-October 26, 2020-
Good morning, happy Monday,
-The Profitability Of The Scriptures-
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and 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).
The Word of God, called the sword of the Spirit, is the only offensive weapon among the pieces of the armor of God. Hebrews 4:12 says, “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.”
The Scriptures are profitable for our use to equip us and others that we share it with. Paul told Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It is so important to know the Word of God, OT and NT, and what it says, what it means, and what means to us. Paul uses the phrase, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (or literally in the Greek, “God breathed.”). The Bible is inspired by God, it is inerrant, that is without error, and is efficacious, fully effective, and profitable. Paul mentions four things that the Word is profitable for.
1. Doctrine – Another word for doctrine is teaching. The Word of God is what God uses to teach us the truth. We learn it, know it, and teach it to others. It is the textbook of the Christian faith. It teaches about God, sin, the cross, salvation, forgiveness of sin, eternal life, and so much more.
2. Reproof – To reprove is to point out the wrong or error in someone not for their shame but for their good. It requires courage and love. We might call it “tough love.” It isn’t easy to tell someone they were wrong or out of line, but it is needed.
3. Correction – We notice correction follows reproof for a reason. When we point out the wrong we must also show the right. God’s goal is always restoration for His people. Reproof and correction go hand in hand.
4. Instruction in righteousness – The Scriptures tells how we should live in this world. We are made righteous through the blood of Christ and we must now live righteous lives in all godliness, holiness, and truth. It is important to do what is right in God’s sight. To do so we must obey the Word of God.
We can never overvalue, overestimate, or overuse the Scriptures. God intends that each of His people be complete, that is mature, thoroughly equipped for every good work. We need to carry the Bible both in our hands and also in our hearts. We must know it and know how to use it properly. It takes not just reading it but studying it, meditating on it, and memorizing it in order to benefit from it and use it to help others for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
Have a blessed day in the Word of God, using it for the glory of God. Stay safe and healthy.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 