of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (I Peter 1:23). The primary purpose of God's Word is to use it in order to lead men to know Christ as Saviour intimately by faith. The Bible is what we must feed upon. It is the pure Word of God. “The Bible is a loaf, each chapter is a slice, and each verse a mouthful and a bite.” Paul reminds Timothy that the Bible is good for correction. Some people go off on a tangent so long that they fail to realize how they destroy the empha sis on the Word of Qod. The Scripture is applicable for instruction in right eousness. It is like a discipline; it makes for right habits. We begin with teach ing and go on to conviction and cor rection in righteousness. This occupa tion with the Word of God will not eventuate in “lopsided” Christians but in well-balanced, poised children of God, fortified, nourished, and sustained by God Himself. But there is also a great obligation which rests upon us. Look at the first two verses of the fourth chapter. In view of the Lord’s superintendency and oversight, His scrutiny of all of our activities, we are to preach the Word, to make it plain and simple, giving it forth as a good householder would meat in due season. A dear saint who lived in-Old Eng land in the times when men had to ask permission to preach, was brought before the bishop. He said, “We under stand you are not heeding the rules of our church government. You are preaching Christ too many times!” He replied staunchly, “I am only preach ing Him twice.” “Only twice?” was the response. With a smile, the minister replied, “Yes, in season and out of sea son.” Then sometimes we must speak with the necessity of reproof and rebuke. People don’t like this today; it is not a popular ministry. You remember how Nathan pointed to David and said, “Thou art the man!” Notice how void of prepositions that sentence is. Ex hortation is to be coupled not with getting red around the collar but with
longsuffering. Many preachers rebuke without teaching. Both of these minis tries are to be given their proper per spective. We are to preach this Word not be cause of what it is but because of the responsibility God places upon us. The Lord gives us a warning as to the time when men will not endure sound doc trine. Today the very ones we used to look to as the “vanguard,” giving forth the truth in clarity, are now trimming the sails, and toning down the message. They are rethinking rather than re affirming the truth. Today men want guides who will indulge them, flatter their pride and human sinful nature. Such preaching does not ultimately lead to a pure morality. It is that which causes one to give heed to fables rather than to higher proofs. Mr. Cunningham served with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in China. While talking with a native he told him that he must trust Christ. But the missionary was told in re sponse, “You’ve been here with us for only three days and yet we don’t hear a single thing out of you but Christ; all the time Christ! Why don’t you preach something else?” Without an swering his question Mr. Cunningham asked him in return, “What did you eat for breakfast today?” The surprised native shot back, “rice,” “And what did you have for dinner?” he con tinued. “Rice,” was the answer. “And how about supper?” “Rice, of course,” he replied in agitation. “Do you mean to tell me you’ve had rice for all three meals?” the missionary said with a friendly smile. “Don’t you get tired of rice, rice, rice?” By now the native was exasperated. “Why no, of course not. Rice is life to us; we could not live without it.” “Even so,” the missionary replied with conviction, “Jesus Christ is life to us; we could not live without Him!” Yes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc tion, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 9
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