Joshua 1:6-9; Psalm 1:1-6; 2 Timothy 3:15-16
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, Feb.15

“Most people lack a spiritual hunger for God’s Word. These people view the Bible as neither an enjoyable nor a desirable activity.”

That quote appeared in the lesson outline on the prep sheet provided to me for this assignment. Several years ago, in an edition of Gallup’s Emerging Trends newsletter, the pollster revealed that, as a percentage of the population, there are as many people attending church today as there were in the late 1940s. In fact, he said that “the last 50 years have been the most ‘churched’ half-century in U.S. history.” Not much has changed since that 1997 report was published, and that’s the good news.

The bad news, however, is that even among Christians there is extensive biblical illiteracy. According to the data, most professing Christians do not know the basic teachings of their faith.

Religious researcher George Barna tells us that this elemental ignorance is “damaging the impact” of Christians on our culture, and that unfortunately, non-Christians see little difference in the life-styles, values, and attitudes of Christians. Because most Christians do not know the basic teachings of their faith, says Barna, “they can’t think like a Christian, they can’t act like a Christian. And because they don’t act like a Christian, they can’t have much impact on the world in which they live.”

This week’s lesson is aimed at reversing the biblical illiteracy that is so pervasive today. Perhaps, it can only be reversed one church at a time or one person at a time. Perhaps, the reversal can begin in Sunday School class this week as your students are offered compelling reasons to read the Bible and to read the Bible often.

One of those reasons is found in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is ... profitable.” The word translated “profitable” means “advantageous” or “beneficial.” Verse 16 could be translated like this, “All Scripture is ... ‘advantageous’ to those who apply it to their lives.” Or, “All Scripture is ... ‘beneficial’ to those who use it as a basis for what they think, what they say, and what they do.”

That’s why I’m in vocational ministry today. That’s why I study and prepare hour after hour, week after week. That’s why I see Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night as so important. That’s why I encourage folks to attend worship and Bible study.

When we cut to the heart of the matter, the bottom line is not about biblical facts or biblical stories, but rather, “What difference does this make in my life? How does this apply to me?” The fact that the Bible is true is important, of course. However, does the truth of the Bible relate to my situation? Does the truth of the Bible affect the circumstances that engulf the arena of my existence?

I believe Paul was addressing those kinds of questions in his letter to Timothy. Timothy lived in a world of suffering. The society in which Timothy resided was pounded with a constant barrage of slick-talking, self-promoting messiahs who promised ultimate solutions, yet left their adherents more confused and impoverished than ever.

Amazingly enough, it is in this hellish quagmire that Timothy discovers a sweet-smelling rose. The apostle Paul says, “Timothy, I know you live in a topsy-turvy world. I know that crazy, senseless things are happening at every turn. That is why, Timothy, I point you to the Scripture. That is why, Timothy, I point you to the Word of God – the Word that you were taught as a child, the Word that stood as a sure foundation for your mother and grandmother (3:15). Timothy, I point you to the Bible because the Bible is a sure foundation for you as well. In fact, Timothy, the Bible – if you follow it – will place you at a great advantage in life.”

Listening to what the Bible has to say about the issues that confront your life will give you the greatest edge in answering those issues. Someone once wrote, “The vitality of the church is directly related to the teaching ministry. Every healthy, wide-awake church actively and aggressively promotes the Bible study ministry. Any church or individual that is not committed to communicating the Bible to its congregation is dying a slow and ugly death.”

Give your students compelling reasons to read and study the Bible. Several such reasons are found in Psalm 1:3. First, the Psalmist tells us that reading and studying the Bible will produce personal stability. Those who read and study the Bible will be “like a tree firmly planted.” The tree referenced here is most likely the palm. Have you ever noticed that palm trees grow in deserts and along coast lines? Heat can’t kill them and hurricanes can’t knock them down. Perhaps, you have seen stability wings on submarines and large boats? What we think we need is smooth sailing. However, what we really need is stability for the rough seas of life. That stability comes through consistent Bible reading and study (see Isaiah 26:3, II Chron. 20:12b).

Second, the Psalmist tells us that reading and studying the Bible will produce personal satisfaction. This tree is “firmly planted by streams of water.” “Streams of water” refers to artificial canals dug to irrigate dry, parched land. You may be in a kind of wilderness, but daily interaction with God through His Word will bring rivers of refreshment to the mind and heart (see Isaiah 55:1-3b, John 7:37-38).

Third, the Psalmist tells us that reading and studying the Bible contributes to successful living in three ways. One, successful living has to do with timing. Verse 3 tells us that this tree “yields its fruit in its season.” The idea is not merely that of timing but of proper timing. Doors may not open as you want; opportunities may not come the way you think they should; others may seem to be passing you by – but for those saturated with the Word, God’s timing is impeccable (see Gen. 21:1, I Peter 5:5-7).

Two, successful living equates ongoing effectiveness. Verse 3 says that the “leaf” of this tree “does not wither.” This tree is perennially green. A person’s abilities may vary from one season of life to the next, but those who are constantly nourished on the Word always have an adorning impact. You may not be able to do what you once did, but you can pray, write a letter, use the phone, sing a song, and encourage others in many ways. The believer who is strong in the Word is perpetually useful.

Three, successful living has to do with achievement. Verse 3 says this person “prospers in whatever he does.” The word translated “prospers” in Psalm 1:3 is translated “prosperous” in Joshua 1:8. The word means to accomplish what is intended. Your idea of what is intended may be different from God’s idea, but those who stay in the Word are guaranteed that their lives will not be lived in vain. There are no failures with those who follow God and feast on His Word (Psalm 138:8).

How do you describe interaction with God through His Word? Enjoyable? Desirable? How about, “Bible study is utterly essential for those who are seeking the best life has to offer?”