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Second Timothy 3:16 is the most famous verse in Scripture on Scripture:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (NIV).
With the Bible breathed out from the God of the universe, the inspirational works of Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Mark Twain, and David Baldacci pale in comparison. Mere human thoughts attempt to portray the human condition instead of the Creator talking about His creation.
This passage of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17) explains how we best learn the Word of God, the power of Scripture, the origin of the Bible, and its practicality.
- How do we best learn Scripture? Answer: From others.
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it (3:14).
We learn to love the Bible (also the church and even other Christians) by what we see and hear from others. I learned my love for Scripture when I saw my Dad reading it daily.
When I was growing up, I never remember my parents arguing. They learned peace in their relationship by practicing God’s Word.
- How does Scripture change us? Answer: By inherent power.
Read the following verse and note the underlined word:
And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (3:15).
The word translated “able” is the Greek word “dunamai,” from which we get the English word “dynamic.” There is nothing more dynamic than receiving the Word of God. As James confirms . . .
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you (James 1:21).
- What is the origin of Scripture? Answer: God!
One of my college professors helped translate the New International Version of the Bible.
He told me that when they came to the Greek word “theopnuestos,” mostly translated as “inspired” in other versions of the Bible, the translators of the NIV decided to use the literal translation of God (Theos) and Breathed (Neustos) or God-breathed.
Amen! Scripture literally comes from God’s breath. Nothing exceeds the spoken Word of God!
- How is Scripture practical? Answer: It changes us.
All Scripture . . . is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16b-17).
When I became a believer, I was disgusted with the results of my personal rebellion against God, and I wanted to change. I also desired to serve God for the rest of my life.
I give this testimony now—that reading, memorizing, and meditating upon God’s Word has given me any righteousness I possess and thoroughly equipped me to serve Him.
Second Timothy 3:14-17 is an amazing passage. Who wants a dynamic life?