E.V.I.C. Sunday School / Inductive Bible study on 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Group 3 Worksheet:

Using the “Inductive Bible Study” method, what are the main insights from the New Testament passage, 2 Timothy 3:16-17?

To apply the Inductive Bible Study method to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 from the ESV, we follow three main steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application. Here are the insights derived from each step:

Key Observations:
✅ Text: “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, ESV)
✅ Key Phrases:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God” – Indicates divine inspiration.
“profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” – Lists the purposes of Scripture.
“that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” – Describes the outcome of using Scripture.
✅ Structure:
The passage first asserts the divine origin of Scripture, then outlines its practical uses, and concludes with the result of applying it.

Interpretation:
✅ Divine Inspiration: The phrase “breathed out by God” (theopneustos in Greek) highlights that Scripture is not merely human wisdom but is inspired by God. This underscores its authority and reliability for believers.
✅ Purposes of Scripture:
Teaching: Scripture provides doctrinal foundations, guiding believers in what is true about God, humanity, and the world.
✅ Reproof: It serves to convict or expose errors in belief or behavior, helping to identify where one has gone astray.
✅ Correction: It offers guidance on how to correct those errors, leading back to the right path.
✅ Training in Righteousness: Scripture trains believers in living a life that reflects God’s character, focusing on moral and ethical development.
✅ Outcome: The aim of engaging with Scripture in these ways is to make the “man of God” complete or mature, fully equipped for every good work. This suggests a holistic development of the believer, both in knowledge and in the practical application of faith.

Personal Applications:
✅ Personal Growth: As a believer, I should approach Scripture with the understanding that it is directly inspired by God, making it a primary source for learning, correcting my path, and growing in righteousness. This should influence how seriously I take my study of the Bible.
✅ Teaching and Correction: In my interactions with others, especially in teaching or mentoring roles, I should use Scripture as a tool for teaching correct doctrine, reproving incorrect beliefs or behaviors, correcting paths, and training others in how to live righteously.
✅ Equipped for Service: Recognizing that Scripture equips me for every good work encourages me to actively seek out opportunities to serve in my community, church, or wherever there is a need, knowing that I am prepared through the Word of God.
✅ Daily Practice: Incorporating these verses into daily life means regularly engaging with Scripture, not just for knowledge but for transformation, ensuring that my actions reflect my faith and contribute to the good of others.

By following the Inductive Bible Study method, these insights from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) provide a comprehensive understanding of the role and impact of Scripture in the life of a believer, emphasizing its divine origin, multifaceted utility, and the ultimate goal of spiritual maturity and readiness for service.

John MacArthur’s notes:

2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture. Grammatically similar Greek constructions (Rom. 7:12; 2 Cor. 10:10; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2:3; 4:4) argue persuasively that the translation “all Scripture is breathed out . . .” is accurate. Both OT and NT Scripture are included (see notes on 2 Pet. 3:15–16, which identify NT writings as Scripture). breathed out by God. Sometimes God told the Bible writers the exact words to say (e.g., Jer. 1:9), but more often he used their minds, vocabularies, and experiences to produce his own perfect infallible, inerrant word (see notes on 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 1:1; 2 Pet. 1:20–21).

It is important to note that inspiration applies only to the original autographs of Scripture, not the Bible writers; there are no inspired Scripture writers, only inspired Scripture. So identified is God with his word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks (cf. Rom. 9:17; Gal. 3:8). Scripture is called “the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2), and cannot be altered (John 10:35; Matt. 5:17–18; Luke 16:17; Rev. 22:18–19). teaching. The divine instruction or doctrinal content of both the OT and the NT (cf. 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 20:18; 20–21; 27; 1 Cor. 2:14–16; Col. 3:16; 1 John 2:20; 24; 27).

The Scripture provides the comprehensive and complete body of divine truth necessary for life and godliness. Cf. Ps. 119:97–105. reproof. Rebuke for wrong behavior or wrong belief. The Scripture exposes sin (Heb. 4:12–13) that can then be dealt with through confession and repentance. correction. The restoration of something to its proper condition. The word appears only here in the NT, but was used in extrabiblical Greek of righting a fallen object, or helping back to their feet those who had stumbled. Scripture not only rebukes wrong behavior, but also points the way back to godly living. Cf. Ps. 119:9–11; John 15:1–2. training in righteousness. Scripture provides positive training (originally used in reference to training a child) in godly behavior, not merely rebuke and correction of wrong behavior (Acts 20:32; 1 Tim. 4:6; 1 Pet. 2:1–2).

2 Tim. 3:17 man of God. A technical term for an official preacher of divine truth. See note on 1 Tim. 6:11. competent. Capable of doing everything one is called to do (cf. Col. 2:10). equipped for every good work. Enabled to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. The word not only accomplishes this in the life of the man of God but in all who follow him (Eph. 4:11–13).

