Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; 1:1-3; Psalm 19:1-14; 119:1-11; 89-105; James 1:2-25

2 Timothy 3:15b … you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture (God’s Word – the Bible) is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God (those in the family of faith – God’s children) may be complete, equipped for every good work. (Thy Word is true from the beginning – Psalm 119:160 / Thy word is truth – John 17:17)

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit (the spiritual), joints and marrow (the physical). It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account. 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens-- Jesus the Son of God-- let us hold fast to the confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time.

Hebrews 1:1 Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways (remember the burning bush from last week – Exodus 3). 2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. 3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. 3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard (physically/audibly). 4 Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun… 6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat. 7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one's life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold-- than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey, which comes from the honeycomb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them. 12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 119:1 How happy are those whose way is blameless, who live according to the LORD's instruction! 2 Happy are those who keep His decrees and seek Him with all their heart. 3 They do nothing wrong; they follow His ways. 4 You have commanded that Your precepts be diligently kept. 5 If only my ways were committed to keeping Your statutes! 6 Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all Your commands. 7 I will praise You with a sincere heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes; never abandon me. 9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. 10 I have sought You with all my heart; don't let me wander from Your commands. 11 I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:89 LORD, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth, and it stands firm. 91 They stand today in accordance with Your judgments, for all things are Your servants. 92 If Your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, for You have given me life through them. 94 I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked hope to destroy me, but I contemplate Your decrees. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your command is without limit. 97 How I love Your instruction! It is my meditation all day long. 98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. 99 I have more insight than all my teachers because Your decrees are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the elders because I obey Your precepts. 101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow Your word. 102 I have not turned from Your judgments, for You Yourself have instructed me. 103 How sweet Your word is to my taste-- sweeter than honey in my mouth. 104 I gain understanding from Your precepts; therefore I hate every false way. 105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.

James 1:2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. 5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him… 17 Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; … 18a By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth … 19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man's anger does not accomplish God's righteousness. 21 Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you. 22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom (God’s Word – Scripture & the Logos) and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer (reader) but one who does good works (God’s will) -- this person will be blessed in what he does.