Introductory Thoughts
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture . . . is profitable.” No portion of scripture is irrelevant or unnecessary. This is not to say that some passages are not difficult or even labourious to read. The Bible contains a variety of different subjects and historical events. Some passages read very easily and offer great encouragement while others serve other purposes. Nevertheless, it is expedient that God’s people read “all the words” of the Bible. When Joshua stood before the people and read the scriptures, the Bible states, “There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel” (Joshua 8:35). He read “the blessings and cursings” (Joshua 8:34). In like manner, it is important for New Testament believers to read all the words of God.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): During the reign of some of the wicked kings, the Bible points out that Gods word had been forgotten. Fortunately for Israel, Josiah was a godly king. He ordered the temple to be cleansed and repaired. Hilkiah the priest found the book of the law and gave it to king Josiah who read all the words to the people (2 Kings 23:1-2).
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(For everyone): If God took the time to give us every word, what does it say about the condition of our hearts when we refuse to read each of those words?
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What sections of scripture do you find more difficult to read? Do you skip those sections when reading through the Bible? Will you repent of this sin and read all the words?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you long for every word of God (Proverbs 30:5).
- Take time to thank God for carefully giving us every word.
Song
I'LL NOT GIVE UP THE BIBLE
