16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Manuscript


Historical


Archeological



Creation

Genesis to Revelation and everything in between

At this point a reference to the Old Testament, but its interesting how many times Jesus quotes the OT in the midst of the NT

2 Peter 1:21 And the Holy Spirit breathed life into the writers of the Scriptures - like getting caught in the current in a stream, the writers spoke.........as the Holy Spirit carried them along

Genesis 2:7 - And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. God's breathe is life!!

Our text today reminds us that all Scripture comes from that same life giving breathe of God

Another example - the valley of dry bones in Ez 37.....

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

9 Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the [a]breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.” ’ ” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Useful: as in helpful, advanateous, time well spent, promoting or enhancing the well being and

Teaching - educating, instructing, often used to describe the process of explaining the doctrines of Scripture

Rebuking - Emphasis not on confrontation, but on persuasion, convincing someone on the basis of proof, that they are in error and providing a helpful alternative based on reasoning rather than authoritative confrontation

Correcting - offering an alternative that would bring improvement based on a standard....in our case the standard would be the Scriptures

training - used to describe the process of raising children, to actively assist in someone's development, especially as it relates to God's pattern for living - in this case.....the phrase righteousness - learning wisdom, practicing discernment, speaking the truth in love, with an emphasis on the love part rather than the truth part......

you can't read about training and improve you have to practice, be actively involved........

(Illus. recent experience with coach training.....)

Verifiable - reliable and trustworthy

Comprehensive - the whole of Scripture carries the life giving power of God Himself

and can bring life to every area of your life

Useful - What good is that! Well, let's see.......

Delibrate - not a waste of time, but provide a focused approach to learning how to live God's best life here on earth.....