(2 Timothy 3:15-17)

Equipped to work for God,
do what he wants us to;
he gifts us, but he gives his Word
to train us through and through.

These writings holy are
told to us on his breath,
and they are able to make wise
and lead to saving faith.

Time given to read will profit –
his purposes we learn,
surrounded by ungodliness
to truth and light we turn.

Here taught the way to live
– rebuke is safe and kind,
correction lifts from foolish slide:
well-trained in heart and mind.

I want to live for him,
God’s man or woman, I
would live by faith, believe his word,
its teaching well apply.

Tune: SM

The devil is skilful when spreading his lies.
For true understanding, to truly be wise,
when puzzled, bewildered, your thinking unclear –
God’s Words can enlighten: attentively hear!

– to learn more of God, and to learn of his ways;
to learn why we often have troublesome days;
informed of God’s standards, and government sure,
full gracious salvation for ever secure;

to see far more clearly the devil’s design,
perceive I am weak, need instruction divine,
to pity the foolish who live for men’s praise,
for comforts and pleasures of transient days.

So, every backslider, remember the past, –
the fellowship shared with Christ Jesus surpassed
the comforts and luxuries praised by the throng:
let God be your Portion, Instructor and Song!

Hebrews 1:1-3
Increasing revelation,
the gracious preparation
for coming incarnation –
the Father’s final Word:

complete illumination,
a perfect presentation
of God, propitiation –
salvation’s finished work.

God’s words are precious gold
– in Christ they all unfold,
the New explains the Old:
feed on the Word of life.

Romans 12:2 Psalm 119:9
God’s Word should transform
my thinking, my mind.
I should not conform
to attitudes blind.
Such pressures surround my,
erroneous views –
to mould and confound me,
impress and confuse.

They say, ‘Push ahead
to comfort and ease’,
but I should instead
my Lord try to please.
The world seeks to gather
enjoyment and fame,
but I should much rather
Christ’s glory proclaim.

We see with surprise
how saints have been drawn
to follow men’s lies;
this should serve to warn,
how easy to wander,
by subtle deceits,
so watch and consider, –
earth’s vanity cheats.

Whatever my wealth,
position and place,
abilities, health,
may I, by God’s grace,
live more by his scripture,
not fearing men’s scorn,
or mocking: – I’m richer
when truth I adorn.

Ps.19:10; 119:72, 103, 131 Heb.4:12 Is.55:11
Word to appreciate, – better than honey,
truth more sustaining than richest of food,
sweeter than sleep, or abundance of money,
casket of treasures, all holy and good.

Word to appropriate, – carefully listen
listen to truth and its message receive:
meditate, think, and be willing for action:
famine for all who refuse to believe.

Sword of the Sovereign to bring us conviction,
he who has ears let him hear and embrace —
God gives the power to obey its instruction:
Word to apply to our lives by His grace.
Tune: 11 10 11 10 dactylic Epiphany Hymn by J F Thrupp

Truth has always been and is;
lies had to be invented –
some may frighten, some may please, –
but truth can’t be supplanted;
for truth is truth and cannot ever
change – its light extinguished never.