By Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

By Rev. Ron Purkey

“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)

Many people reject the Bible without ever actually reading it. But since the Bible claims to answer life’s deepest questions, it makes sense to see what it has to say. Even if you read a paragraph at a time, God can teach you the Bible’s truth and use it in your life. You will also discover that Jesus Christ was a real person who loves you and that life’s greatest joy comes from following him.

Timothy’s relationship to the Bible began when he was a child and learned the OT Scriptures from his mother and grandmother. They did not merely teach him the facts of the Bible; they gave him assurance and spiritual understanding. Timothy knew for himself the truth of the word; he did not depend on others to defend the word for him. This word imparted faith to him (Romans 10:17), and this faith in Christ brought salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 are a great testimony to the divine origin and character of the Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God. The word “inspired” means “God-breathed—filled with the breath of God.” The Spirit of God enabled men of God to write the Word of God (see 2 Peter 1:20-21), for the Spirit of God is the “breath” of God (John 3:1-8; Ezekiel 37:1-14). “All Scripture” means that every word of the Bible is inspired.

What is the purpose of the Bible? Of course, salvation is the first purpose (2 Timothy 3:15), but Christian living is also included. The word is profitable for teaching (doctrine), conviction (reproof), setting right (correction), and discipline (instruction). It enables the child of God to become a man or woman of God, matured in the things of the Lord. “Perfect” (2 Timothy 3:17) does not mean sinless; it means “mature.” And “thoroughly furnished” means “fully equipped” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). So, the Bible transforms the child of 2 Timothy 3:15 into a mature person in Christ; it equips God’s people to be servants. It is fine for Christians to take study courses and learn methods of ministry, but the best way for them to equip themselves to serve God is to study and practice the Word of God. Study books tell us how, but the Bible gives us the motivation and power to live what we learn.

It is interesting to compare the uses of the Bible with the order of the epistles: doctrine — Romans; reproof — 1 and 2 Corinthians; correction — Galatians; instruction in righteousness — Ephesians and Colossians.

The great need among churches and Christians today is to return to the Bible. If the churches do not get back to God’s Word, the false religious teachers will take over and millions of lost people will face the judgment of almighty God because they were led astray by religious lies.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at www.rcpbibleoutlines.com free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.