This post will be short because some things don’t really need a lot of explanation. That is the way with the Scriptures, some things don’t really take a lot to understand.

In fact it is a good rule of thumb that when you read the Bible, if you think you understand what a verse means the first time you read it, then the odds are good that’s exactly what it meant.

Yeah, I know that sounds silly and certainly there can be exceptions but sometimes I think we “over read” the scripture; reading more into it than is really there.

In my humble opinion, that can be much more dangerous than missing whatever “hidden meaning” we think might be there.

The following Scripture is a pretty “straight forward” instruction and can be understood readily enough.

There is truth in it that we can apply to ourselves right away, but there is also a lot more that we can gain by studying further the verses before and after what I have copied here. (I’m intentionally trying to get you to look it up for yourself…Hint Hint)

Also, insight can be given by studying the individuals and groups involved; the writer and the intended recipient or recipients -which in this case is Paul and Timothy, but that shouldn’t change the meaning only clarify it more.

One last thing, The following Scripture I have used as an example for my instruction for reading the Scriptures, but the real purpose for its being here is that I have felt through the Holy Spirit that someone specific needs to be reminded of it. I pray that individual (individuals?) receives it well and to God be the Glory.

2^nd Timothy 3:16 – 4:5

¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

¹I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead ^£at His appearing and His kingdom: ²Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. ³For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; ⁴and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. ⁵But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.