“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
—2 Timothy 3:16
ALL SCRIPTURE “is given by inspiration” includes both Old Testament and the New Testament Scriptures. In 2 Peter 3:15-16, the Apostle Peter identifies Paul’s writings as Scripture. And the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” He clearly identifies the words written by the apostles to the churches as God’s Word. Given by inspiration of God literally means “breathed out by God” or “God-breathed.” Sometimes God told the Bible writers the exact words to say, but more often He used their minds, vocabularies, and experiences to produce His own perfect infallible, inerrant Word (1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 1:1; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Inspiration applies only to the original autographs or manuscripts of Scripture, not the Bible writers. There are no inspired writers, only inspired Scripture.
SO IDENTIFIED IS God with His Word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks (Rom. 9:17; Gal. 3:8). Doctrine is divine instruction that is necessary for life and godliness. Reproof is a rebuke for wrong behavior or wrong belief. Correction is the restoration of something to its proper condition. It refers to righting a fallen object or helping back to their feet one who has stumbled. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Scripture not only rebukes wrong behavior but also points the way back to godly living (Psa. 119:9-11; John 15:1-2). Instruction in righteousness is positive training in godly behavior, not merely rebuke and correction of wrong behavior. What an inestimable treasure we have in the Word of God. Are you cultivating God’s Word in your heart so that you might not sin against Him?
Tuesday Encouragement: September 2, 2025
In Christ,
Pastor S. Henry
