2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  NKJV

I am saddened anytime I see anyone trying to profit monetarily from Scripture and my heart reacts much the way Jesus reacted when He threw the money-changers out of the temple.  The Gospel is not a marketing or income producing tool as Paul describes here to Timothy.  There are some definitive purposes for Scripture and that inspired word is PROFITABLE.

• Profitable for Doctrine.

Simply it is to be used for instruction and teaching of principles founded in God’s Word and taught by our Lord and His disciples.  It is useful to establish guidelines for living introducing the individual to the Living Lord through His Living Word.  It is useful in teaching the will and purposes of God and continually point the individual to the Lord Jesus until He returns.

• Profitable for Reproof.

It is interesting that there is reproof and then correction but if you examine it the logic and reason is clear.  Reproof is refutation of error.  It is conviction of wrong.  It implies punishment of some type or degree.    Scripture is beneficial to correct, convict and convince.  Our opinions are just that and when placed under the microscope of God’s Word they must align themselves with that word and if they do not willingly they face the reproof of Scripture and Conviction of the Holy Spirit.

• Profitable for Correction.

Correction is a step beyond reproof in that it is realigning that which was crooked.  It is a reformation including a renewing of the mind to come into full alignment with the principles revealed in the Word of God.  It carries the idea of something being superimposed over something else or the principles of God superimposed over our thoughts, lives and deeds.

• Profitable for Instruction in Righteousness.

In simple terms Scripture or the Bible is a training manual to guide us in the paths of righteousness.  It is a revelation of the will, heart and purpose of God and as the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives it has the power to transform.

All this is for the end that the man or woman of God comes to spiritual maturity and demonstrates a level of competence that we can give reason to everyone for the reason of hope that is within us.  It is to equip us to do whatever God places before us and do so with a power and wisdom beyond human ability or intellect.  This is the INSPIRED WORD OF GOD that lives and opens the door of understanding for our spirits that we might become that which God has designed and desired.

These are reasons to treasure Scripture and as we place value on it we will invest time and energy in it.  It will not be a ritual that we read but a life manual that we study realizing it is our Spiritual Food without which we cannot survive.

            God bless you as you go through your day!