2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17
we can rest assured that He has preserved and protected His holy Scriptures down through the centuries!...Anything we need to
know about our relationship to God and His relationship to us is found in the Bible. We need no added books, and we cannot af-
ford to take any away. If we add to or take from His Word, God will take away our part out of the book of life. All Scripture is
given by inspiration of God. ‘Given by inspiration of God,’ according to the Greek dictionary, is one Greek word, meaning
‘God-breathed’” (The Epistles of Paul the Apostle to Timothy and Titus, p.355).
3. The accuracy and dependability of Scripture is clearly seen when one studies what Scripture has to say about itself.
a. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures (2 Pt.1:19-21, esp.21). The word of prophecy is more
accurately translated prophetic word. The origin of Scripture is not found in the will of man, that is, in his
attempt to find truth and to interpret truth. But it is found in the Word of the Holy Spirit who reveals truth
to man (cp. Jn.16:12-15; 1 Cor.2:9-10).
b. The writers of the Old Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Sam.23:1-3; Is.8:1, 11; Jer.1:9;
5:14; 7:27; 13:12; Ezk.3:4-11; Mic.3:8; Jer.23:29; Hab.2:2; Zech.4:8). They refer to Scripture as “the Word,”
“the Statutes,” “the Law,” and “the Testimonies” (cp. Ps.19:1f; 119:1f). “Thus saith the Lord” or an equivalent
phrase is used over two thousand times in the Old Testament alone.
The writers of the New Testament confirm the claims of the Old Testament writers (Heb.1:1; cp.
Mt.1:22; 2:15; Acts 1:16; 28:25; Eph.4:8; 1 Tim.1:18-20). They show the high authority of the Scriptures
when they use phrases such as, “It is written” and “Scripture says.” They expected the readers and hearers to
be bound by Scripture.
c. The writers of the New Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God (Acts 15:28; 1 Cor.2:13; 3:1;
11:23; 14:37; 15:1-4; Gal.1:11-12; 1 Th.2:13; 2 Pt.3:2). Paul affirmed in behalf of all the aspotles that their
words were divinely taught (1 Cor.2:13, note the word we). Peter asserts the same level of authority for the
writings of the apostles as for the Old Testament Scriptures (2 Pt.3:2). The view of inspiration was clear in
the early church: the first church council stated that the conclusions of the council were given by the Holy
Spirit through the leaders (Acts 15:28f).
d. Jesus Christ claims that the Bible is the Word of God. He contrasts the Scriptures and the commandments
of God with the traditions and instructions of men (Mk.7:6-13). He equates the word of Moses with
Scripture and His own word with the word of Moses and both as the Word of God (Jn.5:38, 45-47). He
says, “the Scripture cannot be broken” (Jn.10:35). He validated the most minute portions of Scripture
(Mt.5:18; Lk.16:17). He continually argued the validity of Scripture (Mt.4:4, 7, 10; 22:29, 32, 43; Mk.12:24;
Lk.4:4, 8). He saw Himself as the focus and fulfillment of Scripture (Lk.24:25-27). He asserted that what
was written must be fulfilled (Lk.22:36-37). He predicted and approved the New Testament and assured
His apostles that they would be kept from error (Jn.16:13).
f. The Bible is absolutely trustworthy (Mt.24:35). “The Scripture cannot be broken” (Jn.10:34-35).
“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word
of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the
word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Th.2:13).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim.3:16).
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pt.1:21).
4
(3:16) Scripture: Scripture is profitable to man. The word profitable (ophelimos) means useful, beneficial, and helpful.
Simply stated, the Bible is for man; God gave it to help man. There are four very specific helps found in the Bible.
1. The Bible is profitable for doctrine. God wants man to know beyond doubt who God is; who man is; and the begin-
ning, meaning, and end of all things. The Scripture reveals the truth—the nature, meaning, and significance of truth. The Bi-
ble gives man the principles and rules for life. It gives him the doctrines and foundations of life.
“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify
of me” (Jn.5:39).
“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his
will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (Jn.7:16-17).
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my
disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn.8:31-32).
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through
patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Ro.15:4).
2. The Bible is profitable for reproof. God wants man to sense conviction and to be rebuked when he is disobedient to
God’s will. The Scripture reveals God’s will and the consequences of disobedience to His will.
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the
comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he
will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment....Howbeit when he, the Spirit of
truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth [the Word of God]: for he shall not speak of himself; but
whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come” (Jn.16:7-8, 13).
“For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb.4:12).
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