THE INSPIRED SCRIPTURES. 2nd Timothy 3:16 Every part of the Bible has a positive purpose in teaching God's truth; "is profitable for doctrine." "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…" [2 Timothy 3:16]. The holy scriptures clearly and accurately reveal God to us. They expose what is false and misleading among the deceptive and subtle teachings around us. Usually, the scriptures are taught by others who have experienced their power in their own lives. The holy scriptures are meant to be passed on to future generations. They are validated to us by those who live by them and demonstrate their truth. Seeing a holy life lived under the authority of the holy scripture shows us what life is truly meant to be. The reason the impact of the holy scripture is so significant, and the commitment to it among Bible-believing Christians is so strong, is that we know it is inspired by God. He has breathed out His thoughts of great love and left them for us in the holy scriptures. When read, studied, and understood, the truths of the scripture are what we base our lives on and live by. God speaks to us in this extraordinary way, and we can review, reread, and remember them throughout our entire lifetime. The results of learning, knowing, and practicing the holy scriptures won’t truly be seen until a future day, “When the words that I have spoken, the same will judge you at the last day.” Its doctrine provides us with God's truth to prepare us for every need. It brings conviction and rebuke when correction is necessary. It corrects what may have been wrong and guides us to be what we should be before God. The scriptures are “God breathed,” meaning they originate from within God's heart, so they are not just human words. They are in their original form—the actual and authoritative words of the Holy Spirit of God. He used holy men to write them down so God's words can be read and heard again and again. Spoken words vanish after being spoken. Only a few are remembered. Written words are retained and can be reviewed as often as a person desires. Being the actual words of God, the Bible is without error, completely trustworthy, and has divine authority. The words of the Bible are fully aligned with God's mind. Those who wrote them did not add their own interpretation, but conveyed them as the Spirit of God guided. God's word did not come by the will of man, but by the will and Spirit of God. Whatever is written is profitable. It has divine purpose even if it is a long list of names and places. In our human limitations, we must take the time necessary to meditate on them to “rightly divine the word of truth” and apply it appropriately. “Profitable for doctrine” means it provides us with an understanding of God’s mind on every subject taught in the scriptures. “For reproof” helps us recognize what is wrong and identify our mistakes so we can correct and counter any error that Satan tries to promote. “Correction” directs us toward what is right, so when reproof has done its work, we do not just remain there but move forward in ways that honor the Lord. “Instruction in righteousness” demonstrates the grace needed to live godly lives and encourages us to adopt a holy, consistent lifestyle lived for the glory of God. The breathings of God’s heart and mind are so vital that we would be foolish not to understand what they are. However, there are times when we dismiss the scriptures too lightly, and their truth affects us so casually. We must recognize that these scriptures of truth come from God Himself. The impact of such weighty words goes beyond simply exercising our minds; ensuring we benefit from them is a real challenge. When I “eat them,” they truly become the “joy and rejoicing of my heart.” I need the hunger, the thirst, and the longing for the nourishment they provide to my soul.
2 Timothy 3:16