“All” Means All!
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2 Timothy 3: 16
Parts of the Bible tend to be avoided by readers like “the begats”
(the Old Testament genealogies), the “pots and pans” sections of
Leviticus dealing with religious rituals in the tabernacle, certain
of
the minor prophets (when was the last time you read Nahum?),
and apocalyptic literature like the book of Revelation.
But one three-letter word invalidates
all excuses for avoiding certain parts
of the Bible.
And that word is “all” in 2 Timothy 3:16. There Paul says
that “all” Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for
doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction. This includes
genealogies, Leviticus, minor prophets, and the book of
Revelation—along with other
portions of Scripture that
tend to be among the least read.
When reading unfamiliar or challenging
portions
of the Bible, begin by praying with the psalmist:
“Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things
from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).
Consider using a year-long Bible-reading plan
that takes you through the entirety of the Bible.
Ask God to show you new truth from passages
with which you are most unfamiliar.
"Hit-and-run Bible reading
can
often become hit and miss."
John Blanchard
