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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
The Context and Focus:
This letter is written by Paul, a mentor to the young man Timothy. The letter covers all there is to the Christian faith, both from the perspectives of leaders and followers. No matter the point of the spectrum you are in, there is a word for you in the book of Timothy. It is also not a wonder that today's verses speak to the place and importance of the Word of God to our present generation. The Word of God is presented as the focal point for all of life; the revelation of God's mind and heart. By it, we know the history and purpose of creation, and see God's hand as He shapes his creation as He pleases. Man also has a role to play, because he is a part of God's creation, and has been given the responsibility of tending and taking care of the earth. Man will only succeed in this role if he does it in line with the will and purpose of the Creator. If I discover and pursue the mind of God for my life, it will be a life well lived indeed. The opposite is also equally true.
The Message:,
In the Word of God, the mind of God is made manifest. Whether it is the love stories of the Song of Solomon, or the accounts of wars in the chronicles of the kings, all of them reveal God's dealings with men. It gives us insight into the person of God, the things He loves and hates, and how men and women of old walked with him and got his approval. The stories that speak of God's judgment for sin and disobedience, as well as the stories that emphasize God's mercy, even undeserved, also reveal the scope and depth of God's grace to man, and the fact that there is really nothing man can do to deserve or earn it. It is ALL scripture, not just the part I love. I cannot love the parts that approve what I want to do, and then reject the parts that convict my heart about sin. All scripture is given by the Inspiration of God. His Spirit spoke through men like us, and we have the infallible Word of God, with signs and wonders following, as evidence that the Word of God is life.
The Conclusion:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for all that will help me grow into the person God wants me to be. A complete man is formed by discipline, instruction, correction and doctrine. I need the right information in order to become what God wants me to be. I may make mistakes, but He does not abandon me. His rod and staff are there to comfort me by getting me back to my feet, and on the right path also. When I am unsure what to do or how to do it, His Word provides necessary information on all areas of life. Isn't it interesting that the man who wrote this letter never married, yet is the one who wrote authoritatively on marriage. This is what the power of the Word of God can achieve. I also note that it refers to the 'man of God'; not just any man. If I am not surrendered yet, today's extract is not for me. How can God do an eternal work in and through a man He does not control or own? The Word of God will supply all I need for impact, but I must open up my heart for the Word to take root, so I can bear lasting fruit. Nothing else will work. God's time of favour is here.
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