All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. – 2 Timothy 3:16
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he covers four areas in which the Word of God can be applied: in teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Just like education is important in a general sense, it is imperative to living a Christian life. The Lord’s ways often seem counterintuitive. It is better to give than receive (Acts 20:35). Love enemies and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Lose your life and you will find it (Matthew 10:39). How important teaching is when it comes to learning how to please the Lord and live life as His follower!
Reproof addresses wrong behavior which could lead to harming others or yourself. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.” Correction is showing the right way, once the wrong way has been exposed. James writes, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17). Training in righteousness applies to practices beyond head knowledge in living out your faith and doing God’s will in community. James also wrote, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The Bible, God’s very own words, are His instructions to you personally.
In the United States, despite the Constitution protecting freedom of speech and religion, the public use of the Word of God is being restricted. Pray that the citizenry and government officials will stand for the Bible, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Intercede for the nonprofit ministries that advocate for believers in this country.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 5:27-32
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
