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All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Reflect
Paul’s statement about the inspiration of Scripture records four prepositional phrases that describe the purpose of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The fourth is the Scriptures are profitable for instruction in righteousness.
“Instruction” describes the educational system intended to cultivate the mind and morals. This definition applies to children. This idea should cause us to pause. Are we using the Scriptures, or the world’s ideas, to cultivate the mind and morals of our children?
At the same time, “instruction” works in adults to correct mistakes and curb passions. So, while we may insist on teaching the Scriptures to our children, we must apply the Scriptures to our personal lives.
The point is that both adults and children profit from the instruction of the Scriptures. What would you think of a health coach instructing you to cut the carbs while they are consuming donuts and drinking a soda? Most of us would probably have a shallow view of that health coach. In the same way, how many of us would teach our children that we should be kind to others. Yet, they always see us yelling at other drivers on the road?
We must take on the personal responsibility of learning and applying the Scriptures to our own lives. The application of the Scriptures is necessary if we are going to have the moral authority to instruct others in the Scriptures. So, are you growing in your relationship with the Lord by applying the Scriptures to your life?
Respond
- Do you have a regular and systematic approach to studying the Scriptures?
- Are you an active participant in your local church Bible study?
- Are you growing in your relationship with the Lord by applying the Scriptures to your life?