The Word
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV).
While the Word of God can often bring comfort to us, it was not given to us strictly for our comfort, as the verse above from 2 Timothy points out. In fact, there are times when the Word of God will make us uncomfortable. First, we have to remember that the Scriptures are God’s Word to us. One of its functions is teaching. The Bible is filled with timeless truths, as well as examples of faithful men and women who walked with God; all of which are given to us so that we can learn more about God, draw closer to Him, and understand His plan and purpose for our lives. If we want to live a life full of meaning and purpose for this life, and be prepared for the life to come, we must learn the truth of God’s word and apply it. The Bible will teach us, but if we are to learn from it, we must read it, study it, and apply what we have learned to our own individual situations.
A second function according to the verse above is rebuking. What does it mean to rebuke someone? In the biblical context, rebuking involves pointing out errors, wrongdoing, or sin. It is a form of discipline and instruction. There are times when we may need a good strong rebuke, especially if we are living a life that is contrary to God’s standards that is affecting our Christian witness. Further, the Bible doesn’t just rebuke- it also corrects. In this context, to correct means to set straight (right) again. In other words, the Bible doesn’t just show us where we are wrong; it also shows us what is right and how to get back on track.
Paul concludes by saying that the Word of God is useful for training in righteousness. The Word shows us how to grow in spiritual maturity and service, and how to lead godly lives. Obeying the Word is crucial for moral instruction and character development.
When we read and study a particular passage of Scripture, we should ask ourselves, “What is God trying to teach me here?” We should also be open to the possibility that the passage may rebuke and correct us. It can help us grow spiritually; the key is to be teachable. Don’t skip over or ignore a passage that might be uncomfortable for you. God could very well be trying to get your attention. Read the passage, think about it, and then apply its message to your life.
Blessings!
Pastor Randy
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