II Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable ... for reproof."
One of the purposes of the Bible is to reveal God to men – that is the main part of the purpose of “doctrine” (teaching). But another equally important purpose is to reveal man to himself, that is, to show what man is and what he is like. Reproof does that very thing – it shows us what we are by pointing out our flaws. James refers to the Word of God as a mirror that shows us what we really are (James 1:23). As much as we hate being told when we sin – that is, doing something wrong against what God teaches in the Bible – it is good and necessary for us to know it. For example, while I type this, I am waiting for my truck which is at the mechanic’s shop. I have been hearing something that sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. That sound is the “reproof” that tells me something is wrong and I need to do something about it before more serious problems result. As it turns out I was right - the bearings needed to be replaced.
Essentially that is what the Bible does for us – showing us the problems in our lives that need to be corrected before more serious problems come about. So as you read the Bible and see what God teaches and then realize that you are not doing what God teaches, you come to the realization that you must do something about it.
"Doctrine"
Some people are frightened away with the term "doctrine". The reason being that they think that "doctrine" is boring theology, only suited to theologians and scholars and having nothing to do with every day life. But doctrine is far from such thinking.
The word "doctrine" simply means "teaching". Whatever a person has learned is his "doctrine". We can even apply the idea to practical work, such as woodworking. I enjoy woodworking. But I had to learn certain things about wood, tools, and methods in order to make something worthwhile. Some things I learned on my own by trial and error. But many things I learned from others who were experienced in woodworking.
Doctrine also applies to life. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples and others in every day living. Lessons on faith ( Peter walking on the water - Matthew 14:22-33), humility and pride (People vying for the important seats at a feast - Luke 14:7-11), forgiveness (Peter's question as to how many times to forgive someone - Matthew 18:21-35) and love (Parable of the Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37). These were the "doctrines" that the Lord Jesus taught.
The Apostle Paul also speaks of the importance of "sound (healthy) doctrine" in I Timothy 1:10, II Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9 and 2:1 and warns against false doctrine (Romans 16:17), "doctrines of devils (demons)" (I Timothy 4:1) and "divers (different) and strange doctrines" (Hebrews 13:9). These are teachings (doctrines), not of God, but of the devil who would seek to confuse and destroy those who follow them.
The Word of God is clear about what is right and true. All of God's Word gives instruction in how to live. As the Psalmist says in Psalm 19:7-11 - "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
The Word of God - Clear, true, powerful, effective. Read it! Believe it!
It has been almost a year since my last post on this subject of "Why the Bible?". So I want to continue with this.
"Profitable"
(II Timothy 3:16)
One of the accusations made against the Bible is that it is an old book and out of touch with people today.
But the simple truth is that it is as accurate today and just as applicable to mankind as it was when it was written 2000 years ago. The character of people has not changed: people are still prone to all of the sins and problems that they were long ago. So the Bible is still up to date.
And the fact that the Bible is "profitable" means that it is worthwhile and useful. And that word "profitable" is very fitting as well. When we speak of something being "profitable" we normally think of a business that is making money and growing. Whatever it is doing it is doing it successfully.
In the same way the Bible brings success to those who follow it, who believe it, and who depend on its teachings from day to day. The principles of the Ten Commandments form the basis for civil law and order. Those who follow the instructions found in Proverbs and the Sermon on the Mount find success in both their private and public lives. And in all of this, the matter of the forgiveness of sins provided by Jesus Christ and His death on the Cross, continue to bring peace and hope to all who place their faith in Jesus. And only in Jesus can a person find meaning and satisfaction in life, for Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father but by me" (John 14:6). This, of course, is the real success - the real "profit" of the Bible, available to all people.
Come to Jesus today! Confess your sin and your need of salvation and ask Jesus to be your Savior (see Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8 and Romans 10:9, 10) . I guarantee that you will know that eternal "profit" which God gives to us through His Word, the Bible.
“Given by Inspiration of God”
(II Timothy 3:16)
How is it that we call the Bible the “Word of God”? Wasn’t it written by men? How is it “God’s Word” if it’s written by men?
The answer to this question is also found in II Timothy 3:16 in the phrase, “given by inspiration of God”. So let’s take a look at this phrase and understand what it means.
Why do we need the Bible? Is it that important for a person to know?
The truth is that the Bible is absolutely vital to any person. Why is that? Because the Bible reveals who God is, what God’s plans are, who we are (as people), and what God’s plans for us are.
In other words, the Bible is the foundation for life and eternity.