Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 25-29
     New Testament Reading: 2 Timothy 3

All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

When Paul speaks of all Scripture, he is referring to the complete OT, but also to those portions of the NT that were then in existence. In 1 Timothy 5:18, he quotes the Gospel of Luke (10:7) as Scripture. And Peter speaks of Paul’s Epistles as Scriptures (2 Pet. 3:16). Today, we are justified in applying the verse to the entire Bible.

This is one of the most important verses in the Bible about inspiration. It teaches that the Scriptures are God-breathed. Miraculously, He communicated His word to men and led them to write it down for permanent preservation. What they wrote was the very words of God, inspired and infallible.

The writers of the Bible did not give their own private interpretation of things, but wrote the message which was given to them by God. No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2Pet 1:20-21).

Because the Bible is the word of God, it is profitable. Every portion is profitable. Although we might wonder about some genealogies or obscure passages, we must realize there is spiritual nourishment in every word that has proceeded from the mouth of God.

The Bible is profitable for doctrine or teaching. As we study the Bible and hear it taught, we learn Christian truths about such themes as the Trinity, angels, man, sin, salvation, sanctification, the church, and future events.

The Bible is profitable for reproof. As we read the Bible, it speaks to us pointedly concerning those things in our lives which are displeasing to God and convicts us of sin.

The Bible is profitable for correction. It not only points out what is wrong, but sets forth how it can be made right. For instance, the Scriptures not only say, Let the thief no longer steal. But also adds, Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need (Eph 4:28). The first part of the verse is a reproof, whereas the second part is a correction.

Finally, the Bible is profitable for instruction in righteousness. The grace of God teaches us to live godly lives, but the word of God explains in detail how to live both inwardly and outwardly in righteous living.

The purpose of this is so that Christians will be complete or mature. Thoroughly equipped with all that they need to bring forth every good work which makes up the goal of their salvation. Enabled to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. For you are saved by grace through faith, … created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do (Eph. 2:8, 10).