September 22, 2002
II Timothy 3:16, 17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
I don’t feel that I have to remind you of the nature of the times in which we are living. Even children, in their own way, are aware of the tensions that are swelling within our society. However, I would like to remind you of the Divine resources which God has given us to withstand the turbulence in which we find ourselves.
This passage also teaches us how to build confidence in situations of difficulty. The Word of God is the Christian’s source of confidence and direction in this confused world. The main thrust in these verses is that ALL Scripture is profitable, useful and advantageous.
1. Why is Scripture profitable? It is “God breathed (16a)!” Scripture is the reflection of God’s mind and character. Scripture is the philosophy of the Christian’s life. Scripture is without error or ambiguity.
2. How is Scripture profitable (16b)?
a. It teaches us what is right for our life. Scripture is profitable for Doctrine (in contrast to what society is telling us is right.) This is why the Bible places so much emphasis upon the systematic teaching of Scripture.
b. It teaches us what is not right for our life! Reproof is to rebuke, to convict or expose. We teach our children what is right. We also teach them that which is bad for them.
c. It teaches us how to get right in our life! Correction is restoration to a right condition. The reproving ministry of the Word points out our wrongness. The correcting ministry of the Word gets us back on the right path (see Psalm 19:7.) The negative and positive commands of Scripture are found in Ephesians 4:23-29 where there is both reproof and correction.
d. It teaches us how to stay right in our life! It instructs us in righteousness (see Titus 2:11, 12.) The Grace of God teaches us to live Godly lives. The Word of God traces out the details of Godliness and establishes us within the pattern of Grace. May I get “teachy” here? In the original text the Greek word paideian used here is the word for instruction of children (see Hebrews 12:5, 6.)
In verse 17 Paul tells us that all of this results in the gradual shaping of our lives into useful, effective ministry where we are men and women of confidence. We are light and salt, well balanced, well equipped to serve God in a very sick society.
Beloved, let us stay in the Word every day of our lives! As Christians we can’t afford not to! God bless.
Love to you all,