There are a number of texts in Scripture which deal with the importance of God's word, as well as it's nature and how it ought to be handled. It is important for us, and for folks with whom we might study, to understand the significance of the written word of God and our ready response to it. Thus, for the next number of weeks, let us consider what God's word says about itself, and about our use of it.

2 TIMOTHY 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Throughout Paul's instruction to Timothy, he refers to the Scriptures as the source of doctrine for the Lord's people, by which they can know and act upon the truth and expose error. Paul's admonition above ought to invoke a sense of responsibility in every child of God to spend considerable time in the Scriptures, studying carefully.

Note that approval before God is neither by chance on our part, nor by random choice on God's part. We are able to find favour in the sight of God, by diligently searching His word and implementing the direction He provides therein. Paul declared to the brethren in Rome, "...I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes..." (Romans 1:16) In the message of the gospel, God has provided instruction which we are able to respond to, and thus be saved. Again, the apostle penned, "...God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered." (Romans 6:17)

Further, let us consider that Paul acknowledges in 2 Timothy 2:15 that it is possible to mishandle the word of God. It would be both foolish and useless to instruct Timothy to "...rightly divide the word..." if it were impossible to wrongly divide it. Paul's words infer that there are those who misuse the word of truth, who are without the approval of God, and ought to be ashamed. Paul warned, "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself." (1 Timothy 6:3-5) [also ref. 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 2 Peter 2]

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, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The word "inspiration" is often misused in today's world. Artists, writers, and musicians, when they excel in their respective fields, and perform exceptionally, are said to be "inspired". It would be better stated, and correct to say that they have been motivated, and whatever the stimulant was, it aroused the artistic talent which they possess. Let us however leave the word "inspiration" for the Lord and His word.

Consider that the text above is the only occurrence of the word in the Scriptures. It is translated from the Greek, theopneustos , literally meaning "God-breathed" or "God-spirited". At times, when told a secret, we will be cautioned, "Don't breath a word of it." The Scriptures are the product of God breathing His word to man. Peter wrote, "...holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21) [also ref. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13]

Upon establishing God as the source of the Scriptures, Paul goes on to impress upon us the usefulness of God's word. Consider that it is:

• "...PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE..." --- The Bible is not merely a love letter from God, as some suppose. It is the will of God revealed to man. It provides instruction for man, that we might walk in God's ways rather than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9) Take a few minutes to consider what God's word says about the importance of doctrine [Matthew 15:8-9; John 7:16-17; Acts 2:42; Romans 6:17; 16:17; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 1:3; 4:6, 13, 16; 6:3; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1; 2 John 9-10]

• "...FOR REPROOF..." --- The Scriptures stand as evidence by which souls may be convicted. Jesus spoke, "...everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." (John 3:20) The KJV reads, "...lest his deeds should be reproved." Speaking of the Holy Spirit, who would come, and by whom the word was revealed to the apostles and prophets, Jesus said, "...He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment..." (John 16:8)

• "...FOR CORRECTION..." --- When one has strayed from the faith, the means by which he might be restored is the word of God. Jeremiah pleaded, "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD." (Lamentations 3:40) God commanded His servant Jonah, "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you." (Jonah 3:2) Why? His message invokes correction.

• "...FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS..." --- Paul commanded Timothy, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22) How might one pursue righteousness? Through the instruction of God's word. The Psalmist wrote, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You! Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes!" (Psalms 119:9-12)

Notice finally, Paul states that the inspired word, if applied as God has intended it to be, will make "...the man of God complete..." Paul has excluded things which people today believe we must have to be complete before God. There is no need (nor any authority) for the addition of humanly devised creeds or doctrines. We do not require (nor have the promise of) a better felt than told experience. We will appear before God as a mature servant of His if we will simply heed His word.

May we rightly divide the word, benefiting from every occasion which we have to study. Let us appeal to it for the doctrines of God, employ it's ability to convince the hearts of men, submit to the correction it renders when we are in error, and live by the righteousness it teaches and demands.

More of Fundamental Scriptures next week.