All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3: 16
“All Scripture is …useful.” Which means that every word of Scripture has been written, preserved through the ages, and made available to us for our benefit or good. We cannot benefit from the Word unless we recognize the authority of the Word and allow it to shape us.
The temptation of sinful man is to attempt to shut our ears to Scripture that convicts us of our sins. In our arrogance, we attempt to edit that which has been inspired by God. My prayer for each of us is that we will humble ourselves before the Word of God, and hear it speak to us, allow it to convict us, and eagerly repent of our sins. Repentance precedes revival, healing, and spiritual maturity.
Scripture teaches us. Scripture is the self-revelation of God. In the Word, we learn who God really is, what He has done, and what He intends to do. The Word dispels our superstitions, rumors, and fears and enlightens us to the reality of God. It is impossible to love, worship, or serve someone we do not know.
Scripture rebukes us. Scripture shows us where we are wrong. In this way, Scripture is like a map for our souls and tells us when we are going in the wrong direction. Many of us are headed in the wrong direction, but we are blind to our foolishness because we’ve grown deaf to the Word.
Scripture corrects us. Scripture can get us back on track and in the right direction. Scripture can lead us back to God. Humble yourself and hear the Word of God.
Scripture trains us in righteousness. Scripture will mature you and help you to grow closer to God. There is no substitute for the Word of God.
