July 26, 2013

2 Tim. 3:16-17 — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

I quoted 2 Tim. 3:16 yesterday, as part of thoughts about how we read the Bible. It occurred to me later that there is a preliminary question to be asked. “Why do I read the Bible?” These two verses provide a good starting place. (By the way, they also provide an object lesson in “how” — all too often these verses are only quoted in support of the authenticity of the Bible — “all scripture is given by inspiration of God”. It’s also worth taking apart the verses to answer the “why” question.)

The bottom line on the “why” question is clear — “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Those words will repay a lot of study.

“The man of God” can reasonably read as meaning “any Christian” although it is particularly apt for spiritual leaders. “Perfect” is “complete, finished”. The idea is that scripture is God’s provision to us to enable us to carry out the tasks He gives us.

Now let’s look at the items preceding the “bottom line” clause:

• All scripture is profitable for doctrine — to help us understand the thing of God
• For reproof — for the rebuke of ungodliness and unholiness
• For correction — for setting us right after reproof
• For instruction — in fact, the provision of fatherly discipline
• Taken altogether, these clauses, for me, carry the idea of the whole educational process — identification of right and wrong, guidance, and discipline.

These two verses are not the complete answer to “why read scripture?” I find a more complete answer in some other often quoted verses — Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Hebrews 1:1 tells us that in these days God has spoken to us by His Son, and the channel for that communication is surely through His Word. When I’m looking for guidance, or I want to Know more about God, I know where to go!

I have one more answer; it is found in another sort of inspiration. I find that reading scripture  — especially the Psalms — inspires in me a sense of worship. My sweetheart reminds me that the Bible is God’s love letter to us. There are times when it just fills me up with love for Him!