"And that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV). "And that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV).
Webster defines wisdom as: "Accumulated philosophical
or scientific learning." Too, I have heard wisdom described
as "applied knowledge."
The apostle Paul told Timothy that the scriptures
are able to make one wise unto salvation. This is the wisdom that
is to be desired above all else, for this salvation continues
beyond this earthly realm into eternity: salvation from the consequences
of our sins; salvation from the clutches of Satan's grasp, which
ultimately results in an eternal hell, separation from God, Christ,
and the redeemed of all ages.
James tells us: "If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth
not, and it shall be given unto him. But let him ask in faith,
nothing wavering." James 1:5-6. Our God does not want us
to be ignorant of things spiritual. On the other hand, we must
apply ourselves to the task of learning God's Word. "Study
to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy
2:15.
A young mother came to me, with tears in her eyes,
and said, "Brother Hiser, I don't know the scriptures like
I should. Can you help me?" Of course, I was only too glad
to assist her in a course of personal study. It is no shame to
be ignorant; it is a shame to remain ignorant of the scriptures!
Many years ago, God lamented, through His prophet
Hosea, "My people are destroyed through a lack of knowledge
..." Hosea 4:6. This lack of knowledge resulted in God's
rejection of them as His own people. Brethren, if that was true
in Hosea's day, how much more is it true today! Jesus told the
people in His audience: "Search the scriptures; for in them
ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify
of Me." John 5:39.
Indeed, eternal life can be found through a study
of the scriptures, just as Paul told Timothy. It cannot be found
in the wisdom of this world. For years, our brethren have bemoaned
the fact that our children who enter college are woefully ignorant
of the rudiments of the Holy Word. Sadly, in many cases, parents
are no more ably equipped to pass the tests which were given to
their children. David declared: "The law of Thy mouth is
better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Psalm
119:72.
This old world has many tools to draw God's people
away from the word. Therefore, we need to be urgent in all seasons
to encourage each other in the study of the scriptures. Our very
souls depend on it! "Blessed is he that readeth and they
that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which
are written therein: For the time is at hand." Revelation
1:5. - 5636 Cherrywood Dr., Lorain, OH 44053.