English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
After establishing that all Scripture is inspired by God and contains the weight of His authority, Paul lists the primary purposes of God’s Word and its ultimate intent: “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17; NKJV).
The adjective “profitable” used in the New King James Version of 2 Timothy 3:16 means “useful or beneficial, promoting or enhancing well-being.” In other words, the Bible is beneficial for us. Paul highlights four main functions of God’s Word: teaching, reproofing (or rebuking), correction, and instruction in righteousness.
Instruction refers to the entire education and training of a disciple (the development of both mind and morals). The terminology also applies to the upbringing and education of children. Paul called Timothy “my true child in the faith” «unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. », (1 Timothy 1:2, ESV). He considered Timothy more than a disciple but a spiritual son. Paul had “fathered” him by helping him mature in the faith and as a minister.
In the original Greek, the word translated as “righteousness” here speaks of a moral standard, knowing right from wrong. The Bible provides instruction in righteousness by shining a light on what is wrong in our lives (1 Corinthians 10:11-12; 2 Peter 1:19; Psalm 19:7-8). It teaches us how to correct those areas, including our wrong thinking, so we do what is right instead “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to your word.” , (Psalm 119:9). We can view God’s Word as a spiritual coach or caring parent who desires the best for us. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word and depending on the Holy Spirit to reveal its truth to us, “However, when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.” , (John 16:13). We can rely on it to keep us on the right path, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” , (Psalm 119:105), guiding us to grow spiritually strong and complete, ready to fulfill whatever purpose God has called us to.
Instruction in righteousness encompasses our entire discipleship education and training. This realization helps shift our understanding of God’s Word from mere knowledge to active application in our daily lives: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13;NLT).
The Bible provides guidance in righteousness for every area of life. It instructs us on time management (Ephesians 5:15-17;Colossians 4:5;2 Thessalonians 3:6-15), financial stewardship (Proverbs 3:9; Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 6:38; Hebrews 13:5), handle relationships (Ephesians 5:21—6:9), and raise our children (Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 23:13; Ephesians 6:4). Paul’s mention of “all Scripture” emphasizes the composite totality of God’s Word to His people. The believer who delights in God’s Word and meditates on it day and night is blessed. “That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3).
Scripture is the principal channel by which God grows His children to spiritual maturity. We cannot expect to succeed in our walk of faith without immersing ourselves in it. God’s Word sets the believer’s course. It is our source of life «But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. », (Matthew 4:4) and truth «Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. », (John 17:17). The Bible is God’s inspired gift to us. The believer who pursues the instruction in righteousness found in God’s Word and applies what he learns will grow in holiness and avoid many pitfalls in life.
