According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17: 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. Introduction: Paul s words to Timothy express the importance to accurately understanding the source of God s Word. It is in fact just that, the word of God. Since it is His word, it is given by Him, authored by Him, and comes from Him. As such, it holds the ability to equip believers for every good work which He has prepared for believers to accomplish. The Text: 1. All Scripture is given a. Paul writes, (pah-sah grah-fae theh-o-neu-stos) to Timothy. i. (pah-sah) literally means all. It describes the sum total of a number of individual objects. It is when each of these objects is gathered together so that the set is complete that all of the objects are had. Thus, the emphasis with is the entire sum of all the individual objects which comprise Scripture in its entirety. ii. (grah-fae) refers to that which has been written down. It is a singular feminine noun. This identifies that there is one writing. The feminine gender in Koine Greek expresses the idea of relationship rather than biology. In other words, rather than focusing on the biological makeup (male or female), the focus of the gender is on how the noun interacts in relationships with other nouns. The feminine noun identifies an object as being based on response. The writing then is based on response to something else which initiates its writing. Thus the identification is made that Scripture is that which has been written down based on response to someone or something. That someone or something is identified through (theh-oneu-stos). iii. (theh-o-neu-stos) is an adjective used to describe. It is a compound word which literally means God-breathed. Therein is identified someone or something which initiates the writing which has been recorded based on response to God s initiation. The literal understanding is that God the Father, through the Holy Spirit, breathed into the recorders of His Word every individual word which they then exhaled onto the pages of His Word they recorded. They inhaled the word of God which He wanted them to record and then they exhaled it in the form of penning the words on the pages of Scripture. Thus, we have the concept of the inspiration of Scripture being accomplished through the tool of the Holy Spirit by God the Father for the purpose of recording the mind of Christ.
iv. When is put together the expanded translation reads, The entire writing is based upon response to God-breathing it into the penman by His own initiation and them responding to Him through the recording of His words onto the pages which makeup the individual writings, which when brought together as a whole form a complete singular writing of His Word It is this writing which is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. b. Paul identifies the method of the writing s existence as being God-breathed to the penmen who inhaled the Word of God and then exhaled it onto the pages of the writing based upon response to God s initiation. 2. and is profitable a. Paul adds that the writing is profitable for a number of things. He uses the logical connective conjunction (kai) to express that there is a logical relationship between God breathing His word to the writers and its profitability. In other words, Paul is identifying that since it came from God, the logical thought process is that it is profitable to the reader. As a connective conjunction joins together Paul s statement concerning the method and origin of the writing with his statement concerning its profitability. The syntax identifies that the type of connection between Paul s two statements is an equivalent connection. That is to say, that his first statement ( All Scripture is inspired by God ) and his second statement ( and is profitable ) are equal in value. One is not more important than the other in his statement. They carry the same weight out of his pen. b. The English word profitable is translated from the Greek word (oh-feh-li-mos) which is an adjective used to describe the writing. literally means, advantageous based upon usefulness. In other words, identifies something that is valuable to possess and beneficial when used. In that sense, Scripture is a beneficial tool able to be used in a way that is advantageous to the one using it. In order for a tool to be used it must be depended upon to accomplish the act for which it is being used. If a hammer stays in the toolbox when a nail needs to be driven in then the hammer is useless to the carpenter. But when the carpenter uses that hammer to accomplish the driving of a nail, then it is of great gain to the carpenter. And yet, when the hammer is used to drive a screw, it can only do so much before it must be put back into the toolbox for the purpose of picking up a screwdriver. Scripture is a great resource to the believer living the Christian way of life, if only they will use it by depending upon its truths in the appropriate moments. In that way, Scripture is advantageous based upon its usefulness. c. is a feminine adjective which describes the profitability of Scripture as being based on response. Scripture becomes advantageous based upon usefulness to the believer when the believer responds to it in dependence upon it. If the believer chooses not to respond to Scripture then it remains in the tool box and is not advantageous to the believer in their circumstance.
