2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Quick Lesson
The bible encourages us – throughout its pages – to read the bible. It seems that the more revelation of who God is to the Israelites, the more the bible was presented as the most essential item to them. This continuous promise is seen when God tells Joshua that if he meditates and obeys every single thing written in the sacred text he would be prosperous in everything he does (Joshua 1:6-8). The most unfortunate periods of destruction, captivity and fall on the nation of Israel was when they disobeyed the word of God. This is a living lesson for all of us of the value of God’s sacred word. In the new testament, James writes “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:21-25).
All Scripture
All scripture is given under the inspiration of God. Not some of the verses or just the ones we like but the whole scripture is breathed of God. Jesus actually affirms the scriptures by using them when He was teaching and even as a weapon when He was tempted by the devil. The full book is made up of many books put together, written by authors from different backgrounds, contexts and yet the bible is harmonious in every way. Think about what happens when you speak, whether at school, with your friend or with your spouse. Your words are “you-breathed”, which means they are full of your character simply inspired by you. This is what Paul means when he says that all scriptures are inspired by God. If it is not inspired then it’s only a collection of helpful literature. The word of God is alive, active and full of power. It is sharper than any two-edged sword penetrating to the division of soul and spirit and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
It’s Profitable
The scripture is also useful to God’s people. It’s profitable to believers not just because it’s inspired by God but also for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. It’s for our instruction, this is probably the most fundamental of its uses. Everything we believe about God, who we are and our destiny is informed by the words of God in scripture. Everyone has an opinion on everything nowadays, but sound doctrine can only be found in the scriptures. The word of God is also useful for reproof. It is able to properly align all the issues into right and wrong and then expose and rebuke the wrong in us. However, the bible doesn’t leave us rebuked, it is profitable for correction. This simply means setting things right, just like the way orthopaedic shoes set feet right. Only the word of God can make you into what gives Him the most pleasure (Hebrews 13:21).
King James Version (KJV)
“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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
New International Version (NIV)
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
New American Bible (NASB)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
English Standard Version (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.”
The Living Bible (TLB)
“The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. It is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.”
