by Dr. Al Hearne II

This fifth shore excursion starts a series of four devotions aimed at how understanding the foundation of Scripture is required to accept God's truth fully.

 

Shore Excursion 5 - Is Scripture really "breathed out by God"?

2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for corrections and for training in righteousness,"

2 Timothy is Paul's last letter while in prison in Rome and placed in the New Testament. He addresses it to Timothy, his son in the faith, who is ministering in Ephesus. It is a heartfelt letter to encourage Timothy in his ministerial duties, including standing firm in the faith in the face of opposition. Chapter 3 specifically addresses the difficult times that are coming (3:1-5), false teachers, and people who will resist the truth (3:8-9), encourages Timothy to remain faithful with what he has learned about God (3:14-15) because all Scripture is breathed out by God to be put into express action in all of life (3:16-17). 

In 2 Timothy 3:16, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul writes, "all scripture is breathed out by God." In Greek, "breathed out by God" is one word, meaning that Scripture is from divine origin, with God as the source. Scripture is God's absolute truth. It is literally breathed by God and cannot be wrong. The second half of the verse then states why understanding the foundation of Scripture is vital for successful critical living with four key concepts that relate to all of life: Scripture is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for corrections, and training in righteousness." Scripture is the way to teach people about God and everything that God wants them to do. Scripture is the means for reproof (or rebuke) of believers when they have strayed into sin. Scripture is how to correct, leading to a restoration of God glorifying action. Finally, Scripture is the only way to provide training in righteousness, the habits and patterns needed for right living to glorify God.

What does this mean for us today? The Bible is not just a set of ancient texts, ethical instructions, or guidelines to follow when they fit our desires. Scripture is divine in origin; its source is directly from being "breathed out by God." Understanding this about Scripture changes how we approach God's word. It is not merely a source of comfort or inspiration but the foundation upon which we must build every aspect of our lives. We must understand Scripture as God's truth to apply it honestly in every area of our lives. 

 

Reflective Practice

How have you experienced the transformative power of Scripture in your own life?

Can you remember a specific instance where the Bible provided teaching, reproof, correction, or training in righteousness?

Are there any areas in your life where you struggle to align your actions with the truth of Scripture?

 

Concluding Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Scripture, breathed out by you and written to be applied to our daily lives. Please help us understand the truth of your Word and the authority of Scripture in our lives. Teach us to submit our hearts, minds, and wills to Your truth. Reprove us with your word when we fall into sin or the temptation to sin. Provide us with correction from your Word. Use Scripture to train us in righteousness on a daily basis. In Jesus name, Amen!

 

[image, Breathed By God, was created by DALL·E.]