The
Word
"All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness" (II Timothy 3:16).
This verse is set in a most
interesting context. Paul had warned Timothy that it was not enough just to
learn the truth, but it was vital that he continue in it. Jesus had taught the
same thing. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John
8:31,32).
Time and again Paul warned
the believers that the narrow path was alive with dangers that were real and
deadly.
What is the road map that
will show us the way? What is the light and the lamp to guide us when the days
grow dark? Here Paul leaves no doubt. It is the Holy Scriptures, the sum total
of divine revelation.
The grand design of the
Bible is given in verse 15: "From a child thou hast known the holy
scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus" (II Timothy 3:15).
The Apostle John had
revealed to us the great purpose of the Gospel: "These are written, that ye
might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye
might have life through his name" (John 20:31).
What then? After we have
begun our walk on the path of righteousness, in what specific ways will the
Bible prove helpful? Thank God, it will provide all the direction we need.
Peter said, "By which are given unto us exceedingly great and precious
promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (II Peter 1:4).
So, in this vital Bible
verse we learn two great truths regarding the Scriptures. They are inspired of
God and are profitable to the people of God. And then He spells it out: the
scriptures are profitable in four specific ways.
First of all, it instructs
us in that which is true. Think of that! In a world filled with falsehood and
error, you and I have the truth. I have always been struck by the reference to
the Word of God in the letter the king wrote to Ezra the scribe. He referred to
the Scriptures as "the wisdom of God that is in thine hand."
He goes on to say that it is
given for our reproof, to warn us when we go wrong. This is one of the greatest
blessings of Scripture memory. It provides us with an internal guidance system
which the Blessed Holy Spirit of God uses to alert us when we head in the wrong
direction.
Solomon instructed us to
bind them continually upon our hearts. The result? "When thou goest, it
shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest,
it shall talk with thee; for the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light,
and reproofs of instruction are the ways of life" (Proverbs 6:22, 23).
Thus the Word of God is both
an early warning device and it is also the means by which we are restored to
the right path. In light of all that, who among us can afford to leave the Word
of God un‑opened?
We all need to be
instructed, corrected, and reproved. Only in the Bible can we find that which
instructs us in truth, reproves us for that which is amiss, and directs us in
that which is good.
This vital Bible verse is
just one of 60 carefully selected scriptures that are contained in the
Navigators Scripture Memory course. If you want to
memorize Scripture, but aren't sure what to memorize or how to get started,
this is exactly what you need. The Topical Memory System includes memory verse cards in four different Bible versions -
NIV, KJV, NASB, NKJV. Topics include all of the basics of the Christ-centered
Spirit-filled life, sharing your faith, and growing on to maturity in your walk
with God. May God bless you as you fill your life with His Word.
© Copyright 2002, LeRoy Eims