The Divine Effects of an Inspired Bible... All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. — 2 Timothy 3:16 “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” God’s Word is indeed “profitable” for these four things. There is a sense in which the Bible is like a roadmap. First there is doctrine, the way we begin our journey with proper teaching that shows us God’s plan of salvation and sanctification. But what happens if something causes us to veer off the road? The Bible is then profitable for reproof: it shows us our wrong turn. God asks, “Is not My word . . . like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29). However, the Bible does not leave us in our reproof. Next, the Bible is profitable for correction: it corrects our mistakes and gets us on the road again. Finally, Scripture is profitable for “instruction in righteousness”: the Word instructs us how to stay on the road so that we do not get off again. We see the divine effects of an inspired Bible throughout the writings of Paul in the New Testament. He wrote the letter to the Romans to emphasize the importance of doctrine. His letters to the Corinthians are profitable for reproof. In the Galatian epistle, his emphasis was on correction. And, in the Ephesian letter, Paul spoke of the need for “instruction in righteousness.” An effective ministry of God’s Word will do all four--teach doctrine, reprove sin, correct false paths, and instruct in godly living. Balance is the key. Some believers go overboard on doctrine to the virtual exclusion of reproof, correction, or instruction. Even though these folks are doctrinally sound, they are living without power. Others focus too much on reproof: they seem to think it is their God-given assignment to reprove everyone else about their sin. Others focus on correction, apparently thinking it is their calling to correct everyone else. Still others get out of balance on “instruction in righteousness” to the exclusion of teaching doctrine, and thus they have no direction in life. An effective Christian life is a balanced life. The desired end of knowing Scripture is that “the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). As you memorize this verse, meditate on the fact that, when you study the Bible, you do not judge it; it judges you. God’s Word has withstood the test of time and will still be the Book of all books when all others have passed into obscurity. No wonder the psalmist said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 14:46:21 +0000
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