Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16 WEB
The King James version of this scripture reads, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The Greek word translated here, “theopneustos” translates to English as either “God-breathed” or “divinely inspired.” This is not the creative impulse as inspiration. Rather, it indicates men moved by the Spirit of God to write exactly what God wants communicated to mankind.
An explanation of how scripture is God-breathed inspiration is found in 2 Peter 1:20-21 which says, “knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit. WEB”
Higher Than Our Thoughts
The word of God is superior to the ideas and doctrines of men. Isaiah 55:8-9 teaches, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. KJV”
In addition to teaching that scripture is God-breathed, Paul writes to Timothy that scripture is useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We learn from the word of God how to live righteous lives according to his will. God’s word makes clear the distinction between good and evil, condemning unrighteousness.
The Word of God
The word of the Lord is our guide, correcting our sinful nature. It is the source of our existence and the means by which we maintain our lives. Jesus Christ is the Word of God. As the Lord says in John 12:49, “For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. WEB”
After fasting for forty days in the wilderness, the Lord demonstrated the righteous power of God-breathed scripture when Satan tempted him to turn stones to bread. Jesus answered his adversary with scripture saying in Matthew 4:4, ‘It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’ WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the instruction of your holy word. Thank you for guiding my steps. Give me wisdom to apply your word to my life. Help me to better serve you and your kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: No One Righteous
