2 Timothy 3:16-17

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All scripture is breathed by God.  All scripture is profitable for teaching, for pointing out the mistakes of others, for helping those who are wrong become righteous, and for helping those who are righteous stay righteous.  The goal is for God’s followers to become complete and equipped for every good work.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

All scripture is breathed by God.  Think about it.  There is a reason that we call the Holy Bible God’s Word.  We believe that it is literally breathed out of his presence.  God’s Word came to us via human authors, but those human authors were simply putting pen to the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit within them.  This thing that we call the Bible – this thing that we don’t give enough honor in our life – is the very breath of God come to us in a form we can see and experience.

Does this idea give you any more of a sense of appreciation for God’s Word?  Why does it make a difference whether we think of the Bible as some book written by old people who lived a long time ago or some book written by the very presence of the divine?

Second Thought:

All scripture is profitable for at least the four things that Paul mentions here (and probably more!).  God’s Word is good for teaching and instructing people in who God is and how we are supposed to live.  When we mess that up, God’s Word is useful for showing people that they have messed up.  When we show people how they’ve messed up, God’s Word is useful for encouraging us that we can be forgiven and we can get back onto the right path.  Once we’re on the right path, God’s Word is useful for keeping us there.  Regardless of what stage of life we are in, God’s Word is useful.

Why do you think God ultimately gave us His Word?  How do you use the Word of God in your life?

Third Thought:

Paul tells Timothy that the goal is to become equipped for service.  This is really a pretty significant point.  So many times we think that the point of God and the point of our religion is simply to get into heaven.  When we take that perspective, we ultimately still reveal our inner self-monger.  Yes, Eternal Life is absolutely the greatest reward we could ever receive (especially since we don’t deserve it)!  However, life is not about “tricking God” into thinking we’re good enough to be with Him in heaven.  Life is about serving His purpose.  Life is about accomplishing His will.  Life is about setting aside our own agenda and gladly picking up His agenda.  In order to do that, we need to be completely equipped by Him.

Do you live your life in an attempt to be equipped by Him?  Do you live your life looking for the next opportunity to do His will?  Why do we occasionally feel resentment at having to do His will?  Is His will ever difficult?  Why is it helpful to remember that God’s Word is there to equip us?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:1-2