3. for doctrine a. Paul lists the areas wherein Scripture is advantageous based upon its usefulness starting first with (pros di-dahs-ka-lee-ahn). b. (pros) is a preposition which means toward. It identifies motion or orientation toward an object. In its capacity within the current context of 2 Timothy 3:16 it refers to the orientation of Scripture s profitability toward another thing. In other words, carries out the idea that Scripture s profitability is with a specific area in view. c. That area which is in view is doctrine and it is one of many Paul lists in verse 16. Doctrine is translated from the Greek word, (di-dahs-ki-lee-ahn) which means teaching. It refers to knowledge learned through the process of teaching in the academic setting. In this sense it is most closely related to the formal education process of the school system. However, it can be a reference to any time an individual attempts to teach a specific part of knowledge to another individual. i. refers to the knowledge which is taught by the instructor. ii. The instructor teaches knowledge of a subject to the individual. iii. This is done as a matter of purpose by both parties. a. The teacher is purposefully teaching knowledge. b. The student is purposefully learning knowledge. iv. is a feminine noun. This identifies that the teaching is based on response. It is the believer s responsibility to get himself to Bible class for the purpose of learning the teaching of Scripture. His acquisition of the teachings of Scripture is based upon his response to go to Bible class or to stay home in apathy. d. It is toward doctrine that Scripture is identified as profitable. This creates the following understandings: i. Scripture is the textbook from which knowledge is obtained. ii. The believer is advantaged by possessing knowledge from Scripture. iii. Knowledge of Scripture is a useful tool to the believer in his arsenal of tools for use during the Christian way of life. iv. The believer is advantaged by utilizing knowledge of Scripture through faith. v. The greater the knowledge of Scripture possessed by the believer, the more readily equipped he is to carry out righteousness, if he chooses to operate in faith upon that knowledge which pertains to his state of circumstance. vi. It is the believer s responsibility to respond to his lack of teaching of God s Word by getting himself to a Bible class wherein he can be taught. And furthermore, he is to pursue a teacher who has the means and abilities to effectively teach the Word of God as it is read, and not as it is interpreted. 4. for reproof a. Another area in which Paul identifies Scripture as being advantageous to the believer is in the area of reproof.
b. again refers to the orientation of Scripture s profitability toward a specific area being in view. c. Reproof comes from the Greek word (eh-len-chon) which describes Scripture as being a means of proof. i. The concept is that of a prosecuting attorney who brings forth evidence that condemns the individual being accused. ii. refers to the evidence presented that proves the accused is guilty. iii. In that sense refutes the accused s testimony that he is not guilty. iv. In the sense of debate, identifies the argument used to disprove the opposing position. d. Scripture is advantageous to the believer as a proof through which he is able to refute false claims or knowledge. This creates the following understandings: i. Scripture is the basis of reality and interpreting reality. ii. The believer is able to utilize Scripture to refute false claims concerning reality and its interpretation (thus Scripture is truth and is able to be used to refute all non-truth). iii. The believer is advantaged when he utilizes Scripture as his proof to others, but also as his proof to himself. a. For example: The believer is faced with a teaching contrary to Scripture concerning the origin of life and species on earth (Evolution). Since Scripture is identified as being profitable towards refuting non-truth, then it can and should be used to shine light into the holes of the opposing non-truth. The believer is able to use Scripture as a proof because it is the only thing that will not break down under intense scrutiny since it is truth. b. For example: The believer is studying Scripture and comes across verses which teach that lying is sin. The Holy Spirit recalls a time when the believer lied, and the believer then must choose to accept the evidence against his own sinful actions or to reject the evidence. In this sense, Scripture is a tool by which the believer identifies the error of his ways. iv. The believer who utilizes Scripture through faith is benefitted in renovating his mind so that it contains righteous thought process, protocols, and knowledge. v. The more willing the believer is to accept the reality and truth of Scripture, the more greatly they are benefitted by its words, and the quicker he allows the renovation process of Romans 12:1-2 (aka, spiritual maturation process) to work. e. is a masculine noun which describes the profitability of Scripture as being based on initiation. i. Scripture as a means of proof against a non-truth is based on initiation. ii. God s Word is based on God s initiation in revealing truth. iii. Scripture proves what non-truth is based on its own initiation. It does not require a
dependency upon it, an interpretation, or any other act other than that it exists. iv. Its existence has been initiated by God and therefore His Word as gathered into the writing of Scripture declares truth in opposition to non-truth on its own initiation. It needs no one to enact it as a means of proof. Its existence alone initiates it as a means of proof against non-truth. f. Scripture being described as a means of proof identifies it as the source and testimony to reality and truth. Testifying to the truth is the purpose for Jesus time on earth, of which the truth that man needed a righteous savior is included as a part, but not the whole (cf. John 18:37). i. John 18:37: Pilate therefore said to Him, Are you a king then? Jesus answered, You say rightly that I am a king, for this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. 