Articles
Thoroughly Equipped
It has been said that the Bible is the most read book in the world, and the least believed.
John tells us why he wrote the gospel of Jesus. He said, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The Old Testament was also written for our learning (Rom. 15:4).
If it is true that the Bible is the most read and least believed book in existence it is a truly sad commentary on the willingness of mankind to equip themselves for today and for tomorrow.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Adam and Eve, Abraham, Moses, Balaam, the children of Israel, king Saul, king David, king Solomon, the young prophet, the Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, tax collectors, the rich young ruler, the woman caught in adultery, Peter and many more received God’s word that they might be equipped for every good work. Some received that word and believed to obedience, while others brushed it aside, overlooked, or neglected to take heed.
Adam and Eve had been thoroughly equipped by God’s instruction, yet they failed by doing the one thing God told them not to do (Gen. 3:6).
God (through Moses) had equipped Israel:
See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. (Deu. 30:15-18)
While it is certain that you do not know what tomorrow may hold, God does. And whatever may come on the morrow, God’s word will give you the faith, strength, and wisdom to be warned and to be thoroughly equipped.
Studying the weather will not prepare you for an earthquake. Studying your retirement portfolio will not prepare you for a pandemic. Studying national politics will not prepare you for a foreign attack. God’s word is the all-sufficient source to prepare you for your future.
After Paul had been stoned and left for dead, he reacted by, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’” (Acts 14:22).
Studying God’s inspired Scriptures will thoroughly equip you for every good work whether it be in blessed times or in times of trials and tribulations.
