16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
What is the result of God’s Word in the lives of believers in Christ. The benefits of Scripture include teaching, or doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. What are the results of these biblical benefits? Do these benefits have any practical and positive consequences or outcomes?
The Apostle Paul indicated there are practical effects from the causal benefits of Scripture. If so, then what are they?
First, Paul wrote, “that the man of God may be complete.” When Paul used the phrase the man of God, he certainly meant his protégé Timothy to whom he was writing. However, it may also refer to an individual human being solely belonging to God alone. The text could correctly be translated person of God. To be complete (ἄρτιος; artios) means to be capable, proficient, and qualified to perform some function.
“The man of God (see 1 Tim. 6:11) is the believer. Every believer, viewed as belonging to God, and as invested with the threefold office of prophet, priest, and king, is here given this title,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen. [1]
Second, Paul stated “equipped for every good work.” To be equipped (ἐξηρτισμένος; exertismenos) means to be completely furnished and fully qualified. This equipping from God is for every good work. Every (πᾶν; pan) means all or the whole. Good (ἀγαθὸν; agathon) refers to what God determines is morally good. Work (ἔργον; ergon) means a task of deed.
“To function properly in this threefold office the believer must become equipped (note the emphasis of the original; literally, “… that equipped may be the man of God”); yes, once for all thoroughly equipped (cf. Luke 6:40) “for every good work” (1 Tim. 5:10; 2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 3:1). Paul (and the Holy Spirit speaking through him) is not satisfied until the Word of God has fully accomplished its mission, and the believer has reached “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:12, 13).[2]
“Passages such as 2 Timothy 3:17 affirm the sufficiency of Scripture. Having affirmed that God’s Word is profitable for “teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (v. 16), Paul explains that Scripture is enough to make us “complete, equipped for every good work,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“Scripture in its totality is all that is needed so that we will be completely prepared to serve the Lord. A good work is anything that is pleasing to God, so this text covers everything from determining sound doctrine to knowing the deeds the Lord requires of us as proof of our faith in Him (see James 2:14–26). Being equipped for every good work requires understanding the doctrinal foundations of God-pleasing actions and the actions themselves, as is seen in how the New Testament Epistles typically move from presenting doctrine that must be believed to practical application and moral instruction.”
John Calvin comments on today’s passage that to be complete means to be “one in whom there is nothing defective.” To avoid being defective regarding faith and life, we must daily study Scripture and apply its teachings.
“We are tempted to look for God’s will in places other than the one place He has revealed it—His Word. As we ponder the will of God for our lives, we must be careful to follow the guidance of Scripture. It is sufficient to give us the principles we need to know to please God wherever we are and whatever we are called to do,” concludes Dr. Sproul.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of the Pastoral Epistles, vol. 4, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 303.
[2] Ibid. 303–304.
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