The ‘epistles’ are letters that teach how to be right with God. It is similar to our natural training, we were taught how to live in this world. In the same manner, we must learn how to live to be right with God in our spiritual life.
Created: Monday, October 31, 2022
STM Bible Snack
- God has breathed life into all Scripture [God gave the writers what to say]. It’s useful for teaching, challenging, correcting, and training people to do what’s right, 17 so that the servant of God will be completely prepared to do everything [that is] good. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (RAD) [read 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (16-17)].
Letters That Teach How To Be Right With God
Did you know each of the letters contains advice on how to live to please God? From Romans to Jude, each of them gives guidelines for Christians so they can learn how to be right with God. I say this to help those that believe that all we have to do is “join [a wrong concept; you are born into the church, you cannot join] and go to church”, be nice to people, and follow his laws.
I want to belong to him. In Christ, I am right with God, but my being right does not come from following the law. It comes from God through faith. God uses my faith in Christ to make me right with him. Philippians 3:9 (ERV) [read Philippians 3:1-11 (9)].
OK, maybe that’s not what you believe, but so many seem to think God does not demand that we live a certain way. So the letters give us guidance. Of course, they include words to encourage, inspire, praise, and more.
Paul gave four keys that tell us what the word of God is for. Let’s focus on the four points:
- Profitable {useful} for doctrine {teaching what is true}. Spiritual guidance on how to act, talk and think.
- Reproof and training, i.e., a conviction of sin; showing people their mistakes and what is wrong in our lives.
- Correction, i.e., discipline in obedience; they help us improve and change our ways. As well as correct our faults and mistakes.
- The letters are for instruction {training} in righteousness, which means holy living; right living.
Please take time to digest this inspired Bible snack. Have I made you aware of something that you had not considered?
Letters that teach wrap-up
It does not matter what we think about the need to change or not change, it is clear that the ‘letters that teach’ taught the need to change. Do not be like those whom Paul warned Timothy about in 2 Timothy 4:4 those who “turn their ears away from the truth, and shall turn aside to myths”.
Preach the word. Be ready to serve God in good times and bad. Correct people’s mistakes. Warn them. Encourage them with words of hope. Be very patient as you do these things. Teach them carefully. 3 The time will come when people won’t put up with true teaching. Instead, they will try to satisfy their own desires. They will gather a large number of teachers around them. The teachers will say what the people want to hear. 4 [Sadly,] The people will turn their ears away from the truth. They will turn to stories that aren’t true. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 (NIRV) [read 2 Timothy 4:1-8 (2-4)].
So please, accept the truth and allow these letters [that teach], God’s Word, to help guide you to live a life that pleases God. That way you will continue to be right with God! I pray that you have enjoyed and will make the most of this Bible snack. Blessings to you and your loved ones—♥ Tim. ☺
Study Resources: ‘ESV Introductions to the Books of the Bible’.
Related studies/lessons/snacks for further Spiritual growth:
♥ A question for Letters that teach: Do you have areas in your life that you need to change?
See what is available on the Sound Truth Ministry website.
