Today’s Verse—2 Timothy 3:16
God has breathed life into all of Scripture. It is useful for
teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our
mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again.
It is useful for training us to do what is right.
Here are some facts you can find in just about any encyclopedia:
• The Monroe Doctrine was enacted on December 2, 1823.
• The quadratic formula is represented by this equation:
For ax2 + bx + c = 0, the value of x is given by
• One of the chief exports of Madagascar is cloves.
Do you ever wonder how you’re going to use some of the information you learn? Do you think that knowing the fact about cloves will someday help you get your dream job? Unless your dream job is being an exporter in Madagascar, that’s unlikely. While knowing history, math, and geography are all very important because they can help you understand the world better, sometimes it’s hard to imagine a use for some of the information.
That is never true of knowing the Bible. Studying the Word of God will help you in many areas of your life, every day. The Odyssey episode* “The Bible Network” (album 56) takes a look at 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is inspired by God, and is valuable for teaching us truth, for exposing our sin, for correcting us, and for training in righteousness” (PARAPHRASE).
The episode illustrates a different part of this verse.
In the game show “Who’s the Real Sheep?” the contestant had to figure out who the false teachers were. The Bible will help you recognize the truth as well as the lies. “BSI: Bible Study Investigation” showed how the Bible exposes the sins of stealing, pride, and envy. The Bible won’t let you get away with sin, because God knows how destructive it can be if it goes unchecked. The Bible can help you recognize your mistakes and correct them. “Boot Camp” has a sergeant who trained his soldiers to do what is right. The Bible can be your spiritual exercise machine. It will keep you in shape so you don’t slack off and get out of good spiritual habits.
Loquacious Learning with Eugene
My area of expertise is computer technology. I have studied, at length, computer hardware, software, programming, and areas of computer technology that have yet to be conceived. I rarely learn something new about computers. But the Bible is different. Every time I study it, I come away with something I never noticed before. It’s always a breath of fresh air.
The Bible is worthy to be studied. Read it carefully. Ask a knowledgeable adult if you have any questions. Get involved in a group Bible study so you can discuss the Bible with others. You’ll use this information for the rest of your life!
Daily Challenge
Memorize the Bible theme verse word for word until you have it down. Recite it in front of your parents or friends; then try reciting it backward!
• • •
Bible Theme Memory Verse—Psalm 119:89
Lord, your word lasts forever. It stands firm in the heavens.
* To find this episode from album 56 and other episodes, visit www.whitsend.org/vault.