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)
When experience the power of Living in God’s Word by embracing it’s…
- Teaching – the true way, right way, right doctrine.
- Reproof – “Reproof” means to convince or expose, to refute an opponent.
God’s Word has the power to expose sin in our lives and to convince us that we are in the wrong. And then refute or rebuke us. If you’re not allowing the Bible to confront your own sin, then you’re not growing in righteousness as God would have you. - Correction – to make straight. Did you know that we can’t walk in a straight line? NPR science reporter Robert Krulwich – did a study, blindfolded or in poor visibility – every person could not walk in a straight line. Scripture is God’s focal point for us, the Bible straightens us out and straightens out our misunderstandings.
“Humans, apparently, slip into circles when we can’t see an external focal point… Without a corrective, our insides take over and there’s something inside us that won’t stay straight.” Robert Krulwich
- Training in Righteousness – The Bible doesn’t just point out where we’re wrong and leave us there. It also tells us how to get right with God, with others, and with ourselves. God’s Word equips us to live pleasing to God, like training a child. Just as parents work with their children over the years to train them in various social graces, morals, relational skills, and useful habits. God, through His Word, trains us in all areas of life so that we can know what pleases Him.
QUESTIONS FOR LIVING GOD’S WORD
- Teaching
What’s the truth that God wants me to know from this passage?
- Reproof
What attitudes, behavior or thoughts does this passage confront or rebuke in my life?
- Correction
How might this passage straighten out certain thinking, beliefs or misunderstandings in my life?
- Training in Righteousness
How does this passage help prepare me for a moral, mental, emotional or spiritual challenge in my life?
