FULLY EQUIPPED

FULLY EQUIPPED

READ:
2 Timothy 3:14-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration
of God...that the man of God may be
complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work.  -2 Timothy 3:16-17

Karl Elsener, a Swiss designer of surgical equipment in the 19th century, worked for years on perfecting a military knife.  Today his Swiss Army Knife is associated with excellence in blades and a variety of utilities.  One model includes knife blades, a saw, scissors, a magnifying glass, a can opener, a screwdriver, a ruler, a toothpick, a writing pen, and more-all in one knife!  If you are out camping in the wild, this one item can certainly make you feel equipped for survival.

We need something to equip us to survive spiritually in this sinful world.  God has given us His Word, a kind of spiritual knife for the soul.  Paul writes:  "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work: (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The word translated equipped means to "furnish or fit completely."  How does the Bible equip us for life's journey?  It provides spiritual truth in doctrine; reproof in showing our imperfections; correction by revealing our sinful failures; and instruction in living a righteous life.  There's not a more valuable tool than God's Word to make us fully equipped for spiritual survival and personal growth. - Dennis Fisher

Lord, thank You for equipping us with Your
inspired Word.  You've given us the tools we
need to live for You.  Help us to take time to read
it and to follow what You tell us.  Amen.
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The Bible contains the nutrients
we need for a healthy soul.

INSIGHT
Today's passage is often quoted as evidence that God is the Bible's ultimate author, and rightly so.  Coupled with 2 Peter 1:19-21, this passage gives strong biblical evidence for God's role in the writing of Scripture.  But contained in today's passage from 2 Timothy are also Scripture's effects in the believer's life.  Verses 15-17 indicated that Scripture points to Jesus and salvation in Him.  Scripture is useful for learning (doctrines); through it we gain knowledge.  Doctrine helps us identify right and wrong (reproof, cr. Hebrew 4:12).  Once identified, wrong behavior can be amended (correction).  Finally, Scripture tells us how to move forward (instruction in righteousness) so that we grow more like Christ.

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace