Receiving Correction & Instruction

Prov 15:32

He who neglects and ignores instruction and discipline despises himself, But he who learns from rebuke acquires understanding [and grows in wisdom].

Being corrected is never pleasant. We often will accept instruction from someone we respect, but to receive correction or criticism from someone who has a “beam in their own eye” is very difficult. We may even cast off their words with disdain or indifference. But the wise person who desires to grow will listen, “The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure) Will remain among the wise.” Likely, the words they speak often have merit. They may not be delivered in kindness, and may even be misplaced, but in them are elements of truth that we need to correct. A wise person will take correction (No matter how it is given), and take to God is prayer and ask God to examine their heart and do what is necessary to correct what God shows. A heart that fears God, will demonstrate a life of humility and be willing to receive instruction regardless of its source.

All Scripture

 2 Tim 3:16
 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness.

Many people have a horse to ride when it comes to preaching the Bible. There are some preachers that you know will be preaching on praising God, another preacher will preach on hellfire and brimstone as their preaching legacy. As a person who believes that Christian should live with a perfect heart toward God and live holy and blameless, I like to focus on those parts of the scripture that emphasizes behaviors that are unspotted from the world.  Preaching Jesus, the good news of salvation is also at the top of my list, and to me should be the center focus of all scripture. What good is it to live a sinless life (avoid sinful acts) if you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior. You can praise God morning, noon, and night, but if Christ does not abide in the heart, our praises are clanging cymbals. Yes, we must never get away from being part of the Vine, a part of Christ. For those who abide in Him, all scripture is given to us for instruction to live pleasing to God. We find answers to life problems, we are comforted by His promises, and stand corrected when we mess up. His word is full of grace and mercy, it will lead the sinner to repentance, and provide the believer with instructions to walk according to His precepts. ALL SCRIPTURE, the whole counsel of God is provided for us to make it into the Kingdom of God.

His Word is Profitable

 2 Tim 3:16

 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Many find inspiration from God’s word. Words of encouragement, promises of comfort during difficult times, words that lift the spirits. The word of God brings hope to many in a world that is lost and hurting. But His word has much more to give. It is God’s instructions for life. It is our manual for living, teaching us how to act and treat others, how to talk, how to make good decisions, things we should do and things we should not do. The world is no friend of God, and is opposed to anything that is holy and righteous. It may have a form of godliness, but they deny the power of God, and the truth of the Gospel, that Jesus is the only way to heaven. No man can come to God, except through Christ.