Studying the Word of God

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness,” 2 Timothy 2:12-16, KJV.

Knowledge of the Holy Bible comes by reading it, not merely by owning a copy. As new people come to Christ there is a duty to educate and teach the unadulterated word of God. And most who come to Christ, the details of how to live a Christian life is foreign to them. This is why the Bible clearly states that one must study to show oneself approved. Also, this is why the Word must be our daily bread. I know there are many pastors, preachers, and teachers that encourage the daily reading of God’s word, but how many of us do it?

Tithing—this is not accepted by all, but it is clearly stated in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings,” Malachi 3:8, KJV. (Matthew 23:23) Also being mindful of the reason why we’re paying tithes. God does not need our money, He requires our faith. Yes, we have obligations here on earth such as paying light bills, car notes, house payments, but is that more important than God? Who provided the money to us in the first place to pay those other bills? And we can’t spare ten percent? “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts,” Malachi 3:10-11, KJV.

Idol worship—this is not abolished by all Christians either, but the Bible clearly states that you must not have any other god before Him (Exodus 20:3, Deuteronomy 5:7, Matthew 22:37-38). Similar to what is briefly mentioned above, there are cars, houses, jobs, organizations, even children and parents that are placed above the Almighty God. “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me,” Matthew 10:37, KJV.

It takes studying to know what the Word states. God speaks to us through His Holy Spirit and through His Holy Word. When we know the Word, in certain situations scriptures that we’ve meditated on comes to mind exactly when we need them. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you,” John 14:26, KJV. The key word here is remembrance. If we never study, how will we remember?

Overcoming Evil with Good

Romans 12:17-21, KJV 

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

Exhortations to various duties.
About this commentary:

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain.

The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. Depending on Divine grace, they must detest and dread all evil, and love and delight in whatever is kind and useful. We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love. This denotes the love of parents to their children; which is more tender and natural than any other; unforced, unconstrained. And love to God and man, with zeal for the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining superior skill.

God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit. He is honoured by our hope and trust in him, especially when we rejoice in that hope. He is served, not only by working for him, but by sitting still quietly, when he calls us to suffer. Patience for God's sake, is true piety. Those that rejoice in hope, are likely to be patient in tribulation. We should not be cold in the duty of prayer, nor soon weary of it. Not only must there be kindness to friends and brethren, but Christians must not harbour anger against enemies. It is but mock love, which rests in words of kindness, while our brethren need real supplies, and it is in our power to furnish them.

Be ready to entertain those who do good: as there is occasion, we must welcome strangers. Bless, and curse not. It means thorough good will; not, bless them when at prayer, and curse them at other times; but bless them always, and curse not at all. True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other. Labour as much as you can to agree in the same spiritual truths; and when you come short of that, yet agree in affection. Look upon worldly pomp and dignity with holy contempt. Do not mind it; be not in love with it. Be reconciled to the place God in his providence puts you in, whatever it be. Nothing is below us, but sin. We shall never find in our hearts to condescend to others, while we indulge conceit of ourselves; therefore that must be mortified. (Ro 12:17-21)

The Importance of Prayer

Matthew 26:36-46, KJV

36Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

40And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

43And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

Prayer is dialogue with God. No matter what may be going on in our lives, we must keep the lines of communication open with our Father. Although the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak which makes it ever more important. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).