“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)
2 Timothy 3:14 - 4:2

 

This extract from the second reading on Sunday points out three things: scripture is inspired, has a purpose, and prepares us to carry out God's works and be followers of Christ.

As an ex-teacher, I can relate these words to my teaching experience. For 25 years, it was my duty to be inspirational, fulfil my purpose, and prepare children for the next grade and, ultimately, for life after school.

The scriptures do all these things without us being aware. God has breathed into scripture; they are God's words. Through Jesus, we see God's words in action; we receive his grace every day; as we meditate on the word, we are infused with God's love, peace and wisdom. The inspired words of God reveal who God is and God’s divine plan for us all. God's words teach us about his expectations of us. We, too, can become inspired and share our experiences of God with others.

The scriptures have a purpose; they help show us how to live. We are given examples and practices, guidance and encouragement; we are taught to be patient and humble. The scriptures are a written framework for us to follow, a path to living in a life-giving way. The scriptures are useful, too, in alerting us to problems of our sinful nature, highlighting our pride and bad attitudes. Yet, we are assured that we have all we need for godliness in Christ.

The scriptures prepare us to be believers, to be faithful and righteous. The word of God equips us to be productive in all aspects of our life. As God’s people, we are invited to be faithful in the scriptures. We are advised of God’s justice but also of his saving love for us. The inspired words of God teach us all we need to know to be his children. 

The scriptures are the best textbook we could have with all the stories, examples, problem-solving and solutions, experiments and theories we could imagine. My great-grandmother used to say that the Bible was the best book to read as there is poetry, romance, suspense, history, horror and murder between the two covers! Most importantly, spending time with scripture draws us into a deeper relationship with God.

Today you are invited to identify those times when the scriptures have been useful? In what ways have the scriptures taught, convicted, corrected or trained you recently

Lord,
Thank you for breathing life into the Scriptures so they may be useful and

 prepare us for the life you desire us to have. May these words continue to teach, 

convict, correct and train us.

Amen.