The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 3:16-17,
"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 have lots of religions these days. There were in the historical days of early Israel as well, as some things never change. The draw for many of these religions, denominations, "faiths", cults, isms and schisms is that they promote the notion of having for themselves, and them alone, a corner on the truth. No one but them knows the real deal except for them. Often their theology and teachings are accompanied by special writings of their originators or key figures, or writings about them. It is good to be reminded that only the writings we have in our Bibles are authoritative. Sixty-six books, each and every one of them inspired by God. Other writings are not inspired by God. Peter explains what is meant by the term "inspired" in 2 Peter 1:20-21, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
The "All Scripture" Paul speaks to Timothy of are books we have in our Bibles. While the New Testament was still under formation, the books of what we call the "Old Testament" were the focus of Paul's observation. Our Bibles contain thirty-nine books we refer to as the Old Testament. In Paul's day, those thirty-nine books were arranged somewhat differently into 24 books, or scrolls. However, by the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy, it was being recognized by the early church that the production of newly inspired writings was taking place. Peter speaks of it in 2 Peter 3:16 where he refers to Paul's writings as Scripture (a technical name indicating writings inspired by God himself, as in 2 Peter 1:20-21.)
Our Bibles contain what is deemed to be the inspired word of God, "the Scriptures." It is within our Bible's covers we find the "all Scripture" that Paul informs us is "God-breathed and is what is useful for becoming "thoroughly equipped for every good work." I note the all inclusive words of "All Scripture", "thoroughly equipped" and "every good work." Paul does not refer to some of the Scriptures, he does not say partially equipped and he does not say some good works. All Scripture is God-breathed. By "God-breathed", I understand that it is the Scriptures that God brings to life, illuminating our hearts, minds and spirits through his Holy Spirit as we spend time in them, bringing about the equipping for every good work.
"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 have lots of religions these days. There were in the historical days of early Israel as well, as some things never change. The draw for many of these religions, denominations, "faiths", cults, isms and schisms is that they promote the notion of having for themselves, and them alone, a corner on the truth. No one but them knows the real deal except for them. Often their theology and teachings are accompanied by special writings of their originators or key figures, or writings about them. It is good to be reminded that only the writings we have in our Bibles are authoritative. Sixty-six books, each and every one of them inspired by God. Other writings are not inspired by God. Peter explains what is meant by the term "inspired" in 2 Peter 1:20-21, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
The "All Scripture" Paul speaks to Timothy of are books we have in our Bibles. While the New Testament was still under formation, the books of what we call the "Old Testament" were the focus of Paul's observation. Our Bibles contain thirty-nine books we refer to as the Old Testament. In Paul's day, those thirty-nine books were arranged somewhat differently into 24 books, or scrolls. However, by the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy, it was being recognized by the early church that the production of newly inspired writings was taking place. Peter speaks of it in 2 Peter 3:16 where he refers to Paul's writings as Scripture (a technical name indicating writings inspired by God himself, as in 2 Peter 1:20-21.)
Our Bibles contain what is deemed to be the inspired word of God, "the Scriptures." It is within our Bible's covers we find the "all Scripture" that Paul informs us is "God-breathed and is what is useful for becoming "thoroughly equipped for every good work." I note the all inclusive words of "All Scripture", "thoroughly equipped" and "every good work." Paul does not refer to some of the Scriptures, he does not say partially equipped and he does not say some good works. All Scripture is God-breathed. By "God-breathed", I understand that it is the Scriptures that God brings to life, illuminating our hearts, minds and spirits through his Holy Spirit as we spend time in them, bringing about the equipping for every good work.
Many people promote other books, other materials, other writings. They have other things to say. However, it is what God has to say that interests me. It is God who sent his Son to die for me, it is God who made a way for me into his family, it is God who has richly blessed me with an inheritance of eternal life, and, so, it is God I want to hear from. It is God who I want to listen to, it is God who will equip me for the work he has for me.
Are there other writings that might be helpful? I'm sure there are. However, it is the Scriptures I look for - for having myself equipped for what the Lord wants me doing.
How about you? Might there be room in your life for further equipping by God? I know there is in my life... and I avail myself of the Scriptures for just this very purpose.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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