We Love God’s Word The Bible
2 Tim. 3:16 - 17 #2
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV
Introduction
We Love God’s Written Word. The Bible passes many test. I site one example. Consider the Prophecy Test as I just mention these seventeen prophecies:
1. He would be born in Bethlehem, Micah 5:2
2. He would be preceded by a forerunner, Isa. 40:3
3. He would enter Jerusalem on a colt, Zech. 9:9 (By the way,
Jesus entered Jerusalem on the exact day Daniel had
prophesied hundreds of years earlier, Dan. 9:25-27.)
4. He would be betrayed by a friend, Psa. 41:9
5. His hands and His feet would be pierced, Psa. 22:16
6. He would be wounded by His enemies, Isa. 53:5
7. He would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, Zech. 11:12
8. He would be spit upon and beaten, Isa. 50:6
9. The betrayal money would be cast down in temple and would be used to buy a potter’s field, Zech. 11:13
10. He would be silent before His accusers, Isa. 53:7
11. He would be crucified with thieves, Isa. 53:12
12. People would gamble for His garments, Psa. 22:8
13. His side would be pierced, Zech. 12:10
14. No a bone in His body would be broken, Psa. 34:20
15. His body would not decay, Psa. 16:10
16. His burial would be in the tomb of a rich man, Isa. 53:9
17. Darkness would cover the earth, Amos 8:9.
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1. We Believe The Bible Is . . Profitable For Reproof. 3:16c
“16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for . . . for reproof, . . . ”
A. Reproof Means:
The word REPROOF in 2 Timothy 3:16 is the GREEK Word: elegmon, reproof, in the Septuagint and here only in the New Testament; epanorthoosin, correction, an old word, from epanorthooo, to set up straight in addition, here only in the New Testament, with which compare epidiorthooo in Titus 1:5; paideian, instruction, with which compare Eph 6:4. (Robertson's Word Pictures.)
The word “reproof” means “to be convicted”. It has the idea of
putting something to the test. The Word of God will put your life to the test. It is like a set of scales, or balances. It will show you where you fall short. It is like a plumb line, it will show you where you do not line up! Scripture will put you to the test! It is like a mirror, it will reveal the true you, James 1:23-25.
Illustration
When I was a little boy my mother used to call me aside and tell me to stand up straight and look me straight in the eyes. If I tried to lie to her she would know because my eyes got very big.
Application
This word is like that, and it tells us the Bible is profitable for this kind of action.
We Believe The Bible Is . .
Profitable For Reproof. 3:16c
2. The Bible Is . .Profitable For Correction. 3:16d
“. . . for correction, . . .”
A. Profitable For Correction Means:
The word REPROOF in 2 Timothy 3:16 is the GREEK Word: epanorthoosin, correction, an old word, from epanorthooo, to set up straight in addition, here only in the New Testament, with which compare epidiorthooo in Titus 1:5; paideian, instruction, with which compare Eph 6:4.
(Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament.)
The Word “correction” means to “restore to an upright or correct state”. The Bible doesn’t just show us what is wrong in our lives; it also teaches is how to fix what is wrong. It teaches us about the matter of repentance and confession of sin, Pro. 28:13; 1 John 1:9. If you will do what the Bible says to do about the wrongs it exposes, it will get you on the right path in short order!
Illustration
I have been taking training for witnessing for almost 55 years.
In almost all of this training you are taught how to help a person know what is wrong spiritually; but also how to make it right.
On one occasions a deacon called me and asked me to go into the city and visit a man he worked with. It seemed this man new what was wrong but did not know how to make it right. He wanted to know how to get forgiven. I started in talking to him and telling him about sin and having him admit he was a sinner.
He stopped me and asked are you going to tell me about how to get forgiven? I said yes sir I am just trying to make sure of your need. He told me I understand my need I need relief. I led him to the Lord and he knew he was forgiven
Application
The Bible Is . .
Profitable For Correction. 3:16d
3 The Bible Is . . Profitable For Righteousness. 3:16e
“. . . for instruction in righteousness, . . . ”
A. Profitable Instruction In Righteousness Means:
The word Correction means. NT:3809
paidei/a tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication,
disciplinary correction:
Heb 12:5-11
5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. NKJV
Literally, the phrase “instruction in righteous” means “that which cultivates the soul”. The Word of God, if read, believed and lived out in your life will cause you to become more like Him!
Illustration
A New York enthusiast had a good collection of paintings, one of them being the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which hung over his writing desk.
For a long time he noticed that it persisted in hanging crooked despite the fact that he straightened it every morning. At last he asked the housekeeper if she was responsible for its lopsided position each morning that he came to his office. "Why, yes," she said, "I have to hang it crooked to make the tower hang straight."
Does that sound strange? That is exactly how a lot of people read the Bible. Many people twist the Word of God in order to justify their own opinions or actions, or doctrine to make them all appear right. Let us not twist the Scriptures to suit our own fancy. Let us be sure to hang the picture right! Preachers and teachers need to be especially careful that we “cut it straight”, James 3:1. We must not allow our opinions to cloud the message God wants His people to hear!
There is great profit in the Word of God! But, only as we take it like it is written and conform our lives to it! Thank God for the Bible!
Application
The Bible Is . .
Profitable For Righteousness. 3:16e
4 The Bible Is . . Profitable For Ministers. 3:17
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. NKJV
A. The . . Call Of The Man Of God.
17 that the man of God. . . “
1. The One Called Of God. v 17a
B. The . . Completion Of The Man Of God. v 17b
“. . . may be complete, . . .” NKJV
“. . . may be adequate,. . .” NASU
“. . . may be thoroughly equipped . . .” NIV
C. The . . Clothing Of The Man Of God.
“. . . thoroughly equipped for every good work. v 17c
IT IS ALL IN THE BIBLE.
You Can Be Helped By Other Skills and Studies
BUT NOT TO THE NEGLECT OF THE BIBLE!