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Scripture Is Profitable
Scripture Is Profitable
Paul Adams
Paul wrote to Timothy emphasizing the importance and nature of the word of God. “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)
Paul points out several areas in which we must see the importance and value of scripture. The inspired word of God, the Bible, is profitable for:
“Doctrine”: All teaching must come from the word of God. “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
“Reproof”: To find what is right and wrong, we must turn to the word of God. “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
“Correction”: Any effort to change our lives to be pleasing to God must appeal to the teaching of the Bible. “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)
“Instruction in Righteousness”: To know what is right in the sight of God, there is just one place to check, the inspired word of God. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:9)
Scripture equips us for every good work. If it is a good work, it is authorized in the word of God. Opinions and teachings of man are of no value in trying to please God. We must both believe and live with an understanding how profitable the words of scripture truly are.
