Growing Our Knowledge of God 增进我们对神的认识
Dexu Xia
Present yourself to God, . . . a worker . . . who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 .
Today's Scripture 2 Timothy 2:14-24
Today's Insights In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we find both the source and the purpose of the Scriptures: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The words of the Bible have been breathed out by God, revealing Himself to us so that we might be completely equipped for serving Him. As we come to know who He is, we’re encouraged to love and serve Him with our whole hearts. This idea is underlined by Peter: “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!” (2 Peter 3:18). As we mediate on the Scriptures, God will help us discern its truth and grow in our knowledge of Him.
Today's Devotion As soon as I jumped into the pool, my goggles filled with water, and I could barely see. Despite having no formal swimming instruction, I slowly persevered for the two laps of a race I had entered on a whim. Years later, after taking lessons and learning the proper breathing and swimming techniques, I enjoyed learning all four competitive swim strokes.
What a difference it makes when we have the proper training. The same applies to reading the Bible. When we understand the context and meaning of what we’re reading, we can properly apply it to our lives.
Paul wanted Timothy to stand firm in his faith, avoid quarrels, and not be deceived by false teachers. In his final letter, the apostle urged Timothy to study the Scriptures: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
As I learned and practiced proper swimming techniques, I became a better swimmer. In our spiritual walk, as we learn and understand the words and concepts in the Bible, we grow in our knowledge of God—enabling us to distinguish truth from falsehood and gain wisdom. As we read Scripture, let’s continue to grow “so that [we] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:17).
Reflect & Pray
How often do you read the Bible? What have you learned lately as you read Scripture?
Dear God, please help me to learn more about You through the Scriptures.
By Nancy Gavilanes
“要将自己呈献给神……作一个……按正意分解真理之道的工人。”（提摩太后书2:15 ）
今日经文：提摩太后书2章14-24 节
今日洞见： 在提摩太后书3章16-17节中，我们找到了圣经的来源与目的：“圣经都是神所默示的，于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义都是有益的，叫属神的人得以完全，预备行各样的善事。”圣经的话语是神所“吹出”的（即默示的），借此向我们启示祂自己，好使我们能完全装备好去服事祂。当我们逐渐认识祂的本相时，我们便会受到激励，全心全意地去爱祂、服事祂。彼得也强调了这一理念：“你们却要在我们的主救主耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进。愿荣耀归给祂，从今直到永远！”（彼得后书3:18）。
当我们默想圣经时，神会帮助我们辨明其中的真理，并增进我们对祂的认识。
今日灵修 我刚跳进泳池，泳镜里就灌满了水，几乎什么也看不清。尽管从未受过正规的游泳训练，但我还是凭着毅力，慢慢游完了那场比赛规定的两个来回，那是一场我一时兴起报名参加的比赛。多年以后，在接受了专业课程指导，学会了正确的呼吸与游泳技巧之后，我兴致勃勃地学会了全部四种竞技泳姿。接受了正规的训练，效果真是截然不同。
读经也是如此。当我们理解了所读经文的背景与含义时，就能将其恰当地应用到我们的生活中。 保罗希望提摩太能在信仰上站立得稳，避免无谓的争辩，也不要被假教师所迷惑。在他写给提摩太的最后一封信中，这位使徒敦促提摩太要研读圣经：“你当竭力在神面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人，按正意分解真理的道”（提摩太后书2:15）。
正如我通过学习并操练正确的游泳技巧，最终成为了一名更优秀的泳者一样。在我们的属灵旅程中，当我们学习并领悟圣经中的话语与概念时，我们对上帝的认识便会日益加深——这使我们能够辨别真伪，并从中获得智慧。因此，在研读经文之际，让我们继续不断成长，“好叫[我们]得以完备，预备行各样的善事”（3:17）。
反思与祷告 你多久读完一次圣经？最近在研读经文时，你有什么新的领受？ 亲爱的上帝，求祢帮助我借着经文，更多地认识祢。
作者：南希 戛维雷恩斯