2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

            Paul encourages Timothy in the verses above by reminding him what he has been given, the entirety of God’s Word. It is something special to be cherished and used for the sanctification of those who seek after Christ. God, in essence, is truth and because He is the truth, we can trust and hold that the Word He has given us is true and because it is true it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.

Profitable for doctrine means it is useful for teaching, for instruction on many things such as telling us the absolute truth about God, man, and the world we live in. Profitable for reproof and correction means Scripture has the authority to rebuke us and correct us because we are all under the authority of God’s Word. If we think one way but the Bible clearly says otherwise, then we are wrong and the Bible is correct.

Profitable for righteousness means through reading and understanding what God says in His word, we will be able to live a life that is right in God’s eyes, a life in which He is reflected with our day-to-day actions. This doesn’t mean being legalistic but rather walking in grace and love and desiring to do things God’s way and not our own. May this be a reminder as to how important the Word of God is to be in our lives, it is the truth of God expressed in a way that will help teach us, correct us, and instruct us in the ways of the Lord.

For His Kingdom, 

Alex Alfaro