All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
LET IT GLOW
Last week my husband I took a trip to our state capital for an annually denominational convention. I have no idea as to how many times in our married life that we have made that trip without a map. However, I put one in the truck just in case. (Of course, we had already used the internet to find the location of our destinations.)Well, we made it fine to the motel and then to the church the next morning where the meeting was held. But, I was glad to have the road map because it was needed in order to find our way back to the motel. All those streets seemed the same. I suppose that I didn't pay close enough attention when we went the first time. I admit that I was taken in by all of those beautiful, elaborate, expensive houses.
I am also glad that God gave us a road map to heaven and for our Christian life-the Bible. All we need to do is read and follow it. He has provided a direct road to heaven, through Jesus Christ as Savior. Stay with me, dear friend.
Verse 16 provides us with a firm foundation for using the Bible. If in doubt about it's authenticity, we can read this verse. Friends, I don't mean to be so wordy today, but this is a very important topic to be discussed, so I have used many resources. Of course, God said it, and that makes it so, to me.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary states,"Grammatically similar Greek constructions argue persuasively that the translation "all scripture is given by inspiration...' is accurate. Both OT and NT Scripture are included."
The word all used in this verse means "every one, the whole number of particulares; the whole quantity," as the King James Dictionary points out.
Paul describes these scriptures as "holy scriptures" in verse 15.
Matthew Henry's Commentary says this about the holy scriptures:
How were the scriptures given? They were given by inspiration of God.
Inspiration, theopneustos in Greek, means "God breathed out" the Scriptures and not that God breathed into the human authors. The authors themselves were controlled by God so that they were not left to their human limitations (2 Peter 1:21). [Liberty Bible Commentary]
Matthew Henry's Commentary said:It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears from the majesty of its style, -from the truth, purity, and sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it,-from the harmony of its several parts,-from its power a efficacy on the minds of multitudes that converse with it,-from the accomplishment of many prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight,-and from the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its divine original (Heb. 2:4).
"The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy," from The Baptist Faith and Message.
"So identified is God with His Word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks (Ex. 9:16). Scripture is called "the oracles of God" (Rom. 3:2; 1 Petrer 4:11), and cannot be altered (Rev. 22:18-19), stated MacArthur Bible Commentary.
That gives me a different perspective on the scriptures whenever I read them-God breathed them out through the writters. He gave these words through Moses, David, Solomon, Paul, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As I read it, He sends His Word to me. (That is humbling.) Do I let Him breathe His Word into me? Or do I reject what He has to say to me? Wow! I won't take His Word lightly any more.
LET IT GROW
Now that is settled-All scripture is given by inspiration of God.
What is its purpose?
- It is profitable for doctrine. The word doctrine means teaching, instruction.(Thayer's Lexicon) Teaching (didaskalia)is a crucial element in growth toward maturity. As being taught to read helps us reach our full potentioal, so abeing taught from the Scriptures develops us fully. God's Word gives us tools for life.
- It is for reproof. The word reproof means conviction; for convicting one of his sinfulness.(Thayer's Lexicon) Reproof (elegmos) convinces us to behave differently by rebuking us, revealing areas that others may not see or we prefer to ignore. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to reveal the truth of sin or foolishness within.
- It is for correction. The word correction means restoration to an upright or a right state; improvement of life and character. (Thayer's Lexicon) Correction (epanorthosis) builds on reproof. It means restoration or reformation. Whereas reproof reveals our sinfulness or foolishness, correction shows us how to straighten out what we're doing wrong.
- It is for instruction in righteousness. The word instruction used here is whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing the passions; it's instruction which aims at the increase of virtue. (Thayer's Lexicon) This training in righteousness shows the correct way to behave before mistakes are made.
- It is for equipping us for good works. God intends for us to be supernaturally equipped to accomplish every kind of good work.
Do I set aside time-wasting activities to train in the Scriptures? Do I read, hear, study, memorize, meditate, and live it?
LET IT GO
Treat the Word of God as though He is blowing it out on me.
Ask what it is teaching me.
Listen as the Scripture convicts me of sin and repent.
Meditate on its corrections and instructions.
Surrender so God's Word is living in me.
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