The Big Idea: 2 Timothy 3:16 provides an application menu how to apply the Bible to life.
“The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.”
― Dwight L. Moody, historic preacher and evangelist
Bible verses make great posters, greeting cards and quotes. Passages like 1 Corinthians 13 are nice to read at weddings and Psalm 23 at a funeral. The intention of the Bible, however, is not for us to merely feel lifted, smile or debate at a symposium. God designed it for practical living for His people. It is life altering from the way of the world. It transforms us into the kind of people we ought to be as followers of God. And it strengthens us and gives us meaning.
One verse in the New Testament could be a menu on Bible Application.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV
It tells us straight out that it came into being by the breath of God. Curiously God created us as human beings this way too (Genesis 2:7)! It was given to us to be PROFITABLE, that we have practical guidance how to live a meaningful satisfying life as representatives of God on earth. Jesus calls it abundant life (John 10:10).
The Bible Shows What’s Right
Teaching: What is right and true. Some Bible versions translate it as doctrine or instruction. It is about gaining knowledge about God and our human nature. This, like a good GPS in the car, directs us toward God and how we as humans can live right.The Bible Shows What’s Wrong
Reproof: Some Bible translations use rebuke or conviction. It shows us where we are wrong and heading for danger. In the car analogy, it is like the GPS saying we are going the wrong way. Or getting a speeding ticket. We could be heading for trouble and not get where we want to go.The Bible Shows The Way Back
Correction: When driving in the wrong direction, the GPS says “Recalculating.” That’s a good description for Biblical correction. It points us back to the right path.The Bible Shows The Way Ahead
Training: The Bible is an instruction manual, but it does no good to read the instructions without using the information. In the car analogy, it is like a new driver taking Driver’s Ed and training with a learner’s permit. Learning to live a godly life with our mind fixed on what is good, right and true takes practice. Consider the Bible your training manual.The chart below offers insight on the words from the original language, Greek and how different versions of the Bible translate it. It is insightful on the difference between each word. I love how the Amplified, the New Living Translation and the Message shed more insight!
