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                                   THE SCRIPTURES OR HOLY WRITTINGS 2 Timothy 3:16,17


All Scripture is "given by the inspiration of God"  - 2Ti 3:16

Literally, "God breathed" (theopneustos)

"All Scripture is breathed out by God"

"The idea of 'breathing upon, or breathing into the soul,' is that which the word naturally conveys." - Barnes

The writers of Scripture were moved along by the Spirit of God -  2Pe 1:21

The Spirit gave them their very words (i.e., verbal and plenary inspiration) -  1Co 2:13

-- The Scriptures are not the words or thoughts of mere men, but of Spirit-guided men who spoke and wrote the very Word of God! -  Jn 16:13; 1Co 14:37; 1Th 2:13

THEY ARE PROFITABLE...

For doctrine - 2Ti 3:16

Teaching, instruction - Thayer

Regarding all that God wants us to know regarding Himself and His will for us

For reproof - 2Ti 3:16

Proof, conviction - Strong

Convicting those in error of their wrong, showing them the need to change

For correction - 2Ti 3:16

Correction, improvement of life or character - Thayer

"the Scriptures are a powerful means of reformation, or of putting men into the proper condition in regard to morals." - Barnes

For instruction in righteousness - 2Ti 3:16

"Instruction in regard to the principles of justice, or what is right." - Barnes

"Man needs not only to be made acquainted with truth, to be convinced of his error, and to be reformed; but he needs to be taught what is right, or what is required of him, in order that he may lead a holy life."

-- The Scriptures are truly "profitable" (helpful, advantageous), as extolled by David - Psalm 19:7,8,9-11

THEY MAKE ONE COMPLETE...

Thoroughly equipped for every good work - 2Ti 3:17

That is, completely furnished to do what is expected of him

Note well: equipped for every good work; not some, but all that God considers a good work

Regarding life and godliness - 2Pe 1:3

We have been given "all things that pertain to life and godliness"

Not 'some' things, but 'all' that we need for spiritual life and godly living

Having been given once for all - Jude 1:3

The faith has been delivered "once for all" to the saints

There is no need for 'modern day revelations', just as there is no more need of sacrifices for sins - He 9:26-28; 1Pe 3:18

-- The inspired Scriptures alone are more than adequate to make the man of God "complete" (competent, ESV), to do everything God desires of Him for salvation

CONCLUSION

Dear friends and brethren, do we truly desire to...

Be wise concerning the salvation by faith in Christ?

Have hope in the promises of God?

Learn from the mistakes of those in the past?

Be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work?

Then take up the admonition of Paul to both the elders and the young preacher...

Continue in the things learned from the Holy Scriptures!

Let the inspired Scriptures be your guide in life through its doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness!

Give yourself to diligent study of the Word of God, which is...

"able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus"

"able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified"

"For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.' 1Th 2:13

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