II Timothy 3:14-17 (16)
14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Employee benefits that we often think of first are health insurance, paid vacation time and paid sick leave. Other perks might include the use of the company car, free meals, discounted products, a retirement program, free or discounted daycare for your children, etc. Your employee benefit package will vary depending on your employer and on how many hours you work. Some employers cut benefits for part time employees while other employers realize that benefits for part time employees may guarantee that they will be able to retain the employee. It is cheaper to retain than to retrain. Other employers feel that the wage is the greatest benefit and offer no additional perks.
The Word of God has its own benefit package. Although many things could be listed Paul mentions seven, in 2 Tim 3:14-17:
- It is able to lead us to salvation through faith vs. 15
- It is profitable for doctrine vs. 16
- It is profitable for reproof vs. 16
- It is profitable for correction vs. 16
- It is profitable for instruction in righteousness vs. 16
- It will help us be more complete as a disciple of Christ vs. 17
- It will help us be thoroughly prepared to do all good works vs. 17
God’s Word offers benefits that are significant and lasting. They offer true value.
Dr. Gayle Woods
1 Cor 14:8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound , who shall prepare himself to the battle? KJV
A ‘shofar’ is a trumpet, and is made from the horn of any kosher animal, except that of a cow or calf. It is one of the earliest wind instruments known to man. The shofar is mentioned in the Bible from Exodus to Zechariah. It is also spoken of in the Talmud and later rabbinic literature.
It was used to announce the New Moon and solemn feasts. It rallied the men of war in time of battle. In our day, the shofar continues to announce the New Year the new moon, the Sabbath, and to carry out the commandments on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
More significantly, the curved shofar is symbolic of the contrite heart repenting on the most solemn days of Rosh ha Shanah and Yom Kippur.” It represented God’s spokesman through whom God would breathe the Truth. When the shofar sounded the people stopped to listen for it had spiritual significance for their lives.
Paul used this symbol when refuting the practice of speaking in unintelligible tongues during the worship service. This symbol can easily be compared with the preaching of the Word of God. The servant of the most high acts as a conduit through which the truth is communicated. The people are called to arms. Those who are in error are called to repent. Worshipers are called to their place of reverent adulation of the most high. Paul wanted the Corinthian Christians to see that the people had to understand the Word of the Lord in order for it to be effective.
The one who proclaims the truth must lift the shofar to his lips with confidence. The proclamation of the truth must come forth as an accurate, sure, authoritative sound. There is no place for confusion or misunderstanding. People wait eagerly to hear the trumpet blast which gives them direction for life. The Word must be preached boldly by the anointed servant of God.
Dr. Gayle Woods
