2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches about:
- God’s intent to thoroughly equip – furnished completely complete
- God’s means of equipping – Scripture
- God’s intended recipients of such equipping – all who belong to Him
Now we get to the final phrase which shows the purpose for which Scripture thoroughly equips us — “for every good work”.
Scripture is Enough to Equip Us for Every Good Work
Scripture contains all we need to equip us for whatever good work we might do. While we can learn from psychology and science, we must always run it through the grid of Scripture. But, if we only had the Bible, it would be enough. — “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Pet. 1:3) — Scripture provides knowledge about God. — “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” (2 Pet. 1:4)
This is why the Train Church Leaders Practicum runs various tasks leaders do through the grid of God’s Word in regard to His purposes, design and mission for the Church, Christ-like character, power, etc. People from around the world can be equipped through this training since it seeks to be scripturally rather than culturally based.
The Kind of Work for Which Scripture Thoroughly Equips
The adjectives used in 2 Timothy 3:17 describe the kind of work Scripture equips us to do.
1) Good Work
What constitutes something good?
- It’s fruitful effect: beneficial, useful
- It’s excellent quality: meets a standard
- It’s upright character: done with integrity, pleasing to God
God uses His Word to teach us what fits the above criteria. Any work we do which is purely selfish or carnal, will not be that which benefits others or pleases God. Don’t expect God to provide wisdom or strength for that which does not align with Him. Scripture equips us for “good” work.
2) Every Good Work
No task falls outside of the scope of “every” good work. Scripture equips us for each and every individual good work we do of all types of good deeds. That means God will equip us, through His Word, for ministry that is …
- behind-the-scenes or upfront
- task-oriented or people-oriented
- a big ministry assignment or a seemingly small one
- full-time, part-time, or volunteer
The Ultimate Purpose in Being Thoroughly Equipped for Every Good Work
If we look at the whole of Scripture, we find the ultimate effect of Christians doing good. The more thoroughly equipped, the more we will bear fruit to the glory of God.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt. 5:16)
We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, (Col. 1:9-10)
When we are thoroughly equipped for every good work, we grow in our relationship with God, others are helped, and most importantly, God is glorified.
I have benefited from the narrative above.thanks .
Great info!! Thank you very much.
Very good material.
One correction: The scripture that you quoted is St. Matthew 5:16, not verse 6.
Will share with fellow believers.
Thank you, Asha-Lee, for pointing out the typo, which has now been corrected. I’m glad you find the material beneficial to share with others. May God use it to His glory!