Text: Psalm 119:105-128, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 2:8-9
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the [wo]man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV, brackets mine)
This passage in 2 Timothy paints the Bible as a sort of Swiss Army knife for believers – every essential tool we need, right here in our pockets. And, in a very real sense, that’s true. God’s Word is living and powerful and it never fails, and as women of the Word we praise God for it. But have you ever wondered if God’s Word has any value outside of the Church?
In the boundless world of the internet, with its countless users sharing countless opinions, the conversation is ever-going: Is the Bible even relevant anymore? Are we really still taking orders from a thousands-year-old text? The fundamentalists and the progressives, the evangelicals and the post-evangelicals, those on the left and right and in the middle all toss in their two cents. And when the dull roar of the crowd seems especially loud, we may find ourselves tucking the Book’s leather cover out of plain sight – not necessarily embarrassed, but maybe feeling something akin to it… Confused, conflicted or just plain tired?
This is when we need to hear the Spirit-inspired words of our Brother, the apostle Paul, rise loudly above the crowd:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… (Romans 1:16)
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (2 Timothy 2:8-9, emphasis mine)
Sisters, this Word is not just for us. This Word is for your boss and my neighbor, my cousin and your friend. This Word is for the world.
Has the Bible endured and is it enduring? One thousand times, yes! Truth is truth, in any language. Heart-wounds need healing and souls need freeing in every single country on this spinning globe – so thank God His Word is not bound! It is not governed by time or geography, not subject to our circumstances or even our understanding. The Story of Stories is not bound. Period.
May we grow to believe this even more and, by God’s grace, may we never be ashamed. Amen.
I think it’s not just about social media, it’s about living a life reflective of the gospel. Part of the reason people get frustrated with social media sharing is because those same people don’t always see the real life application of it. Gods word stands on its own, but we must be careful not to get in the way…if that makes sense.
You’re all so inspiring and so correct! This text will always be relevant, that’s why it is our guide in life. I always think about the generations to come. How will the bible interact in their lives?!
Social media and such a powerful tool nowadays and often times it is used the wrong way. I share daily my devotions, scripture and what God is doing in my life. I have been scolded, mocked and made fun of because of my sharing. But I will not stop because I am not ashamed, because God’s word is powerful and because so many are in need of the salvation God has to offer. We are living in a dying world and we know the One who offers LIFE! We must not back down when it comes it His word.
You go, April! God’s word is always worthy of preaching!
I see God working in my heart and mind. This morning I was recalling how much I loved these short songs in this praise book when I was a teen. And here tonight I come across several of the verses those songs are from.
He is truly our shield and the Bible our sword. God’s love and word is enduring and consistent and I am singing and rejoicing in that!
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.
125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.
All these things I send up prayers of thanks, and petitions for strength.
Absolutely love this read! Such good stuff. Loveeee Roman 1:16 and I’m becoming more and more bold about having the Word all over my social media. I encourage you to post everything in love
WOW. This is so true! I love how SRT puts it exactly how everyone in this word does. “Are we really listening to 1000 year old text?” That is the one sentence rant stood out to me. My answer to that is yes, yes we are. And I’m not ashamed at all. Because God’s word lives forever and always will.
We read the truth. That is exactly why this awesome app is called She Reads TRUTH. Because God’s word, bible, sword is 100% true!
I couldn’t have said it better Caroline!!