To Be Least

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

      All Scripture came from God's mouth. All scripture can be used to teach, rebuke, correct, and to train in righteousness. The fact that the scriptures, meaning the Bible, can be used a source of teaching shows that they are in fact true. The same goes for rebuking.
      If a student stated that 2 + 2 = 5, the teacher would correct the student and state the correct, or true answer which is 4. In the same way if someone says that homosexuality is not a sin, you could correct that person with some of scripture where God says, "Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman." (Leviticus 18:22)
      To correct means "to remove the errors or mistakes from." (The American Heritage® Dictionary). The scriptures can remove the errors or mistakes from something because it is true. If all scriptures were not true, then all scriptures could not be used for correcting.
      Some may say that Timothy was referring to the Old Testament scriptures alone. However Paul says, "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." (1 Corinthians 2:13) The New Testament writings were not from human wisdom, but from the Holy Spirit (who is also God).
      The Bible, however, is never to be used as a weapon. The scriptures are clear that everything must be done in love. Is it not a great love to tell people of their sin and their need to change and follow Jesus Christ, which will eventually be rewarded with eternal life? Is that not what the apostles preached to the known world. They told many to repent and turn away from their sins. They called them to put their faith in Jesus so that they too could have eternal life. That is indeed an act of love.
      I have a feeling that people are offended when people use the Bible to point out their short comings and sins. I have feebly tried to point out that most are doing this in a attempt to show love, rather than hate. They want you to have the hope in a future eternal life that they have.
      RLP, could you explain why you believe that the Bible is confusing (or correct me if I have misunderstood you). I read the Bible very often and although some of it is indeed confusing, I find the majority to be rather straight forward. The more I look into it, the more I understand and comprehend, which seems contrary to your understanding is. Thanks.

posted by Paul  # 6:29 pm