The Right Approach
Ezra 7:10 is one of those passages that challenges me and I use to challenge others. The order in which Ezra approached the Word of God is instructive.
The Approach Repeated, sort of…
One of the steps I cover in the workshops is that the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. I love it when I find examples of that reality. This afternoon I was working on curriculum again and saw a mirror image of Ezra’s approach to the Word in Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5.
Do First, then Say…
I cannot tell you how many times I have read and or studied 2 Timothy, just finished this week. I have never seen the connection between 3:14 – 17 and 4:1 – 5 until this afternoon. Part of the reason is the unfortunate chapter division. It breaks Paul’s thought. I should know better. One of the things I harp on is to ignore the chapter and verse divisions. This is why. It is easy to miss connected thoughts.
But the main thought is for Ezra, Paul, and Timothy, our impact as believers issues from the application of Scripture in our own lives. As Prof succinctly said, we have no business sharing or teaching something that we are not doing.
Ezra 7:10 is one of those passages that challenges me and I use to challenge others. The order in which Ezra approached the Word of God is instructive.
- He set his heart
- He studied
- He practiced
- He taught
The Approach Repeated, sort of…
One of the steps I cover in the workshops is that the Bible is the best commentary on the Bible. I love it when I find examples of that reality. This afternoon I was working on curriculum again and saw a mirror image of Ezra’s approach to the Word in Paul’s exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5.
- Continue in the things you have learned
- You have known the sacred writings
- All Scripture is inspired profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness
- Preach the Word in season and out of season
Do First, then Say…
I cannot tell you how many times I have read and or studied 2 Timothy, just finished this week. I have never seen the connection between 3:14 – 17 and 4:1 – 5 until this afternoon. Part of the reason is the unfortunate chapter division. It breaks Paul’s thought. I should know better. One of the things I harp on is to ignore the chapter and verse divisions. This is why. It is easy to miss connected thoughts.
But the main thought is for Ezra, Paul, and Timothy, our impact as believers issues from the application of Scripture in our own lives. As Prof succinctly said, we have no business sharing or teaching something that we are not doing.
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