(2 Timothy 3:16) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(17) that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
This verse is wonderfully direct in the application, and infallibility of scripture. In no way am I limiting the gift that is the word of God, but this verse is also explosive, volatile, and in the wrong hands will arm a deadly weapon against the very children of God. So therefore let us dissect this verse one phrase at a time.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” Scripture is the infallible written word of God. There are no contradictions, no mistakes, and no misleading, it is our lack of obedience, faith, and understanding that is fallible. Too often we try to make scripture justify ourselves in our own unrighteous acts, rather than obey and grow in righteousness. “And is profitable for doctrine”, this is unfortunately misconstrued into something that would read like this, “profitable to prove my doctrine to others”. This brings up a point I will address later, but for now suffice it to say that we need to change our doctrine to fit scripture, not change scripture to fit our doctrine.
“For reproof” There are times in the body of Christ when we need to be reproved. There is no denying this, for we are all growing, and learning, and hopefully becoming comfortable with the fact that at times our brethren will see our faults before we do, but let us be careful with the use of this particular point in scripture. Reproof is a wonderful thing, when done in the Lord, however let us examine some other scriptures pertaining to “reproof”.
The best case scenario for reproof is written in:
Proverbs, 1:23 “Turn you at my reproof: behold I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.”
Here it is wisdom doing the reproving. Another verse in Proverbs sheds more light on reproof,
Prov.9: 7,8. “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
(8) Reprove not a scorner lest he hate thee, rebuke a wise man and he will love thee.” going further in this scripture we find
(9) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
(10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.
Do we rise up to defend ourselves by scripture, or do we receive it, and take it to the Lord, and learn from it?
Often in my experience, I have done the former. I believe the scripture here in Proverbs says that I have been unwise in so doing. Often also, I have reproved others, that I thought were “off-base” slightly, sometimes I have seen good results, other times disastrous strifes, arguments, dissentions, and far too often prideful disputes. Soon it turns into a battle of scriptures and the Sword of the Spirit, (given to us to fight the enemy) is turned on each other, and many times the words go from love to hate, brother turns against brother, disclaiming each other, friends are alienated from each other, and both brothers, (or sisters) are far from the Spirit of God. Remember your enemy would love you to turn against your brother, because he can’t battle you or him as effectively as you can battle each other. Your enemy doesn’t have the weapons that you do 1Timothy 5:1-2" Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father, and the younger men as brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.”
“For correction, for instruction in righteousness”. Who do you study the scriptures for? Do you study to correct others, or to correct your own walk with Christ? Who do you wish to instruct? I submit that we should study scriptures to better our own relationship with Christ Jesus our Lord, first.
Looking on to the next verse we find that all these things are for ourselves, “that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works”
In Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians he was even more precise, 1 Thess. 4:11" And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands as we commanded you.” This verse even takes on a more direct meaning when it is taken in context from verses 9-12. For here Paul is talking about love, which of course is the most basic, (yet overlooked) of all the commandments. And from his talk of love he moves directly into verse 11 which underscores the value of scripture. “That ye study to be quiet”
Personally that was a hard one for me to swallow. Many times I would have rather, “studied to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Tim. 2:15) So do these scriptures contradict themselves?
No!
For nowhere does it say that I am to show my approval unto men at all. My life is a testimony of my walk with God, my preaching is a testimony to God’s grace, and His alone. My wisdom or knowledge of the word means nothing to the hurt, lonely, lost, or confused. To these I need to bring Christ, and the message of His grace, love, mercy, truth and righteousness. To my brethren, not to boast of my scriptural knowledge, but to encourage them to study the scriptures for themselves, deepening their walk with Jesus.
The message of the gospel blew right past the most scripturally educated of the time of Christ, the Pharisees. They could not bring themselves to understand the simplicity of the Gospel, because it made naught of all their learning. To think that mere fishermen, and tent makers could be fellow heirs of the Glory of God with them, was beyond their comprehension. For to them the study of the scriptures gave them status among their peers, and respect from men.
Many times these are the reasons we study, or are eager to enter into doctrinal disputes. To show our knowledge of the scriptures, and to command the respect of those around us. This was the trap the Pharisees fell into, and this is the same trap many modern Christians are falling to. Take heed therefore my friends, and walk humbly with thy God.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” Prov. 14:12
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