You do not have another book in your possession that you can compare to the Bible. It is the most important book you will ever have in your possession. The reason — it is literally God’s word compiled by the Holy Spirit to guide us safely through life.
In 2 Timothy 3:16 the Apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Let’s take a closer look at all this verse offers to us.
1. The word ‘ALL’ is completely comprehensive. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. The Bible doesn’t just contain the word of God — IT IS THE WORD OF GOD IN ITS ENTIRETY.
· Psalm 19:7 declares “The law of the LORD is perfect.”
· Proverbs 30:5 King Solomon wrote, “Every word of God is pure.”
· In Matthew 4:4 Jesus said “It is written, “…man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
2. We also are told how the Bible came to be — “given by inspiration of God. It did not originate with man. It was given to us by God who loves us.
· There are actually 66 books between the covers of your Bible.
· The Holy Spirit moved on at least 40 different authors over a period of some 1500 years. The people that the Holy Spirit used came from all walks of life. This is amazing when you consider the unity and accuracy of the sixty-six books. There is one theme, one theology, one plan to redeem mankind, that goes throughout the Bible. We are told that the Bible is given to us “by inspiration.” That expression literally means “God-breathed.” The word “inspiration” tells us that the words are God’s words. In 2 Peter 1:21, we read “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
The picture here is that of a ship that is carried along by the wind filling its sails. The wind is a picture of the Holy Spirit and the Bible says that we are the temples of the Holy Spirit and we are to be filled by the Holy Spirit. In Jeremiah 1:9 God said to the prophet “I have put My words in your mouth.”
The Bible is one of a kind book — it was inspired or carried along by the Holy Spirit.
3. Notice the far-reaching benefits of the Bible. Paul tells us that the scriptures are ‘profitable’ in four ways.
a. It is profitable for ‘doctrine,’ or ‘right teaching.’ When we accept Christ, and we are spiritually born-again, it is like we are beginning a journey. Sometimes God’s ways twist and turn. We might get side-tracked. We need God’s word to get us back on track.
b. God’s word is profitable for ‘reproof.’ We can make wrong choices. Do things that grieve or quench the Spirit. God shows us where we have gone wrong. It confronts us and convicts us.
c. Then the Apostle tells us that God’s word is good for ‘correction.’ We are shown how to deal with the issues of our lives and get back on track. The LORD will forgive and restore us if we repent and rely on Him.
d. Lastly, we see that God’s word is profitable for ‘instruction in righteousness.’ Not only does it show us how to get back on track but to stay on track.
I would end this meditation by pointing out to you that there is a ‘profitable balance’ seen in the four ways God uses doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. To be spiritually healthy, we need to maintain a balance in the ways these four entities are used in our growth.
When we have the balance that Paul speaks of, we will experience the desired goal of knowing God’s word — “the man/woman of God will be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” We will be productive in the way we live and serve.
The Psalmist tells us that the key is “Your word I have hidden (memorized) in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
I pray that each of us will study God’s word so that we may be approved by God rightly dividing His word of truth.
Yours for a profitable life, Pastor Leonard
