2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16-17

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.

The text above in 2 Timothy confirms the that the Bible is not just some ordinary book meant to be read for our casual enjoyment. The text above confirms that the words written in the Bible are not simply ideas and concepts invented by some clever authors looking to create a good story. The text above confirms that the words given to us in the Bible are in fact the very words of God…words handed down by the Father to a select few authors…words breathed into the hearts and minds of a chosen few to record for the rest of mankind. That’s some heavy stuff! And when we couple the text from 2 Timothy with that from Hebrews 4:12…For the word of God is alive and active…the magnitude of this seemingly ordinary book that we hold in our hands increases exponentially! Not only are the words in the Bible directly from the Lord, but they are also active words…alive words…words that God uses to speak directly to our hearts and minds! Words of righteous instruction and direction…Words of great caution and warning…Words that give us reason for hope, joy, and peace…Words that assure us that we are loved, cherished, and redeemed. The last part of the text from 2 Timothy provides one of the many great reasons why we are called to read God’s Word…so that we may be “equipped for every good work”. So that we may be equipped to serve the Lord. So that we may be equipped to do good work on the Lord’s behalf. So that when life comes around and kicks us in the mouth, and we are left with a mouth full of teeth, we know how to best respond. We know how to get back up, dust ourselves off, and take a step forward. Without God’s Word, we are left to guessing our way through life, based on our own flawed and dysfunctional ideas. And that’s when things really get messed up! May we take time to open God’s Word and allow the Father to speak to us…to allow the Father to fill us with courage, confidence, hope, and peace…so that we may serve Him all the more with each new day! To God be all glory!