In a recent article in the Reminder, Bro, Robert Harkrider wrote about the division between “Liberal and Conservative Churches.” He identified the cause as a difference in “attitude towards Bible authority and consequently a difference in practices.” Specifically, the “Liberal” attitude justifies any activity that seems to be a “good work.” Whereas the conservative attitude makes a plea to have authority for all we do. What attitude does God want from His children?

In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul answers this question. Beginning with verse 15 Paul affirms the Scriptures: “…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation…” Is there any other source of wisdom that saves?

Scripture is defined as “a document, i.e. holy Writ (or its contents or a statement in it)” (Strong’s # NT:1124). The word “writ” is defined: a formal order under seal, issued in the name of a sovereign, government, court, or other competent authority, enjoining (synonym “commanding”) the officer or other person to whom it is issued or addressed to do or refrain from some specified act.

Paul continues in verse 16 and identifies the “sovereign” issuing the formal order as God. Are we at liberty to add, alter, or take away from this “formal written order,” under “seal” from the sovereign God? Being inspired by God, Scripture is “profitable,” that it is advantageous, it provides gain and not loss. 

Scripture is Profitable for “doctrine.” Doctrine is defined as a “codification” of beliefs or a body of teachings, instructions, taught principles. Codification simply means written down (arranged). “…the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).  “I now write to you… the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior” (2 Pet. 3:1-2). “I was very diligent to write to you… necessary to write to you exhorting you…” (Jude 3). John warns, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9). Paul said, “that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written” (1 Cor. 4:6). These last two are stern warnings to stay within the Holy Writ!

The “doctrine” is codified and is profitable for “reproof;” it identifies good and evil and Scripture is the standard by which the man of God discerns the difference. Reproof is the expression of disapproval, to convict or convince one of sin and the Scripture is the standard. “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4). Does “lawlessness” mean outside of the Doctrine? 

Scripture is profitable for “correction.” While reproof identifies the behavior, correction means to “straighten up again”, to bring behavior back within the “doctrine.”

Lastly, Paul teaches that Scripture is profitable for “Instruction in Righteousness.” “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God” (1 Tim. 3:15). “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin” (1 John 2:1).  “Things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition” (1 Cor. 10:11). Scripture is clearly instructive.

Paul concludes with the purpose for Scripture (2 Tim. 3:17). The man of God could be complete, (that is lacking nothing) thoroughly furnished, (supplied with every tool necessary) for every good work, all recorded in Scripture approximately 2,000 years ago. The Scripture will provide the following: What is to be done? Who is to do it? Where it is to be done? When it is to be done? Why it is to be done? If man must supply the “What” then it cannot be said to supplied by Scripture. If man must supply the “Who” then it cannot be said to supplied by Scripture. 

The attitude of man towards the Scripture must then be to regard it in awe, as Holy Writ promising reward for “doing it” and punishment for “not doing it” (Matt 7:21-27). It is the source of doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. If followed the man of God is complete, lacks nothing, has at his disposal all the “tools” necessary for every good work. 

Or is man’s attitude, “The Scripture leaves man lacking…, thoroughly partially equipped for every most good works”?