Source: www.bibleref.com:

2 Timothy 3:16:
After noting the importance of the “sacred writings” for wisdom for salvation in the previous verse, Paul makes one of the most important and frequently-quoted statements in the entire Bible: “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The “All Scripture” in this case most specifically referred to the Old Testament, since the full New Testament did not yet exist. At the time Paul wrote these words, books such as the Gospel of John and Revelation had not yet been written. However, this principle would still apply to all Scripture given by God, including the 27 books of the New Testament. New Testament writers recognized Scripture even as it was written (2 Peter 3:15–16).

The description here of God’s word is the Greek theopneustos. This is very literally translated as “God-breathed.” Human authors put the words to paper, through their own personal perspectives and styles. But the ultimate source of this information is not human, but divine. The Greek language makes this particular description even more layered. The Greek root word pneo is used for wind, breath, a spirit, or “the” Spirit. This is a wordplay Jesus uses when speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:8). In a symbolic sense, in Greek, the word Paul uses is a model of the Bible itself: an extension of God’s will, formed out of His spirit, in written form.

As such, this written Scripture is perfect (Psalm 19; 119). Because all Scripture is perfect, it is “profitable” for many areas of life. Paul lists four areas in this verse. First, Scripture is profitable for teaching. It is to be used to instruct people to know God better. Second, Scripture is profitable for reproof or rebuke, the idea of exposing or pointing out sin. Third, Scripture is useful for correction. Scripture both points out sin and offers a solution to it. Fourth, Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness. Though similar to teaching, training is more focused on practical application. From Scripture we learn what is true, what is wrong, how to correct wrong, and how to apply truth.

2 Timothy 3:17:
Paul concludes this chapter and section on Scripture stating that it can make the “man of God” “complete” and “equipped for every good work.” The description “man of God” was used in the Old Testament of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1), Samuel (1 Samuel 9:6), and other prophets (1 Kings 12:22). The term is not as common in the New Testament. There, only Timothy is referred to as a man of God. In addition to this verse, Paul uses the phrase regarding Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:11.

The man of God is helped by Scripture in two areas. First, he “may be complete,” a term referring to maturity. Timothy’s study and application of Scripture would make him a mature Christian man who could successfully lead other believers. Second, he would be “equipped for every good work.” Regardless of the need, Timothy would have the worldview he needed to properly live out his faith. It is accurate biblical understanding that better enhances biblical application to life’s issues.

Covenant Brethren Church: The Authority of the Word in Our Lives

In a world filled with shifting opinions, ever-changing ideologies, and the clamor of countless voices, it becomes increasingly important for believers to understand and embrace the authority of the Word of God in our lives. The Bible, the living Word of God, holds an unmatched position as the ultimate source of truth and guidance. It is in the pages of Scripture that we find wisdom, comfort, and the revelation of God’s plan for us.

The authority of the Word is not a human construct, but it is divinely inspired. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scripture is God-breathed. Every word, every verse, and every book of the Bible carries the imprint of the divine. It is through the inspired Word that God speaks directly to our hearts, guiding us in every aspect of life.

The authority of the Word is not limited to the past or specific historical context; rather, it transcends time and culture. The truths contained within its pages are timeless, relevant, and applicable to our lives today. The Bible provides us with God’s unchanging standards of morality, ethics, and principles that guide us in our relationships, decisions, and actions.

The authority of the Word enables us to discern truth from falsehood. In a world that often promotes deceptive philosophies and misleading doctrines, the Word serves as a compass, pointing us in the right direction. It guards us against deception, provides clarity in times of confusion, and exposes the schemes of the enemy. As Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Let us, therefore, approach the Word of God with reverence and humility, recognizing its supreme authority over our lives. Let us study it diligently, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, and transform our minds. As we meditate on its truths, let us be obedient to its teachings, knowing that it is through obedience that we experience the blessings of God.

Final Reflection:

Heavenly Father,

As I reflect upon the profound truth of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, I am deeply moved by the divine inspiration of Your Word, which You have graciously provided for our instruction, correction, and growth. Lord, I thank You for this sacred text that is not merely human wisdom but Your very breath, guiding us towards righteousness.

Father, I pray that You would instill in me a deeper love for Your Scriptures, that I might approach them not just with my mind, but with my heart, eager to learn the lessons You have for me. Help me to embrace the teachings of Your Word, allowing them to shape my beliefs and actions, aligning them with Your will.

Grant me the humility to accept reproof when I stray, the wisdom to seek correction when I err, and the dedication to be trained in righteousness. May Your Word be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path, illuminating the way I should go in every aspect of my life.

Lord, equip me through Your Scriptures to be complete, lacking nothing in my spiritual journey, so that I may stand ready, fully prepared for every good work You have set before me. Let me not be a hearer only, but a doer of Your Word, actively engaging in service, love, and compassion towards others.

As I ponder the responsibilities You advocate through Paul’s words to Timothy, I ask for the strength to live out these truths daily. May my life be a testament to the transformative power of Your Scripture, reflecting Your love, grace, and truth to those around me.

Thank You, God, for the privilege of having Your inspired Word, which equips me for life and godliness. Guide me, mold me, and use me according to Your divine purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.