All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: – 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
Theme: God’s Word and Why We Study It
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul offers us additional motivation to study God’s Word — the Bible we read is inspired by God Himself. The NIV translation uses the term “God-breathed,” and I love that visual. The Scriptures we study were breathed into existence by our God. Awesome.
In addition to being supernaturally inspired, our Bible is also useful to us in very practical ways. In the second part of 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul tells us that, because the Scriptures are God-breathed, they are useful (and “profitable”) for:
– Teaching each other about our God, His ways, and salvation through His Son Jesus.
– Rebuking sin in our lives and determining right from wrong.
– Correcting sinful habits and behaviors.
– Training ourselves to do what’s right in God’s eyes.
The next verse, 2 Timothy 3:17, then completes this thought (my family memorizes 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17 together). Here are both verses in context:
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 (NIV)
Just like a soldier must be properly trained and equipped before heading into battle, our hearts and minds must be “thoroughly equipped” before we head out into the world. That’s a big part of the motivation for 52 verses in 52 weeks …
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