May God Himself Sanctify You Through and Through - Part 693

"Study the Word to show thyself approved, a workman that needs not to be ashamed -- rightly dividing the Word of truth." (II Timothy 2:15) In studying the scriptures, we become -- as believers in Jesus -- more attuned and sensitive to what is right and what is not. Notice that Jesus did not say at any point in His teachings -- to adhere to the traditions of men. Indeed, many times throughout the New Testament, Jesus provided us with examples of the scribes and pharisees -- whose collective desire(s) was to pursue long standing traditions under the Law. 

However, as we have experienced, Jesus came to set us free. Free from the bondage of sin that once entangled us. How do we know this? Because the scriptures are the only authority on which we can form our beliefs -- the written Word of God. This also explains why -- whenever Jesus was confronted with misrepresentations of scripture -- particularly when He was tempted of the devil in the wilderness, Jesus continually stated, "It is written."  Repeatedly Jesus referred the evil one to the scriptures. 

Matthew chapter four elaborates on this. Therein, Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness was tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1) But as we read, every time the devil tempted Jesus, He countered the devils' deceptive interpretations with truth. These truths from the Word of God. Further, while we read that the devil relied on his own interpretation of scripture to promote his collective motives and objectives -- some that may even have sounded somewhat authentic to the unversed listener -- the Lord repeatedly countered this deception with the authoritative voice of the written scriptures -- "It is written."  

What we rarely understand from this passage of scripture is that we too -- as sons and daughters of the Most High King been given the authority and power to do the same. To use the written Word to overcome the evil that exists in this world. But we are encouraged to take hold of the Word -- Jesus - "for we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weakness -- but [rather] we have One who has been tempted in every way -- just as we are - and yet He did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Therefore, search the scriptures for your edification and spiritual well-being. And in so doing, may God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:23) Stand in the offering plate.