8. VALUE AND UTILIZE SCRIPTURE

2 Timothy 3:14-17 "But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, ¹⁵ and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.¹⁶ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Value your early training in the Holy Scriptures, either from godly parents or those teachers God brought into your life. Be appreciative of those who by example and Word instructed and shepherded you. Do remember the cost to them, and their full capacity of knowledge and unstinting imparting of Scripture truth. You owe so much of what you are today to their love and faithfulness.

Continue in the teachings of God's Word. Let the Scriptures be your unfailing resource - it will keep your discernment ability sharp so that you won't succumb to subtle errors.

Don't abandon the great truths of the faith that you have learned "and been assured of" (epistothes - only here in N.T) - "to be made sure of a thing". There is great strength and comfort in being, by personal experience, fully assured. As you share Scripture truth with confident certainty, the Holy Spirit gives to the blinded, spiritual insight, and to fellow believers clearer understanding of Scripture truth.

Proclaim what the Bible says, only the Holy Scriptures are able to make men "wise for salvation". The truths of God's Word prepare and direct to Christ. The Word of God spoken by the enablement of the Holy Spirit becomes a living force in people's lives. The Word of God preached by you brings understanding of salvation "through faith which is in Christ Jesus". You should be enthusiastic that the Holy Spirit uses you to bring faith to others by hearing the Word of God through you (Romans 10:17).

Utilize the Scriptures in your own life - they are "all" "given by inspiration of God" (Lit "God-breathed"). The Bible should be greatly valued by you as authored by God Himself. What an incredible gift of His love to you. It is God's intention that you utilize its spiritual nourishment (Matthew 4:4), and its equipment for service.

	Use Scripture to show you God's truth.
	Use Scripture to reprove wrong teaching, and anything it exposes in your life that is displeasing to God.
	Use Scripture to correct your mistakes - it will show you what is right.
	Use Scripture to train you in the detail of God's standards of right living.
	Use Scripture to become complete, mature, let them work complete dedication in you.
	Use Scripture as God's supply of all your personal needs, counselling, directives, and to make you skilled and capable for your work of service.

	Who are the ones who have helped you most by example and instruction in the Scriptures?
	Do you joyfully thank God for your teachers and their integrity and faithfulness?
	How vital do you regard time spent studying the Scriptures for your personal enlightenment?
	Do you know well the great teachings of Scripture? Do you spend time revelling in them?
	What would you name as essential doctrines of the Bible? Do you teach them with confidence?
	Do you believe the Bible is God's instrument given to you to make your hearers wise unto salvation which is through faith unto salvation?
	Would you describe the Bible as absolutely reliable, trustworthy, and authoritative?
	Do you respond positively to reproof from the Word of God?
	Do you reprove those who devalue the Word of God?
	Do you recognise and expose wrong teaching?
	Are you open to correction of your mistakes, by God's Word?
	Do you let the Word of God decide what is right for you?
	Do you use the Scripture to train yourself to live God's way?
	Are you allowing the Scriptures to shape and mature you for the tasks God has for you?