IMPACT BY THE BOOK (6)

“Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” – 1 Timothy 4:13

READING is vital to making IMPACT by the BOOK: “Till I come, give attention to READING, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Tim.4:13). Just as the fortunes of God’s people in the Old Testament turned for better or worse on whether or not they were attentive to God’s Word, the inspired writers of the New Testament point out the same need among God’s people today. The attention we give to reading God’s word will determine the extent of manifest blessings in our lives. Paul the apostle instructed Timothy on how to combat false teachings and make God-glorifying Impact in life. Timothy was urged to nurture his faith through reading, exhortation, and teaching, thereby setting a positive example for the believers, and maximizing his salvation.

While the instruction in verse 13 was specifically to Timothy as a young pastor, it holds timeless significance for all believers. It highlights the importance of engaging with God’s Word, both publicly and personally, and grounding our lives in His Truth, as a means of spiritual growth and effective ministry, confirming the power of Scripture to transform lives and shape the witness of the church. Paul taught Timothy to focus on the public reading of Scripture, a common practice in the early church, where the Old Testament was read aloud in gatherings, which underscores the value of making God's Word accessible to all. 

Reading God’s Word is crucial because the Bible is His primary way of speaking to humanity today. It reveals the Saviour and the Good News of Salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection, and that Faith in Him is the path to receiving the gift of eternal life (Rom.6:23; 10:17). Everything begins with and goes back to the Bible. Every aspect of our lives in some way is to be touched by God’s Word. To give attention to reading means to make it a priority; to devote time and effort to immerse ourselves in the Word daily. Just as we need physical food to survive, we need the spiritual nourishment that comes from reading the Bible to strengthen our faith, build our understanding, grow closer to God, and make positive and lasting Impact.

Beloved, let us resolve to develop more respect for the Word of God, to be more patient and attentive when the Bible is being read and taught, to be more consistent in our personal daily Bible reading, to allow the Bible to inform, instruct, enlighten, strengthen and encourage us in all areas of life. If we give more attention to reading, the word of God will ultimately bless us in ways that we have never imagined (Eph. 3:14-21). God’s Word must be central to our lives and to the ministry of His Church.