2 Timothy 3:16-17, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The stable authority of God’s righteousness is diametrically opposed to the chaos of this present world. Timothy had a choice to make and neglect was not an option. He could give heed to men who were wrong in a sinfully consistent pattern, (2 Timothy 3:13), or he could subordinate himself to the wisdom from on high. He learned the truth at the feet of his grandmother and mother. (2 Timothy 1:5) Thank you Lord for holy parents! His primary source of reference was the Old Testament. It would be later from men like Paul that he would learn of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. Paul, Timothy, Peter and other Christians were aware that the Holy Spirit was contributing to the eventual New Testament through divine inspiration. 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:16)
For Paul Scripture was about representing God’s wisdom to humanity. Whether it was about church liturgy or human morality, Scripture was about giving man guidance toward Godly holiness. If people need to change, then Scripture provides a basis that was objective and real, as opposed to the biased observation of, many times, selfish people. Neither salvation nor a life of grace would indicate the concept that all law had been erased from human existence. (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2) God’s authority stems from His fatherhood, and His love. Yielding to God is not about some fearful subordination to a deadly force. As man grows in knowing God, man’s love motivates him to the most extreme service. Trust and obedience flow from the knowledge of God’s Word. Scripture was revealed to man through a process known as “inspiration.”
The word translated as “God Breathed” is “Theopneustos.” This very special word means exactly that – God Breathed. If you have any respect for the actual meaning of words in the Bible, then understand it is God’s desire for us to recognize Scripture as a statement from Him. Men were used as scribes, but the Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible. Therefore, God is the divine author of the Biblical text we now know as the Bible.
That concept has many ramifications for the human race, not the least of which is that it is authoritative on all matters for human salvation. Thanks to God for knowing need for substantial and real guidance in a dark world.
Godspeed as you pursue truth and wisdom in this world. Study hard! Pray hard! Live faithfully!