Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

2Timothy 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).