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
Psalm 119:97-104 (97)
97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.
100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.
102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.
103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.
I remember well times in the past walking hand in hand with my little boys. Whether it was in a crowded mall, or across a busy boulevard I would hold out my hand and they would grasp it as well headed toward our destination. I could telegraph to them my intentions by putting pressure on one side of their hand or the other, by twisting the wrist one way or another. They could sense when it was time to speed up or slow down simply by the pressure of my hand surrounding theirs. I also remember well the times when they felt secure. It was during these times when they would start to twist their hand and try to slip out of my grasp. In those times they no longer wanted my guidance. A little boy was standing with his father near the Grand Canyon. “Let me take your hand,” said the boy to his father. “No, let me take yours,” replied the wise father. So God says He will take our hand. Although we may be spiritually sluggish and slow to grasp the Father’s hand we can only be secure when we feel his Divine grasp and know that we are on the path he has prepared for us. By being sensitive to the Spirit, and observant students of His guidebook we can be sure that our feet will not slip. He has given us the Word of God which is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psa. 119:105).
Dr. Gayle Woods