5. for correction a. Paul identifies to Timothy that Scripture is also profitable with a view towards (see above) correction. b. Correction is from the adjective (eh-pan-or-thoh-sin). i. literally means, upon making straight again. ii. It is a compound word which is made up of: a. (eh-pi) meaning, to rest upon. b. (ah-nor-tho-oh) meaning, to make straight. iii. When combined together and identify the concept that something is able to be restored or corrected to a previous state. This is similar in fashion to a dilapidated building being restored into its original condition. c. is a feminine adjective which identifies the restoration as being based on response. d. The concept built around is that the believer is able to be restored to a righteous standing based upon response to the writings of Scripture. a. In order for the believer to be made straight, he must rest upon Scripture ( ). b. This is the positive response for the believer (feminine gender = based on response). c. When the believer responds to Scripture by depending upon it to work in him moment by moment, then it is able to make him straight. d. Scripture is profitable to the believer as a tool for restoring him to the original design of God based upon the believer s response to it. i. If the believer responds positively to Scripture in faith, it makes him
straight. ii. If the believer responds negatively to Scripture in rejection, it has no effect upon him. 6. for instruction in righteousness a. Paul concludes his list of advantages Scripture possesses to the believer with (pros pai-dei-ahn ehn taen di-kai-o-soo-nae). b. identifies an orientation of one object towards another, thus the profitability of Scripture is oriented to. c. (pai-dei-ahn) identifies a concept of providing instruction with the active intent of forming proper habits of behavior. i. Where is concerned with instruction in knowledge, is concerned with behavioral training. ii. However, righteous behavior is the result of righteous knowledge. Therefore, is imperative to possess prior to. d. takes on the concept of repetitious training of an action or behavior with a view towards evaluating the mechanics of the action or behavior. i. The action or behavior is observed during its accomplishment by both an outside party and the one accomplishing the action. ii. The outside party is the instructor of the action (much like a baseball coach evaluating the mechanics of a player s throw or swing). iii. The one accomplishing the action is doing so with the purpose of accomplishing it in the proper way, using the right methods and mechanics. iv. While the action is occurring, the outside party is comparing the action s mechanics to the proper or right mechanics. v. Simultaneously, the one accomplishing the action is paying attention to how he is accomplishing the action with the intent to utilize the proper mechanics. vi. Once the action is completed the outside party makes modifications to the mechanics employed by the one completing the action so that the next time it is enacted the actor is able to adjust more closely towards the proper mechanics. e. The type of (instruction) is specifically identified as being in righteousness. i. In is translated from the Greek preposition, (ehn) which identifies a static (nonmoving) location of an object within another object. It is translated literally as in the sphere of. ii. The location and type of (instruction) is in the sphere of righteousness. iii. (di-kai-o-soo-nae) describes an object as being in conformity to the specifications of the blueprint. iv. is a feminine noun which identifies conformity to the specifications of the blueprint as being based on response.
f. The purpose then behind the is that the actions or the behavior of the believer would be developed so that they come into the sphere of conformity to the specifications of the blueprint to the point that when the action or behavior occurs it is occurring within the sphere of righteousness, rather than outside of such sphere. g. is a feminine adjective, therefore it is based upon response. i. The development of actions and behaviors is based upon the believer s response to go to practice. ii. The believer must purposefully study the mechanics of his actions and behavior so that he can participate in the action of bringing them into conformity to God s standard of righteousness. iii. The outside Observer to the believer s mechanics is the Holy Spirit who takes on the role of the baseball coach in the analogy above. He evaluates the mechanics of the action or behavior, compares them to the standard of righteousness and then gives the necessary adjustments to the believer. Conclusion: Paul identifies that the entirety of Scripture is advantageous to the believer. However, the advantage to the believer is not merely in possessing the writings of Scripture but in utilizing them through faith. That is complete dependency upon them to accomplish the work they are designed to accomplish. Both the believer and Scripture play a role in this process: 1. The believer learns teaching by submitting himself to a Bible teacher in Bible class. This is based on the believer s response to seek teaching. 2. The knowledge of Scripture he learns is described as being evidence used to disprove non-truth. This is based on Scripture s initiation to be truth based on the initiation of God to reveal truth in writing. As truth it is the sole source of evidence against non-truth. 3. The evidence brought forth by knowledge of Scripture is profitable to the believer who chooses to depend upon it with a view towards correcting those things he has been conformed to (Romans 12:1-2) during his time and experience in the devil s world system. The believer being straightened out by the knowledge he learns from Bible class is based upon his response to that knowledge. If the believer rejects or ignores the teaching then it will have no impact upon his crooked state. 4. When the believer responds to the knowledge of the Bible positively it straightens him out and begins the restoration process of the believer to God s original design (pre-fall). This then leads to changes in the believer s actions and behavior. 5. Scripture is profitable to the believer here as well in that it is the standard against which the mechanics by which the believer carries out actions and behaves can be compared. This is based upon response to the believer utilizing the knowledge he learned in Bible class in faith to not only straighten him out, but to produce from within him righteous action. 6. The Holy Spirit operates as the outside observer to the believer s actions to critique and discipline the believer s mechanics so that they come into conformity to God s expressed standard of righteousness through Holy Scripture.
7. All of this is done for the purpose that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).