Dr. Charles Stanley's daily devotion today, in truth:
July 25, 2009
God's Scriptural "Benefit Package"2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
This world offers a variety of financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities which all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.
God's plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today's passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.
The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture's basic truths. These fundamental doctrines about God's character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception. Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we at times fall into sin. Then Scripture offers reproof, and we sense conviction about our wrongdoing.
This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides the instruction that we need to make things right.
The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we'll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.
Full participation in the Lord's scriptural benefit package involves three steps: 1) read the Bible each day; 2) believe everything God says in His Word (Heb. 4:2)--not just the parts that appeal to you; and 3) do what God says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.


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