(The image, Growing by the Word, was created by ChatGPT)

 

Breathed. Profitable. Equipped.

By Dr. Al Hearne II

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.”

We were made by God to grow with divine intention. One of the greatest gifts He gave us to guide that growth is His Word. In Paul’s day, “all Scripture” meant the Old Testament. By the end of the first century, it also included the Gospels and Paul’s letters. By 367 AD, Athanasius listed in his Easter letter the full collection of writings that we now hold as the Old and New Testaments. From the beginning until now, God has breathed out His truth for His people.

The phrase “breathed out by God” reminds us that Scripture was not man’s invention. Human writers, fearfully and wonderfully made, used their own gifts, talents, and personalities—yet God’s Spirit directed their words so that what they wrote was His perfect truth for all people, for all time. This makes Scripture unique: it is both human and divine, trustworthy in every word because God was in control of its writing.

Paul tells us why Scripture matters: it is profitable. It teaches us how to live, reproves us when we sin, corrects our thinking when it drifts, and trains us in righteousness. The Bible is not just a history book; it is God's living Word, shaping His people into Christlikeness. Scripture contains everything a believer needs to be complete and ready, equipped for the good works God has already prepared. For example, imagine starting your week with an intense sibling argument that leaves everyone upset. Scripture teaches patience and love, guiding us to resolve conflicts with kindness and understanding. Or consider the pressures from social media to conform to certain behavior; Scripture reproofs these pressures by reminding us of our worth in Christ and correcting our mindset to focus on eternal values rather than fleeting trends. Through these real-life situations, the Bible proves itself as a daily resource, profitable for nurturing growth and cultivating the character of Christ within us.

God made you to grow, and His Word is what equips you daily for life’s journey.

Application

This week, commit as a family to spend time in God’s Word together. As you do so, consider each family member's love language in your engagement. Select one passage to read daily, and after reading, incorporate practices that resonate with each person's heart. For those who value words of affirmation, take turns affirming each other with positive thoughts inspired by the passage. If acts of service resonate, let the passage inspire you to perform small acts of kindness. For those who cherish quality time, use this shared reading as an opportunity to deepen your bond through discussion and reflection. Ask yourselves: What is God teaching us here? Is there something to correct in our thinking or actions? How does this passage train us to live for Him? Write down your answers and watch how God uses His Word, matched with expressions of love, to equip you for the week ahead.

Reflection – Ask your children to reflect upon the following questions:

Before asking your children to reflect, consider sharing a personal story of your own spiritual journey. Think of a time when you faced a challenge and how the Scripture guided you through it. For example, I once found myself struggling with doubt about the existence of God during a particularly tough personal time. Through prayer and reflection, I was led to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which reminded me of God’s guidance and reassurance through His Word. This personal reflection can serve as an encouraging model for your children, showing the real impact of Scripture in everyday life.

Now, ask your children to reflect upon the following questions:

• Why is the Bible called 'God-breathed'?
• What are some ways the Bible teaches, corrects, or trains us?
• How can our family use Scripture this week to be better equipped for the good works God wants us to do?

Growth in Action

The Bible is not meant to sit on a shelf—it is meant to shape our lives. Try these steps as a family:

• With younger children, practice simple memory verses and discuss their meanings. For example: “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
• With older children, challenge them to find one way each day that Scripture can guide their decision, attitude, or response.
• As a family, set aside time at dinner to share one verse that stood out from your reading and how it encouraged or corrected you.

Growth comes through God’s Word. When we allow Scripture to teach, reprove, correct, and train us, we grow into completeness—equipped for every good work that God has designed us to do.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for breathing out Your Word for us. Thank You that every word of Scripture is trustworthy and profitable. Teach us through Your Word, correct us when we stray, and train us to walk in righteousness. Equip our family to be ready for every good work You have prepared. May we grow in wisdom, maturity, and obedience as we listen to Your voice in Scripture. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.