The Purpose and Benefit of the Word - Rick McFarland - Charis Daily - Season 2 Ep. 5

Main Ideas, Concepts, and Lessons

• Purpose of studying Scripture: Studying the Word of God is portrayed as one of the highest-value pursuits because all Scripture is “profitable.”
• Scripture as a gift from God: The Bible is described as a God-given gift, accessible to people today (including through free digital copies).
• Inspiration and uniqueness of the Bible:
  • Scripture is “God-breathed” (inspired by God).
  • It is unique because it is 100% God in source while being written through humans (100% man in the writing).
• What “profit” means: The teaching argues that God’s Word benefits believers in practical, spiritual, and even life-outcome ways.
• Fourfold benefit (from 2 Timothy 3:16): The Word profits believers by providing:
  1. Doctrine/Teaching
  2. Reproof
  3. Correction
  4. Instruction in righteousness
• Avoiding partial teaching: Using Paul’s example (Acts 20), the message emphasizes that teaching/preaching should not “hold back” any portion of Scripture—both Old Testament and New Testament are included.
• How believers should approach study:
  • Study diligently to be approved by God and to rightly divide the Word.
  • Use context and proper covenant distinctions (Old vs. New).
  • Meditate repeatedly so the Word shapes conviction, character, and habits.
• Scripture as superior to wealth: Psalms/Proverbs passages are used to argue that wisdom and understanding from Scripture exceed silver/gold.
• Practical study methods provided:
  • Topical study
  • Character study
  • Expositional (verse-by-verse, book-by-book) study

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Instruction / Methodology (Detailed)

A. Foundational Methodology: Why and How to Study the Word

• Read/study Scripture regularly to gain “profit” in life (spiritual growth and practical righteousness).
• Treat Scripture as truth to identify and correct misinformation.
• Rely on God’s help:
  • Open the Bible first.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to show what to apply before seeking counsel from others (though God may later lead you to talk to people).

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B. The Fourfold Function of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16)

• Teaching (Doctrine): Learn truth, because people begin without knowledge.
• Reproof (proof of what is true): Scripture provides evidence that produces conviction—showing what is wrong.
• Correction: Rectify wrong behavior/thoughts so believers stop repeating the same errors.
• Instruction in righteousness: After correction, Scripture teaches believers how to walk in the right path.

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C. Diligence and Approval (2 Timothy 2:15)

• “Study to show yourself approved”
  • Study takes time and is framed as part of confirming acceptance through Christ’s righteousness.
• “Rightly divide” the Word of Truth
  • Distinguish covenants:
    • Separate Old Covenant (law) applications from New Covenant (grace).
  • Keep Scripture in context:
    • Don’t “rip out” isolated verses.
    • Read surrounding verses and/or the whole book to understand meaning.
  • Warning emphasized: Failing to do these things can lead to being misled by teachers who twist Scripture.

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D. Meditation as Repetition and Internalization (1 Timothy 4:15)

• Meditate upon the Word
  • Not just reading once, but rolling it over repeatedly in the mind.
  • The Greek idea is described as rehearsing/rotating the same lines (like actors repeating lines) until it shapes the person.
• Give yourself entirely to it
  • Ongoing meditation leads to observable “progress/profiting” that others can see.

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E. Practical Study Approaches (Ways to Study the Bible for Yourself)

• Topical study
  • Use Bible apps or search tools.
  • Search a keyword (examples given: Grace, Faith, Righteousness).
  • Write down relevant verses.
  • Compare verses with each other.
  • Meditate on what the Holy Spirit highlights.
• Character study
  • Study what a person’s life teaches.
  • Examples mentioned: Abraham (warning example), Peter (learning through repeated mistakes), plus others like Ruth, Daniel, Joseph, Paul.
• Expositional study (verse-by-verse, book-by-book)
  • Study consecutively through a single book to maintain context.
  • Suggested benefits:
    • Prevents over-focusing on favorites (e.g., only preaching healing).
    • Ensures Scripture is understood within the larger flow of thought.
    • Protects against wrong interpretation and “con” teaching.
    • Grounds the student in the whole Bible.
• Turn study into prayer
  • Use what you learn as the content of prayer (communion with God).
  • Positioned as more engaging than repeating the same prayers daily.

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F. Recommended Daily-Life Focus (End Summary)

• Treat your day’s inputs as “what’s profiting you,” including using time wisely (implied contrast: social media vs. Scripture).
• Have a plan of discipleship and daily structure.
• Encourage use of free resources/apps and deeper study tools (notably referenced: a “living commentary”).

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Main Sources / Speakers Featured

Speaker

• Rick McFarland (host/instructor)

Biblical Sources Cited

• 2 Timothy 3:16
• Acts 20:2
• Acts 20:27
• 2 Timothy 2:15
• 1 Timothy 4:15
• Proverbs 3:13
• Psalms 1:2–3
• Psalms 119:62
• Psalms 119:99
• Psalms 119 (general reference)
• Ephesians (general outline: grace first, response later)
• Romans 10:13
• Mark 11:23
• Genesis to Revelation (general framing)
• Old Covenant / New Covenant (general doctrine framing)

Other Referenced Person (not a speaker in the subtitles)

• Andrew (referenced in relation to exposition and a “Living Commentary”)
• David (referenced in Psalms as saying Scripture/testimonies are counselors)

Organizations / Resources Mentioned

• Caris Daily / CARIS (and related web addresses for resources)
• Mentions of prayer ministers and a prayer line (phone number referenced but not provided in the excerpt)