How often does the wisdom of the Bible flow into your words?

When we are in Christ to instruct, we get the Word into our words. The Word represents the vertical, our words the horizontal. We are to keep reminding others of what we glean from the Word, warning them before God against quarreling words that have no value and actually ruin those who listen (see 2 Timothy 2:14). Paul instructed Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This helps us avoid godless chatter in our words, empty talk that left unchecked perpetuates a progressive ungodliness (see 2 Timothy 2:16-18). Instead, we confess Christ who cleanses us to be used for God’s purposes (2 Timothy 2:19-21).

The apostles of Jesus who were used for God’s purposes, communicated we are equipped to instruct others when God’s Word gets into our words. Peter taught God’s Word is true (see 2 Peter 1:19-21). Paul stressed all Scripture is inspired by our Creator and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so all who are in Christ may be thoroughly equipped for every good work, including the instructing of future generations (see 2 Timothy 3:16). The writer of Hebrews noted God’s Word is living and active, able to sharply penetrate the heart, judging its thoughts and attitudes (see Hebrews 4:12). When God’s Word gets into our words, we are equipped to instruct others.

First, get into the Word. Delve into a book in the Bible that you could apply to the needs in your life. If you need wisdom, pursue Proverbs or James; if joy, read Philippians; if freedom from the penalty or power of sin, dive into 1 John, Galatians, Ephesians, Hebrews, or Romans; if motivation to reach others, seek inspiration from 1 or 2 Peter; if a better understanding of the heart and life of Christ, comb the Gospels or Colossians; if working through challenges in ministry, study 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, or 1 and 2 Corinthians. While these books of the New Testament cannot be limited to their aforementioned topics, the point is that you can gain restoration and guidance from the Scriptures.

Second, memorize a verse to assimilate the Word into your words. Speak them humbly and wisely. The more you get into the Word, the more it will get into your words, replacing godless chatter and making you useful for God’s purposes.

Episode 31: In Christ To Instruct from mitchkrusetv on Vimeo.