How can we faithfully steward the "oracles of God" in our lives today? What Are the Oracles of God? - Romans 3:2: “Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the oracles of God.” - The phrase refers to the inspired Scriptures—God’s very words—entrusted first to Israel and now to every believer. Embrace the Gift with Gratitude - Receive the Bible as divine speech, not mere literature. - Psalm 119:162: “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great spoil.” - Cultivate thankfulness each time you open its pages. Listen Attentively - Set aside daily, unhurried moments for reading (Psalm 1:2). - Prioritize public reading in worship and family settings (1 Timothy 4:13). - Let the Word dwell richly by memorizing key passages (Colossians 3:16). Handle the Word Accurately - 2 Timothy 2:15: “rightly handling the word of truth.” - Observe context, genre, and original intent before drawing conclusions. - Compare Scripture with Scripture, like the Bereans (Acts 17:11). Submit Our Lives to Its Authority - James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” - Measure every belief, attitude, and decision against the text. - Adjust opinions to fit Scripture rather than twisting Scripture to fit opinions. Guard the Deposit - 2 Timothy 1:13–14: “Guard the good deposit…with the help of the Holy Spirit.” - Resist cultural pressures that dilute or distort biblical truth. - Support accurate translation, faithful teaching, and careful preservation of manuscripts. Teach and Share Faithfully - Deuteronomy 6:6–7: impress these words on your children. - Speak Scripture naturally in conversations and counseling (Colossians 3:16). - Mentor younger believers; lead Bible studies with clarity and love. Rely on the Spirit’s Illumination - John 16:13: the Spirit guides into all truth. - Ask for understanding each time you read. - Depend on His power to obey and to explain Scripture to others. Live Transparently before the World - Philippians 2:15–16: shine as lights, holding forth the word of life. - Integrity validates the message; hypocrisy discredits it. - Good works adorn sound doctrine (Titus 2:10). Persist to the End - Hebrews 2:1: “We must pay closer attention…so that we do not drift away.” - Maintain regular patterns even when enthusiasm wanes. - Finish the race still treasuring the oracles of God (2 Timothy 4:7–8). |
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