All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
— 2 Timothy 3:16,17

In yesterday’s Sparkling Gem, we looked at the power that is resident in the Word of God, by studying the phrase, “For all scripture is given by inspiration of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16). Today let’s go further to see what else Paul had to say about the power of God’s Word.

When Paul wrote to his second letter to Timothy, he gave Timothy the ultimate remedy for the problems that were assailing his congregation in Ephesus. In Second Timothy 3:16 and 17, he wrote, “For all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

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In verse 17, Paul told Timothy — and every believer — that when someone seriously applies the truths of the Bible to his life, those truths will “thoroughly furnish” him “unto all good works.” The words “thoroughly furnished” come from the Greek word exartidzo, which means to completely outfit or to fully equip.

At the time this verse was written — just as is true today — there were simple boats that weren’t designed to go very far and that certainly wouldn’t survive a storm at sea. On the other hand, there were other boats that were fully equipped with sails, rudders, and other types of equipment — ships designed for long-distance sailing and for making it through the worst storms. With this in mind, the Greek word exartidzo pictures a simple boat whose owner chooses to outfit and equip that ship with gear. As a result, a once-simple boat becomes completely equipped and fully supplied, giving it the ability to sail through rough waters, travel long distances, and survive even the worst of storms.

We are living in a season of storms in these last days. Like it or not, times have become turbulent; the waves are getting higher; and it is essential that we be adequately equipped for these times. Those who are “thoroughly furnished” are the only ones who will successfully make it through the storms of life. If this exhortation was needed in the early days of the Church, imagine how much more needed it is in these latter times!

God places a crucial choice before you: Ignore what He says in His Word and remain unequipped for this hour we live in — or make God’s Word the sole authority in your life and steadfastly obey its commands. If you will choose the latter route, you will become thoroughly furnished to go the whole distance and to make it through any storm that comes your way. You’ll be well-equipped and outfitted to stand your ground, maintain your position, complete your journey with joy, and experience victory with the assignment God has given you to fulfill.

It’s up to us to make the Bible our absolute authority and allow it to thoroughly equip us. As we do, we will safely sail through these times and rise above the waters of destruction to take our God-ordained position in His plans and purposes. God’s Word will cause us to be buoyed above the perils of this hour, sustaining us in victory when everything around us seems to be sinking!|

MY PRAYER FOR TODAY


F
ather, I thank You that the Word of God thoroughly furnishes me to rise above the perils of this hour. There is no doubt that turbulent waters are in front of us, but the Word of God makes me well-equipped and outfitted to sail through the densest darkness and to sail across the greatest storms. Without Your Word, I am ill-equipped to travel long distances or to survive strong storms, but with Your Word working in my life, I have all the spiritual gear I need to make it all the way to my ultimate destination. Thank You for giving me Your Word — for equipping me with everything I need to sail through rough waters and to survive even the worst of storms!

I pray this in Jesus’ name!

 

MY CONFESSION FOR TODAY


I acknowledge that we are living in a season of storms in these last days. Like it or not, times have become turbulent, the waves are getting higher, and only those who are adequately equipped will make it to the other side. I boldly confess that I will not only begin the journey, but in Christ I am “thoroughly furnished” and will complete it. Because the Word of God is hidden in my heart and is a light unto my path, I will not fall, I will not stumble, and I will
not sink. The Word of God enables me to ride high above the waves, and it will take me all the way to the other side to God’s ultimate destination for my life.

I declare this by faith in Jesus’ name!

 

QUESTIONS FOR YOU TO CONSIDER

  1. From your own observation and experience, how would you describe the difference in the life of a believer who rarely reads his Bible and that of a believer who regularly reads his Bible and takes it deep into his heart?
  2. Think of a time in your own life when your intake of the Word was less than it should have been. How did your failure to regularly feed on the Word affect you during that time in the different areas of your life, such as your intimacy with the Lord, mental and emotional well-being, physical health, finances, relationships, etc.?
  3. From your own personal experience, how would you describe the effect that a regular, rich diet of God’s Word has had on your life during those times when you have been faithful to spend daily time fellowshipping with Jesus in prayer and in His Word?