SCRIPTURE INSPIRED OF GOD

2 Tim 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

The word "scripture," in its broadest sense, means anything that is written, such as a book, manuscript, or a document of any kind. The authors of such have certain talents that enable them to write in a creative and understandable manner. And given the appropriate content, they can very well be entertaining, inspirational as well as instructional. Included in this broad sense of "scripture" can be found many "religious" teachings of all ages. The distinction made in the lesson text is, by whom was the scripture inspired. If inspired by the wisdom of mankind, it is not to be accepted as the true doctrine of God, through which His plan of eternal can be found. Spiritual profit comes only from the word of God given to mankind by God's and Jesus Chris's Holy Spirit-inspired writers of the Bible. The apostle Peter assured us of this in one of his writings. He wrote: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Gho"st (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

The verse previous to the lesson text tells us that the study and understanding of God's word will make one wise unto salvation, through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. Most bible scholars agree that the best rendering of the lesson text is found in the revised KJV, which reads that every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for doctrine, etc. For all men and women that look to God for spiritual guidance, it can only be found in His inspired Holy Scriptures. Of God's word, the Psalmist wrote: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sing against Thee (Psalm 119:11).

The original words translated as the inspiration of God"means as the "breath of God." In the beginning God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen. 2:7). Atthe beginning of time, God breathed physical life into mankind. God also breathes spiritual life into all that faithfully search for it in His inspired scriptures. God's will for mankind can be found only in His inspired word - He will breath its truths into the soul of every man and woman that seek it, read it, study it, believe it, accept it, and obey it.

Too often mankind searches for God's plan of eternal salvation in the wrong places. They search for it in the false doctrine of human wisdom. Our Heavenly Father proclaimed His Son, Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. He said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him (Matt. 17:5). Afterwards Jesus assured us that many shall come in My name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many (Matt. 24:5). Here we have God's inspired word telling us that we must hear and obey the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ, and then warning us that there will be many teachers proclaiming false doctrines, that will deceive many men and women throughout the world. The apostle Paul, gives us the same warning in his letter to the Christians in Rome: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (Rom. 16:17-18).

Every scripture inspired of God is profitable. It is our guide, our only true guide, to make us wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus (Vs. 15). God's word fills every spiritual need of those that are faithful followers of Christ. It is profitable for doctrine;it isthe inspired word of God, which is the foundation on which the body of Christ is built. It is profitable ...for reproof;it isthe inspired word of God, which censures, and convicts, us for all sinful actions that separate us from God's grace. It is profitable ...for correction;it isthe inspired word of God, which exposes the disobedient errors that often occur in our lives, and it gives us the corrective actions necessary to reconcile our sinful ways to the righteous will of God. It is profitable ...for instruction in righteousness;it isthe inspired word of God, which teaches us all aspects of righteous, human conduct by which we can become, and remain, right and just toward both our fellow man, and our Heavenly Father.

The things we need to know, in order to secure the hope of eternal life in heaven, cannot be found in the inspiration of mankind. It can only be found in the Holy Scripture Inspired of God!