“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

If a Christian teacher or pastor is not teaching from the Word of God, then what exactly are you teaching?

Paul in speaking to the young pastor Timothy encouraged him by saying in essence “Hey, God is the one who inspired the scriptures, it is all you need to do your job and it is all you need to equip others to do their job”.

The phrase “given by inspiration” is literally “God-breathed”. The Scriptures were breathed by God into the pen of the writers. We are told that it is good for four things and with two results. It is good for doctrine, in other words scripture is good for teaching people the teachings of God. Go figure. It is good for reproof; the Word of God is the one indisputable authority that we can use when we have to reprove someone. It is good for correction, for setting ourselves straight. When we read it we find that there are things in our life that need to be set straight, it is the standard that reveals to us our weak areas in need of growth. It is good for instruction in righteousness, in this post-modern area it is near impossible to know what is the right or wrong thing to do… and some don’t even think there is such a thing as right and wrong. The Scriptures is our source of instruction in righteousness, God gave it to us to know, not to feel, but to know what is right and what is wrong.

What are the two results of using the scriptures like this? The man of God will be complete; he will be a capable and proficient Christian, thoroughly equipped for every good work. There is no good work that the Word of God does not equip the man of God for, for the Word of God completes him.

Notice it says all scripture. Every bit of God’s Word has something to teach us, so if you want to serve God and be equipped, get to know His Word.