word benefit the hearer or reader? First of all, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 mentions four distinct ways. “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,  for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” It is metaphorically like a two-edged sword, used by the Romans in the time of Christ. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active, sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Second, it is the source of hope. Romans 15:4 reads, “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

Third, it has broken us free from the law. “If a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under the law, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.” (Galatians  3:21-22).

Fourth, the truth of the Bible gives direction for life.  It is “a lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105).

How does one go about sharing the truth of God’s Word with others? 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word, be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”  However, there is a right and wrong way to do this. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 tells us how. “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” 

After saying all of this, it is well worth the effort, wouldn’t you say, to labor in giving out the Good News of the inspired scriptures to a world looking for peace, hope, and salvation. The world could use a heavy dose of James 1:21. “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save your souls.”

For those of us who labor in spreading God’s truth, here are a couple of  verses to keep in mind.

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain”(1 Corinthians 15:58).

“My word that goes out from my mouth, it shall not return empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it”(Isaiah 55:11).

Like the articles on this site that are read by readers all across the globe, they will accomplish God’s purpose in the lives of people. You may be one of those readers. It is time and labor well spent!