All Scripture Is Inspired by God

Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Devotion

If you knew you were about to die and had the chance to write a final letter to someone you hoped would carry on your legacy after your death, what words of wisdom and exhortation would you provide them? In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul, in his final letter, writes to his protege in the faith, Timothy. As his letter draws to a close, he encourages Timothy by reminding him that the faith that he received is built upon God’s Word. The reason studying the Bible is so critical is because of what this verse teaches: All of Scripture is inspired by God.

Our faith is built upon the Word of God. It is distinct from all other writings or philosophies as it is given to us directly from God. The Bible was written by around 40 different authors across over 1,500 years in three different languages spanning three different continents. There are pages written by kings and prisoners, poets and prophets, sinners and saints. Unlike other major Western religions, the Bible is not one person’s experience with the divine telling others how they can experience the transcendent. The Bible is a historical narrative of how the God of Abraham has shown grace to His people throughout the centuries, expanding the invitation to all who would come to Him in faith.

These verses teach us that God’s Word is profitable in four ways:

First, it is helpful for teaching. We receive instruction in how we are to live from God’s Word. Without God’s Word, we could know how to live morally based on the natural order of things, but we would not know how to live life the way God intended.

Second, God’s Word rebukes us. It stands as a mirror for us to see how we have failed to live up to God’s way.

Third, Scripture corrects us when we stray from the path. Following a realization of our error, we are guided by Scripture to take the next steps back to God.

Finally, the Bible trains us to live for God’s glory. This comes from meditating on God’s word and being equipped to carry out God’s purpose for our lives. What greater way to invest your time today than to be inspired by the Word of God to live all of life for Jesus?

During the American Revolutionary War, trade was cut off from the British Empire, including access to the Bible. A pious printer from Philadelphia named Robert Aitken set out to translate the Bible from the original languages into a new English translation. Upon completing the work, he petitioned Congress for permission to print his Bible. In 1782, Congress had a committee review the translation to ensure the work was completed with excellence. The result not only permitted Aitken to print Bibles, but Congress recommended all inhabitants of the United States read the Bible. This printing became known as the Bible of the Revolution and, to this day, is the only book recommended by Congress.

Reflection

Q1. What are the main themes or ideas of the Scripture passage?

Q2. What does this devotional tell me about who God is?

Q3. How does this devotional challenge or encourage me?

Q4. What specific action can I take to live out this teaching?

Q5. Who should I share this with for encouragement or accountability?