inspired word

Good afternoon friends,
This week our theme is the blessing of scripture, which, by the Holy Spirit's power, is God's word to us. Paul reminds his friend and mentee, Timothy that often people aren't interested in living the right way and so people of faith will be persecuted. At the same time, Timothy has a strong, life-long foundation in faith and scripture. He learned this faith from his mother and grandmother, and also from God.

Christians have different beliefs about how to read and interpret scripture, but Paul's words are a landmark for me. He doesn't use confrontational words like "infallible," instead he says something most of us who spend quality time with the Bible can affirm: "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness." Of course, like running shoes or a treadmill, we won't get much training out of the Bible unless we put it to use.
Blessings on your training today,

Sam

2 Timothy 3:12-17

¹²Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. ¹³But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. ¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, ¹⁵and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.