All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
2 Timothy 3: 16
Every New Year, many people realize their need to nourish their neglected souls and make the effort to give spiritual matters some attention. Perhaps you have made a resolution with this goal in mind. It’s not uncommon for someone to begin daily Bible reading at the beginning of the year with the goal of understanding the Bible and believing what it teaches.
In today’s text, Paul says that “all Scripture is God-breathed.” This teaching forms a foundation for approaching the Word of God. Paul separates Scripture from every other writing, thought, or communication that a person might encounter in life. Scripture is different. Only Scripture can reveal the true and living God to us. Only Scripture has that unique authority to dispel deception and strengthen us with the truth. Only Scripture can be trusted with our lives and our souls. When Paul speaks of “all Scripture,” he is most likely referencing the Old Testament. We now recognize both the Old and the New Testaments as the complete and total revelation of God. Anyone who would add another text alongside the Bible is deceived and deceiving others. Run from any teacher or group that instructs you to receive the words of another book as Scripture.
Do you understand the Bible? Would you like to know it better? Let me encourage you to take some simple steps to embrace the Bible that God has given us. Begin by reading the Bible as often as you can. Pray before you read and ask God to help you. Start with the Psalms or the Gospel of John. Attend Bible Study and Worship services. Take notes of the teaching. Before long, you will notice your growing understanding of the Bible.
