2 Timothy 3:16-17 2/12/2019*

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

We quote this verse often focusing almost exclusively on the “God-breathed” section.

The fact that scripture comes from the mouth of God and is infallible is incredibly important. But the end of this passage discusses what scripture is to be used for, and that is important as well.

Most of us want scripture to sooth us…help relieve our anxiety… and God’s word does that. But what about rebuking?... what about correcting and training in righteousness?

When is the last time you appreciated a good rebuke? How often do you feel gratitude when you endure some hard training? Scripture wasn’t written to just sooth you, it is intended to train and equip you to do the work of The Kingdom.

A great coach makes you both confident, and unsatisfied at the same time… sometimes by soothing you through difficult circumstances, and at other times is by rebuking you for a lack of effort or improvement.  A coach that doesn’t do both will be ineffective at best, and in reality, will probably hold you back.

Scripture is not just intended for comforting… it is spiritual training equipment.  It is there to make you better…. We sometimes confuse happiness with holiness. God never said he was always going to make you happy…He said He would set you apart…He would make you effective…He would equip you to do good work. This brings joy and fulfillment in doing what you were made to do, but it is often difficult labor.

Start using your bible as workout gear. Take the rebukes and training and apply them to yourself so you will be effective.  

Use scripture to comfort yourself and others… but don’t miss the strength and endurance that can be gained by honest self-evaluation and application of God’s living Word.

“God loves us just the way we are, but too much to leave us that way”
- Leighton Ford