The Apex of Scripture

ENGLISH

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness — 2 Timothy 3:16

This statement is the apex of this chapter. Paul has been leading Timothy to this point so that he could tell him to hang on to something important in the challenges that come — the Scriptures.

And in doing so, he gives us two unforgettable images that emphasize the importance and effect of Scripture. First, he declares that Scripture is the breath of God. With this, we hear Paul emphasize the life-giving importance that God has in connection with all humanity. Like God breathed into man's nostrils to give him life at the beginning of time (Genesis 2:7), so humanity is sustained by the breath that comes from his Scripture. The connection and imagery are unforgettable. God gives physical life with the breath of his lungs, but he also gives spiritual life the breath of his Word.

Second, he adds another image by proclaiming Scripture has a profit. It produces a profit of righteousness. And not a lot of things in life guarantee a profit, but Scripture does. And not just one profit, but four — it teaches, reproofs, corrects, and trains. And while Paul is concerned about Timothy and his future in a world of corruption and unrighteousness, he knows that he will be fine if he clings to the life-giving breath of God because it will profit him in every circumstance.

But we really need to ask ourselves these two questions. Do we really rely on this life-giving breath? Do we truly believe it has profit? If so, then today, we should cling to its truth and trust less in our ideas and opinions. And over time, as we grow more knowledgeable of the words within this book, we will grow more intimate with the God of all creation who wants us to profit in all we do.

ASK THIS: Do you rely on Scriptures' life-giving breath? Do you believe Scripture has profit?

DO THIS: Confess what you might rely on more than God's Word. And then memorize the verse above. (Confess in the comment section below.)

PRAY THIS: God, hear my confession. I know I need to spend more time intaking your breath so that I might enjoy its profit.

PLAY THIS: Standing on the Promises.

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21 thoughts on “The Apex of Scripture

  1. Eddie Ackerman says:

    Personal life experience for any given situation is usually my first response, not checking God’s Word. It reminds me of the initial conquest of Canaan, led by Joshua, Son of Nun. The Israelites did not consult God and ended up making a covenant with the Gibeonites due to their trickery. While every thing God can use for His good, not everything I learn is from Him, the enemy can attack my mind and life experiences as well and alter them into not God-honoring choices.

  2. Matt Smith says:

    our minds are renewed as we read the scriptures. I was thinking of Solomon yesterday, who had all life could offer. And he came to the conclusion that it is all about God. this world will never satisfy us, but God can. the searching ends when we come to Jesus.

  3. Jeff Falley says:

    Help me to stop relying on my self so much. I know God will always provide for me and my family.

  4. Paul says:

    I rely too much on my own ways and understanding rather than God’s words of wisdom found in the Word. Please forgive me God and change my desire for understanding.

  5. SHELDON Bullard says:

    Sometime we rely on our own strength and wisdom, this i know we should no do .

  6. Cory B says:

    Myself and the opinions I believe others have about me. In my past, it has always dictated what I do, think, say and determined my material purchases.

  7. Dennis says:

    God’s word is our play book. Our battle plan to help us navigate through this spiritual battle we are in. We need to not only read and study His word but we must also apply it to our daily life and live it.

  8. Ed says:

    Guys…. I think we are all feeling the same thing here. Our life experiences and being male leaders tells us we need to be strong. That is 100% true. This world needs strong godly men more than ever today. We just need to start on our knees in prayer and the word of god before we stand strong. This post is coming from one of the most guilty men I know for not doing that in the correct order. And it’s cost me with many rocky Relationships in life due to my unpredictable and contradictory responses to what happens. Too many mixed and hollow messages are the result and it makes Gods light harder to detect through my self righteousness mixed with short term apologies for being too frontal or sarcastic

  9. Ed says:

    I rely too much on my own intellect
    It is so limited compared to the knowledge and the power of God
    I’m too quick to forge ahead on my own and too slow to pause and to pray for his guidance

  10. Gary Vosen says:

    I rely on my own understanding in most situations. Scripture is is most often the last thing I turn too.

  11. Rich Thomas says:

    I also think the next verse is important, “so that the man of God may be complete.”

  12. Sam says:

    I have always relied on myself since childhood and I need to find a way to let go and give myself over to God and his power and strength, because I am just not strong enough without him.

  13. Chad Udenberg says:

    I feel like though I’ve accepted Christ and been a Christian for over half my life, I consistently fall in to the habit of relying on what seems like everything before God. It’s ridiculous but it’s real.

    • Tim shea says:

      Self, and I have prioritized guidance from leadership above approval from God. I confess is as sin. I need to stand on the promises of God

  14. Ben says:

    I confess I seek out the words and advise of others, my own understanding and voices/words from internet sources before I go to Gods word.

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