Romans 15:4

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

When we read in God’s Word all the experiences of God’s people in the past and how they persevered for Him, it gives us hope. We know that we are not alone in our trials and tribulations, others have endured difficulties and come through them for God’s glory!

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful in teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

When Paul tells us that all Scripture is useful, he is speaking of the Old Testament for sure, but he is also referring to those portions of the New Testament that were already in existence when he was writing this. In 1 Timothy 5:18 he quotes the Gospel of Luke 10:7 as Scripture. Pete r speaks of Paul’s epistles as Scriptures (2Peter 3:16).  Today we are justified in applying this verse to the entire Bible as Scripture.  Our only absolute truth comes from the Bible alone.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 is definitely one of the most important verses in the Word of God on the subject of interpretation for it teaches that the Scriptures are God-breathed.  They did not originate with man, God used man to pen them, but the words are straight from God Himself and therefore inspired and infallible! The writers of the Bible did not give their own private interpretation of things, but wrote the words that were given them by God.

God’s Word the Bible is useful in teaching….every single thing we need to know in life is in the Scriptures. God has told us how He wants us to think and act very clearly so that there is no misunderstanding on how to live a godly life through the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit.

The Bible is useful for rebuking…it speaks to us directly concerning things in our life that are displeasing to God and for standing up against satan’s attacks.  It is useful for correcting and training in righteousness….it not only points out what is wrong but also how it can be made right before God!  As we learn to obey Him we are being “trained in righteousness”, living godly lives before our Creator.

This gives us hope and is how we become fully equipped for every good work.  All mankind needs to learn on how to be godly in our everyday lives is in the Bible.  God has not left us guessing on what pleases Him and what displeases Him.  Our part is to read it and apply it to our lives through obedience to God every day!

Thank You Father God for you perfect Word. Thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sin and redeem me to You. Thank You for the eternal hope that only You can give! Help me to obey Your Word in my life and bring honor and glory to You, I love You so and give You praise this day, Amen!