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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How can we really be sure what’s right and wrong? How can we know God’s will for our lives—the moment-by-moment guidance and the big-picture direction and purpose? How can we be prepared and equipped walk in a way that is pleasing to God?

God gives us everything we need in the Bible. Scripture has the answers—all Scripture. Not just the pullout quotes that look nice on coffee mugs. Not just the hope-filled promises, but also the upsetting warnings.

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul succinctly describes how the Word accomplishes our equipping for life’s journey. Many translations of 2 Timothy 3:16 use the word “profitable” for “useful.” I actually like the implications here. Useful is good, certainly. Things that are useful connote practicality and purposefulness. But profitable…this goes a step or two beyond utilitarian to fruitful, advantageous, rewarding, and favorable. Profitable takes us beyond the pragmatism to the worthwhile gain.

So, what’s this secret sauce from Paul when it comes to God’s Word—the “insider information” to boost the bottom line of life? It’s really very simple. The Bible tells us all: “Don’t do that. Do this instead. And keep on doing it.”

Very simple, yes. Far from easy.

But, it’s all in there! Relationship and marital advice, parenting tools, insights on the type of friends to have (and to run from), leadership traits, organizational administration, how to communicate effectively…the list is endless. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, we are given scientific facts in biology, astronomy, archeology, etc. (some of which are being newly corroborated even today). The Psalms relate to our everyday struggles and frustrations, while reminding us of God’s sovereignty in it all. The Proverbs provide very practical wisdom that, when followed, save us from a lot of grief. From all the New Testament writers, we get to see relatable human frailty and failure along with Holy-Spirit led victories. We learn how to keep on moving forward toward our eternity in the light of our salvation. And we can rest in the fact that will take a few steps forward and a couple steps back—but at least we’re going in the right direction.

And, most importantly, every one of the 66 books point to a single underlying theme: Jesus— our Lord, Savior, Friend, Anchor, Strength, Judge, King. Because it is knowing Jesus and accepting who He is and what He’s done on our behalf that, well…that’s the most profitable thing of all.

“Your Word is life, Lord. And we are so privileged to have this instruction manual from Your very breath! Help us delight in the Bible more than anything else.”

For His Glory,

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life