2 Tim 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting
and training in righteousness, NIV
This simple
verse seems to have caused a lot of debate in the church over the years. Some
ask, what does all scripture mean
since the New Testament had not been completed at the time of this writing? Is
it only referring to Old Testament writings or does it include the words of the
apostles? Others like to parse the Greek word for “God breathed” (theopnuestos). Since it is only used on
this occasion, how should it be interpreted? When Paul wrote his letters, did
he believe they were “God breathed” and on the same level with the books of the
Old Testament?
These are
legitimate questions to ask. What you believe about the Bible and its’
authority is critical to how you live your life as a Christian. We will not
settle that complete debate here, but we may be able to see with confidence
that all of the Old Testament scripture and what came to be known as the “canon,”
which completes our Bible is exactly what Paul was referring to in this
passage.
In Acts
17:11, Luke tells us that the Bereans examined the Old Testament scriptures
every day to see if what Paul said was true. They were commended for this. In
verse 12, it says that many of them believed. What that tells us is, that they
must have confirmed the truth of Paul's teaching. It was confirmed by their
study of scripture, which was already accepted as God’s written word.
The apostle
Peter says this, “We did not follow
cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter
1:16) He is saying this to assure his readers that He is speaking the truth of
God. He follows with this statement, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the
prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of
man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (2
Peter 1:20-21)
Peter is
indicating that the teaching of the apostles always confirmed what God had
already spoken and revealed through the prophets, therefore, it was from God.
It may have seemed new to the listeners, since many of their views had come
from rabbinical interpretation, which was not led by the Holy Spirit and often
incorrect. That is why Jesus often began his teaching with the phrase, “you
have heard it said, but I tell you.” His teaching was authoritative because He
was and is the authority.
The
apostles’ doctrine is authoritative because it comes from Jesus, not man!
Careful study of the New Testament will prove that. Look at Heb 2:3-4
“This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Not only were the apostles eyewitnesses of what Jesus said and did, they were given the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm their authority. The book of Acts verifies this.
“This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”
Not only were the apostles eyewitnesses of what Jesus said and did, they were given the power of the Holy Spirit to confirm their authority. The book of Acts verifies this.
We should
be able then, to place complete confidence in the Bible and accept that what we
have in our hands today,is the
reliable, inerrant and infallible in its’ original text, Word of God.
Therefore, we can agree with Paul that it is certainly useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness,so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped
for every good work.
Do you want
to be equipped for every good work that God has for you? Study God’s word,
allowing it to rebuke, correct and train you in righteousness. Sit under pastors
who “rightly divide the word of truth” and be a Berean by thoroughly checking out
what they teach.
Ask the
Holy Spirit to lead you in your study of His “God-breathed” Word. Then you will
say, along with King David, “How can
a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you
with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord;teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees;I will not neglect your word.” (Ps 119:9-16)
do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord;teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees;I will not neglect your word.” (Ps 119:9-16)
God bless
you
Coach
