Back to the Basics: The Scriptures
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work”. -2 Timothy 3:16-17
Notes:
In the above passage, it gives us great insight into the place of the scriptures in a christian’s life.
All scripture was written and inspired directly by the Holy Spirit. When God’s Spirit touches something, whether it be a person, a family, a state or a nation, He brings with Him unity. It is this aspect of scripture that is most vividly seen. 66 book written by dozens of authors, spacing over a period of 1000’s of years, some even lived on different continents, wrote as they were moved by the Spirit of God. There are two aspects of scripture:
1.To Testify of Jesus Christ (2 Tim.3:15) – All scriptures testify of Christ, but moreover the Gospel of John was specifically written to spur faith for those that do not believe, so that they may have life (John 20:21).
2.To train, correct, teach, and exhort in righteousness those that have received the testimony of Jesus- Scripture was never meant to be merely for head knowledge. When it becomes this solely, in most cases it brings pride (the very thing the bible condemns). It was meant to bring direction and change. It is used especially for the training of the saints (Eph. 3). However, on the opposite side of the coin, our lack of knowing scripture can put us in error:
Jesus replied, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
– Matthew 22:29
The body of Christ seems to be divided between these two great truths. Some have much knowledge of the scriptures, but have no knowledge of the power of God. And others, having great knowledge of the power of God, lack knowledge of the scriptures. I believe it is the Lord’s will for us to have the knowledge of both. Jesus made it clear as well that we are not to search the scriptures to find life, but to find direction towards the One who gives it. (John 8:34).
Willing to Take the Challenge?
The greatest way for us to recognize the place of the scriptures in our lives is to understand what the Bible says about itself. We are study to show ourselves approved, and to rightly divide the word of truth. It is a great blessing to dive into the scriptures, and allow the Lord to guide us into the great truths of His word.