2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Explanation:
Have you ever wondered what God would say to you when you’ve had a difficult decision placed in front of you? Have you sought advice or wisdom from someone because you valued their opinion? Well, you’re in luck, because the Creator of all things is available to everyone, at any time.
When we pick up the Bible or pull out our Bible app and begin reading passages, we are engaging with Yahweh, our eternal God. The scriptures that we read was given and inspired by God through different writers, who recorded what His Holy Spirit told them. The same Spirit that breathed life into our bodies gave us God’s Word. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21, ESV). Everything included in our Bibles is there because God chose for it to be there. Scripture is complete in the sense that no new information will be found in the future that will contradict God’s Word. Scripture can be trusted to guide our lives by the lessons and stories we read in the Bible.
In the above verse, the Apostle Paul is speaking to his young protege Timothy about leading/pastoring a church. Paul is reminding him that “all scripture” is useful for instruction, and he specifically tells Timothy four things it can be helpful with: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Let’s take a quick look at what scripture can do in each one.
Teaching: can instruct us on the right way to live, and shows us what is true. When we seek Jesus, He will always direct us toward the truth in all situations.
Reproof: can rebuke us by pointing out our sin, and exposes where we fall short. Jesus will show us our sin so we can recognize our error and our need for Him.
Correction: can be helpful for correcting ourselves and the mistakes of others. The Bible gives us the morally correct way to live and receive grace through faith.
Training in Righteousness: helping us to do what is right and live by God’s standard. God uses scripture to prepare and equip His people to carry out His will here on earth.
When we read the Bible, God speaks to us, and we are shown His true character and wisdom. We learn who God is and how much He loves us. We discover how much He desires a close relationship with us, and how we are to imitate Him by making disciples.
Application:
Paul stresses the divine origin and authority of all scripture. Knowing this truth, how can seeking God in His word give you wisdom and clarity in difficult situations?
God has given us scripture for us to constantly be growing and maturing in our faith. How has your understanding of scripture changed, and what else would you like to know or learn from the Bible?
We believe in an awesome God who has the power to change our situations (and also bring clarity/understanding). What can you ask God to reveal to you through His word?
Paul tells us that we are “equipped for every good work” when we read and study the Bible. How can this encourage you to talk to people and tell them how Jesus changed your life?
Devo Plus:
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the ultimate authority in my life that I live by. Help me to see Your truth when I’m struggling and seeking answers. I ask You to forgive me of my mistakes and failures in my life, the times that I did not represent You well to others. Renew my desire to know Your word well, so when difficult times come, I can always refer back to the truth. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus! Amen.