We’ve established in the previous post that God intends for us to be thoroughly equipped for the ministry He gives us to do.
As we’ll also see in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, God provides the means for such equipping through His Word.
(Click on image to go to Pinterest for an enlarged version and repin.)
The Comprehensive Nature of Scripture Means We can be Thoroughly Equipped
Notice that “ALL Scripture is … useful” according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If we handpick what parts of the Bible we want to believe or apply to life, we may not find ourselves thoroughly equipped. Even the genealogies and detailed measurements can have a place in equipping us.
Perhaps before we can appreciate the details, we need a big picture perspective of Scripture and particularly of the God of the Bible. Understanding the fullness of the character and ways of God can make such a difference. Although written with Bible teachers in mind, the following posts on the TrainBibleTeachers.com blog may increase the value we place on gaining the bigger picture.
Suggestion: Come up with a plan to read through and study all of Scripture, not just the easy to understand or more palatable parts.
The Authoritative Basis of God’s Word for Equipping
The reason all Scripture is useful is because “all Scripture is God-breathed” and thereby not only has a purpose for being included but also the authority and power to make a difference. If we don’t believe this, we will have more of a tendency to pick and choose what we want to believe and apply. As a result, we will very likely not find ourselves thoroughly equipped. For more about this point, read the following:
Suggestion: If you doubt the veracity of Scripture, or tend to pick and choose, take time to get to know the God of the Bible better. If He truly is the God of whom there is none greater, then He has absolute authority.
The Targeted Means through Which the Bible Equips
We are at different places. What one person needs to be ready for service may differ from the next person. Some may need to learn something new. Others may need to become aware of something they’re doing wrong. Or, it might be simply tweaking or improving what we’re doing. Perhaps some need to be taken to the next step in their walk and service. Whatever the need, God’s Word is what will teach, rebuke, correct, and train us. Thorough equipping cannot be a “one size fits all” or “cookie cutter” approach.
Suggestion: Examine your approach to God and His Word. Are you hearing from Him or merely copying and comparing yourself to what others are doing?
The Depth or Extent to Which Scripture Equips
Notice how God uses His Word to train us “in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). This is a very important point as God cares about the process, not just the end result. If God didn’t address the heart, our equipping wouldn’t be thorough. He wants to transform our hearts not merely our behavior. Motivation matters. Character matters. Integrity in serving matters. Thorough equipping happens from the inside out. — For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb. 4:12)
Suggestion: Ask God to search your heart and thoughts to see what needs to change and to equip you accordingly (Ps. 139:23-24).