"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in-struction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work"
(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)

All Scripture is inspired of  God (God-breathed)

Our passage is very timely. In many ways, modern America re-sembles ancient Israel. They had rejected God’s word. God threatened severe punishment. One of His most painful penalties would be a famine of His word (Amos 8:11-12). Sadly, some people must lose their most precious possession in order to appreciate it. Let us avoid their example and learn from it; let us value the word of God more than our necessary food. Why?

1. Scripture is inspired of God — it is God-breathed. Just as we must breathe to speak, so God has spoken (Hebrews 1:1-2).
2. All Scripture is profitable — it is useful, beneficial, advanta-geous. Just as we could not arrive at a strange destination without directions, we cannot serve God properly on earth or make it to heaven without Scripture. But profit requires an investment. Do you invest effort to know this inspired Book?
3. Why does this Scripture bring profit to its readers?
   1. It reveals true doctrine (teaching). The Monroe doctrine consisted of James Monroe’s political views. The doctrine of God consists of His truth that saves our soul. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).
   2. It reproves and rebukes wrong ideas and actions. We cannot repent without helpful, constructive corrections.
   3. It corrects wrong ideas and actions. A pilot would never assume that he could reach his destination without correcting deviations from the flight path. “Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104).
   4. It instructs in righteousness. The word of God provides guidance — a great blessing. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” — Psalm 119:105.
4. The purpose of Scripture is to make us complete. We cannot know what a “good work” is unless God reveals it. Any “good work” that is from God will be in His word. If a work is from man, we should avoid it as we would the plague.

– Rick Duggin