The Profitability of Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Introduction.
It is often good to look at very familiar passages to get a deeper understanding of them.
On Wednesday night, we are looking at 2 Peter and having some discussions on the nature of inspiration.
We often look at the fact that Scripture is inspired by God, literally God-breathed.
Today we will look at how that Scripture is profitable (helpful, serviceable, advantageous – STRONG’S): doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness.
Body.
Doctrine (διδασκαλία).
Thayer: “teaching, instruction; that which is taught, doctrine.”
Doctrine/teaching is so important for our faith.
It gives us comfort and hope (Rom. 15:4).
The O.T. was written for our learning—doctrine/teaching.
It is important because this doctrine through these Scriptures helps us to persevere, gives us comfort and hope.
We are saved in this hope (Rom. 8:24), and it is an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19).
It helps to keep us from being deceived (Eph. 4:14).
It matures us where we no longer have to be children.
We can use it to keep us from getting tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine.
We have a written standard we can use to measure something against.
Continuing in the doctrine (teachings of Scripture) will save us (1 Tim. 4:16).
With this sound teaching, it is possible to exhort and convict those who contradict, as is the responsibility of the elders (Tit. 1:9).
The importance of teaching and doctrine cannot be stressed enough.
Thayer: “a proof, that by which a thing is proved or tested; conviction.”
God’s word may be used as a proof.
We must test/prove all things! (1 Thess. 5:21).
The word is translated as “evidence” in Heb. 11:1.
God’s word is used as evidence of things not seen.
This is where faith comes from (Rom. 10:17).
“Conviction” – the Holy Spirit is said to convict (ἐλέγχω) the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
The Spirit does this through His God-breathed Scriptures.
This is important to being complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Correction (ἐπανόρθωσις).
Thayer: “restoration to an upright or right state; correction, improvement.”
God’s word is used to do the above to someone, to correct and improve him.
Breaking the word down.
The root word (ὀρθός) means something that is straight, erect, upright, and not crooked.
This is used to express a straight path to follow and be healed spiritually (Heb. 12:13).
The word used here uses two prepositional prefixes.
The first is ἀνά which indicates upward or repeated motion, so to build up.
Used by Luke to show how Jesus healed a woman who had been bent over and could not set herself straight (Luke 13:11-13)
Used to express setting up and rebuilding the fallen tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16-17; cf. Amos 9:11-12)
Used by the Hebrews writer again to strengthen or “lift up” (KJV) the hands of those who need it (Heb. 12:12).
Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,
It also holds the idea of restoration when considering the repeated motion sense of the prefix; this is something that happens again and again.
The second prefix is ἐπί which is an intensifier in cases like this.
It’s not just any kind of setting up—this is one of correction, perhaps needing to do this even more than one might have thought.
This all lies within the power of God’s word.
Instruction in righteousness (παιδεία ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ).
Thayer: “the whole training and education of children; instruction which aims at the increase of virtue; chastisement, chastening.”
God’s word works to train and educate us.
We are the children of God, are we not?
In order to be trained and educated by God, we must humble ourselves as His children.
Translated as “chastening” in Hebrews 12:5-11.
This passage talks of the chastening that God gives to His children.
The writer likens it to the chastening we received from our fathers.
God chastens/instructs us with His inspired Scriptures.
This is more than education as we often think of it, but includes discipline and punishment.
So we are educated …
Through God’s word.
As children.
Often instructed.
Sometimes punished.
Always in righteousness.
This righteousness belongs to God and is pure and unadulterated.
Conclusion.
Ultimately, doing all these things with Scripture (doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction) will make us perfect/complete, and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
There is no good work Scripture cannot equip us for.
This really teaches the all-sufficiency of Scripture in matters of faith and practice.
That Scripture teaches us what we must do to be right with God.