Read
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 concerning the inspiration and purpose of Scripture records four prepositional phrases that describe the purpose of Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The third is that the Scriptures are profitable for correction.
I heard it more times than I care to admit when I was a child. I would be acting out, and one of my parents would say, “You better straighten up.” There was no doubt that there would be consequences if I did not straighten up. To my shame, there has even been a couple of times in my adulthood that I have heard my wife say to me, “You better straighten up!”
What exactly does someone mean when they say “Straighten up?” It usually means you better change your attitude or behavior. Your attitude or conduct is out of line.
Paul told Timothy the Scriptures are profitable for correction. The Scriptures are profitable for straightening someone up. The Scriptures work to correct someone morally and ethically. In other words, the Scriptures are transformative.
So, the question before us is do we read and listen to the preaching and teaching for the Scriptures just to gain information? Or, do we give ourselves to the Scriptures for the purpose of bringing about life change?
Here is the challenge, we cannot allow ourselves to “come to church” just to go through the motions. Every time we gather as a church family, we must gather as participants. We are investing ourselves in studying God’s Word to bring about life change in our church and us.
Respond
- Do you gather with your local church as a participant?
- How well are you investing yourself in the study of God’s Word?
- Are you allowing the Scriptures to transform your life?