Friday, 1st September, 2023
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV).
The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, said, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Notice that he emphasizes showing yourself approved, not unto men, but unto God. This means you’re to present yourself to God as one who’s ready and trained for the work of the ministry, soul winning and discipleship.
There’re those who only study the Scriptures to preach; yes, this will benefit others because it’s the Word, but it is crucial that you consciously build yourself with the Word; allow the Word to work within you first! Merely being a conduit for the Word isn’t enough; how about your personal growth? You have to build your spirit with the Word.
Building yourself involves allowing the Word to mould and shape your character; allowing the Word to build your person and frame the way you think and live. The Word of God must determine your priorities and interests and regulate every area of your life.
In Romans 12:2, the Word shows you how to cultivate the right thoughts and experience continuous transformation: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
By studying and meditating on the Word you establish proper priorities and align your interests with godly principles. The concluding part of our theme scripture talks about “…rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMPC).
The Bible instructs that the servant of the Lord must be apt to teach (2 Timothy 2:24). So, most definitely, you have the responsibility to teach and build others, but it begins with you. Build and edify yourself with the Word of God, and also build and edify others.
PRAYER/CONFESSION
"Dear Father, as I build myself with your Word, I experience its transformational power in my character; my mind is renewed, and my priorities are aligned with your divine principles. Thank you for the enablement to teach and share your Word effectively with others to build their faith strong, in Jesus’ Name."
FURTHER STUDY
2 Timothy 2:24 (AMPC); Psalm 119:11 (KJV); Romans 12:2 (KJV); Colossians 3:16 (KJV)
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
1 Corinthians 15:35-58 & Proverbs 8-9
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Luke 20:9-18 & 1 Samuel 20