"…from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.'   -2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul, the author of this passage wrote this to Timothy, a young man of faith. Timothy learned the Scriptures at an early age from his mother and grandmother. That kind of quiet, generational faithfulness is powerful. The message encourages parents and grandparents to see their influence as essential, not secondary, to the spiritual formation of the next generation.  

Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome—likely his final letter before martyrdom. It's a deeply personal and urgent call for Timothy (and the church) to remain faithful in the face of hardship, false teaching, and persecution.  

In this passage, Paul writes that all Scripture is breathed out by God—it's not just text meant to inspire us, but it is divinely given and fully trustworthy. This passage alone makes 2 Timothy foundational for understanding why we trust the Bible and how we use it in life and ministry. 

In this, Paul tells us that Scripture is sufficient to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ.  This does not mean Scripture itself saves, but that it gives the wisdom needed to lead a person to saving faith in Christ.  Then, in verse 17, he  tells us that the purpose of Scripture is “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  This affirms the equipping and completing role of Scripture for believers, not just for growth but for godly living.

The Word of God is not just useful—it is essential. Paul says it is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. In other words, Scripture forms our beliefs, shapes our hearts, and guides our behavior. When we let the Word speak, it confronts us, comforts us, and equips us for faithful living.

We should be cautious about looking beyond Scripture for truth. Phrases like “God told me” can sometimes be used to avoid accountability or sidestep wise counsel. While the Spirit does guide us, He does so through the Word—not apart from it. God's final Word has been spoken, and it is more than enough.

Finally, Scripture has power when we talk to others about things of God.  If you're wondering how to influence a friend or loved one who doesn't yet believe, don’t underestimate simply reading the Bible with them. The Spirit still works through the Word—raising the spiritually dead, shaping hearts, and calling people to faith in Jesus.

(Summary based on Rev Ron Shaw's Sermon June 1, 2025)