2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
1. The Nature of the Bible: God-Breathed
When Paul writes that “all Scripture is God-breathed,” he is making a claim about the origin and authority of the Bible. The Greek word translated God-breathed (theopneustos) emphasizes that Scripture does not merely contain human ideas about God, but is itself the product of God’s Spirit. Human authors wrote the words, but God directed them (cf. 2 Peter 1:20–21).
This means the Bible carries divine authority. It is not optional commentary or one opinion among many—it is God’s Word, trustworthy and binding for belief and practice.
2. The Purpose of the Bible: Instruction in Righteousness
Paul identifies four key functions of Scripture:
Teaching – The Bible lays down sound doctrine. It tells us who God is, what He has done, and what He requires of us. Rebuking – It exposes error, whether in belief or behavior, and confronts sin. Correcting – Scripture does not merely tear down wrong ideas; it builds up by showing us the right path to walk. Training in righteousness – Like a coach or mentor, the Bible shapes us over time, developing habits of godly living.
Together, these functions show that Scripture is not abstract theory but practical truth aimed at shaping how we live.
3. The Goal of the Bible: Equipping God’s People
Verse 17 gives the result: the person of God is “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” In other words, the Bible is sufficient. It contains everything we need to know God, to grow in holiness, and to serve effectively.
Notice that Paul does not say Scripture equips us for some good works, but for “every good work.” This highlights the comprehensive role of God’s Word. Whatever situation we face—personal struggles, ethical dilemmas, ministry challenges—the Bible provides the wisdom and direction needed to honor God.
4. Why This Matters Today
In our cultural moment, authority is often questioned, and truth is seen as relative. Against this backdrop, the Bible stands as an unchanging revelation of God’s truth. If we neglect it, we drift into confusion, shaped more by the world than by God. If we devote ourselves to it, we become grounded, discerning, and prepared to live faithfully in every circumstance.
The Bible matters because without it, we cannot fully know God or rightly live for Him. With it, we are instructed, corrected, and equipped to carry out His mission in the world.
Conclusion
The Bible is the inspired Word of God, given not only to inform but to transform. It teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains so that God’s people may be complete and equipped. If we want to know what God requires, if we long to live a life pleasing to Him, if we desire to serve Him effectively, then we must be people of the Word.
The question is not whether the Bible matters, but whether we will allow it to matter in our own lives—shaping our minds, guiding our choices, and equipping us for every good work.