In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we read:
“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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Isn’t this exciting? That the Lord would give us such a tool for our growth and benefit! What a thing to rejoice in. Therefore, how essential to have good scripture study techniques to aid this process.
The purpose of the “Scripture” blog at LDSBlogs.com is to help you enjoy the many mighty benefits that studying your scriptures can bring. Therefore, how important it is to gain as many study tools as possible to rejoice in the process.
When the scripture teaches us that “all scripture … is profitable,” it is helpful to understand that the Lord is not necessarily speaking of monetary profits. As mankind, we tend to think on material goods, since so many of those are necessary for our lives (i.e. shelter, food, clothing).
But in these two verses, we are taught that the scriptures will profit us in other ways. They will be beneficial or useful in ways that strengthen us in our daily lives … and thereby bring us home to God one day.
With so many whims of opinions about God, it is nice to know that we can go to the source to learn who He is, what He cares about, and why He bothers with us! That source is scripture itself.
The word, “doctrine,” essentially means the principles or laws of God. Are you as curious about those as I am? How much I desire to know them, for if I fail to understand God’s laws during my lifetime, how can I fully live them and thereby fully please my Heavenly Father? Through Christ’s grace, I am redeemed. But how I desire to study the Lord’s ways and abide within them!
Thus, by studying my scriptures, the apostle Paul of Biblical times tells me in those two verses that scripture study will increase my understanding of God’s laws and principles, or in other words His doctrine. Yes, I say, yes to this!
Paul also teaches that the scriptures are there to reprove us when we are off-track. I would rather experience rebuke now and correct my ways, then receive it at the judgment bar of Christ. I’ve experienced this reproof at times while studying my scriptures. They will fall open to a certain page and there in gleaming proof is the ability for the Lord to speak to me through His word. I seek to receive it with open heart, for I’d rather correct my choices now than wait till it is too late.
Paul also teaches us that the scriptures exist to instruct us. This I also rejoice in. Man’s thoughts are always changing. The scientists will say one year a medicine is good for you; the next year they’ll state it is not. But God’s ways do not vary. We can see this throughout the centuries in the prophets’ recordings of His ways. I find this so steadying in my life, to read the instructions the Lord sets out for us in His holy word.
All of this leads us to righteousness, as Paul states at the end of verse 16. He then elaborates on this righteousness, explaining that we will eventually be “furnished unto all good works.”
So yes, I say, yes to all of this. And it is why scripture study techniques are so important to me. I am not perfect. Far from it. But I love the word of God as found in the scriptures. As I learn powerful scripture study techniques, I’ll share them with you here!
