The Written Word of God Is Profitable
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
a. for doctrine: That body of truth that you believe.
Example: Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
What does “ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” mean?
To obey from the heart simply means to believe the gospel
Romans 6:17 Paul is talking about saved people
Romans 6:17 “ye were the servants of sin,” – past tense
Romans 6:17”but ye have obeyed from the heart” – That’s when a person believes the gospel. (Romans 10:10 “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;”)
What is the gospel? 1 Corinthians 15:3 – 4
b. for reproof: Is bad behavior that doesn’t match the doctrine.
Example: 1 Corinthians – These believers had bad behavior. Their walk for the Lord did not match who they were in Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
c. for correction: Is straightening out ideas you have that are wrong, and those ideas that don’t match the doctrine correctly. (Bad Doctrine)
Example: Galatians – These believers had turned to bad doctrine
Galatians 3:1 O FOOLISH Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
d. for instruction in righteousness: We get our instructions by following the Apostle Paul – 1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.