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)
“Is the ultimate, unquestionable authority for the church found in the Apostolic words of sacred Scripture or in the body of teachers who currently serve as overseers of God’s flock? That was the issue debated in the sixteenth century, at which time the Reformers determined that Scripture alone is the ultimate, authoritative revelation of God; the church does not have authority on an equal footing with Scripture,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
The phrase “All Scripture is breathed out by God” is one of the most important affirmations in the New Testament (NT) of the doctrine of verbal, plenary, divine inspiration. The Bible was breathed out by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Therefore, God is ultimate author and source of Scripture, not the church. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
Because the Bible is the Word of God, the Apostle Paul explained the Scriptures are therefore profitable. The word profitable (ὠφέλιμος; ophelimos) means beneficial, useful and advantageous. Therefore, all God-breathed Scripture is beneficial, valuable, and useful for the believer. How does Scripture alone benefit the disciple of Jesus Christ?
Today’s text states Scripture, because God is its author, is therefore profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. An examination of these qualities would be wise.
First, Scripture is profitable for doctrine! Doctrine (διδασκαλία; didaskalia), doctrine means teaching and instruction. It is the content God teaches and what the disciple learns. Scripture is valuable in being the source of God’s written revelation.
Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof! Reproof (ἐλεγμόν; elegmon) means to rebuke, refute, or reject. Within the context, Scripture is profitable for rebuking people of sin. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” In Psalm 119:9 we read, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word” On pastor explains, “The Scripture contains both encouragement and warning, and this double aspect is always present”
Third, Scripture is profitable for correction! Correction ((ἐπανόρθωσις; epanorthōsis) means to restore to an upright or right state. It means to improve one’s life and character. Not only does Scripture provide valuable positive and negative instruction, but it also provides guidance regarding ethical behavior.
Fourth, Scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness! The phrase instruction in righteousness (παιδεία δικαιοσύνη; paideia dikaiosynē) means to train, to bring under the commands and admonitions of God’s Word. This instruction is specifically concerned with righteousness, indicating a life of integrity, virtue, purity, and rightness before God.
American theologian Jonathan Edwards writes, “How thankful we should be to God. Hence, we may learn that all the Scripture says to us is certainly true. God knows… God cannot lie… God is very angry for sin. About another world. There is another world. Good men die. About Hell. The Scripture says there is a furnace of fire. God will not hear. No rest. Many are ready to think that it may be there is none. About Heaven. about the Day of Judgment: rise again. About the sorrowful, miserable condition man is in. About the way of salvation. Christ is the Son of God. No other Savior. He will save all that come to him. About the mystery of being ‘born again.’ Some are ready to say in their hearts there is no such thing. What we must be in order to go to Heaven —Therefore let all men that are not ‘born again’ consider these things. All these are not seeking their salvation.”
“Consider how much it is worth the while to go often to your Bible to hear the great God Himself speak to you. There you may hear Christ speak. How much better must we think this is than the word of men. Better than the word of the wisest man of the world. How much wiser is God than man. Here all is true; nothing false. Here all is wise; nothing foolish. This is the GREAT LIGHT God has given to the world. To make use of this is the way to walk in the Light… to have our souls filled with Light. If we neglect this we shall walk in darkness. We should value this more than the light of the sun. We see the light of the sun does a great deal of good… gives light… pleasant to see… ’tis comfortable… it gives life.”
“So, Scripture gives light… gives life. Should hear the Word: come to meeting. ’Tis the way to have God’s mercy, to seek God in His Word. There we may expect to meet with God. God will respect His own Word for the good of men: what great good has been done. God has often made it a means of great good. Conversion of many souls. Great joy of many. Many have been comforted in affliction… in death. This will be the way to be wise with the most excellent wisdom,” concludes Edwards.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
