Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

— 2 Timothy 3:16,17, HCSB 

THE TESTIMONY

The word of God is like a treasure-house. It is a light that shineth in darkness. It is better to neglect anything of a temporal nature than to neglect to search the Scriptures. God has appointed that through the study of the Bible, important truth shall be communicated to his human agents. My heart aches as I see that even among those who claim to be looking for Christ’s appearing in the clouds of heaven, there are those who permit their minds to be taken up with that which is merely fictitious. The world is full of such books.

Those who make no decided effort, but simply wait for the Holy Spirit to compel them to action, will perish in darkness,.. We would ask those who are hoping for some supernatural work to be done, who simply say, “Believe, believe,” Have you submitted yourself to the revealed command of God? The Lord has said, “Thou shalt,” and, “Thou shalt not.” 

There is work, earnest work, to be done for the Master in overcoming evil habits that are condemned in the word of God, and in doing those good things that are there commanded. Individually, you must battle against evil, wrench yourself from all hurtful associations, study God’s word, and pray for divine aid to war against the world, the flesh, and the devil. You need daily light from God to fight the good fight of faith. 

Can you not hear his voice in his word? If you will use God’s appointed means, and diligently search the Scriptures, having a determined purpose to obey the truth, you will know the doctrine whether it be of God; but God will never work a miracle to compel you to see his truth. 

The Bible, just as it reads, is to be our guide. Nothing is so calculated to enlarge the mind and strengthen the intellect as the study of the Bible. No other study will so elevate the soul and give vigor to the faculties as the study of the living oracles. 

— The Review and Herald, September 28, 1897 

THE RESPONSE

Search the Scriptures. God communicates important truth through the study of the Bible.

Submit yourself to the revealed command of God. The Lord has said, “Thou shalt,” and, “Thou shalt not.”

Study God’s word and pray for divine aid to war against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Hear God’s voice in His word. Diligently search the Scriptures having a determined purpose to obey the truth.