3:16-17 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
3:16-17 What do we learn from what Paul says here?
All scripture refers to the whole body of truth - Old Testament and New Testament together. It is God's revealed will for fallen man, and is the only infallible witness to God's plan of salvation.
There is no light beyond the revelation of God in scripture - we cannot look beyond scripture for new revelation or new spiritual experiences, as some do to their peril (CP Isa 8:19-20; Mt 7:15-20; 24:4-5, 11, 23-26 with Lu 16:19-31). Lu 16:19-31 confirms the teaching that there is no light beyond the revelation of God in scripture.
Nothing supernatural or miraculous can have any effect on anyone's lifestyle if the word of God is not believed and obeyed. The rich man thought that if someone came back from the dead to warn his brothers of their impending doom that it would appeal to their consciences to alter their lifestyles, and so be saved.
But nothing could save them, even if someone came back from the dead, if they did not believe and obey God's word, which they already had.
Peter also confirms that there is no light beyond God's revelation of Himself in scripture (CP 2Pe 1:16-21). Here Peter shows us the relative importance of signs and wonders compared to the testimony of God's word by comparing his own experience with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration, to the abiding prophetic word of scripture.
He teaches that the testimony of scripture is a surer confirmation of God's truth concerning Jesus than even the supernatural events of Jesus' transfiguration, to which he was an eyewitness. Peter is not detracting from the events of the transfiguration, but he wants believers to see that no supernatural experience holds greater authority than the established word of God.
Every teaching in the church must be judged in the light of scripture (CP Ac 17:10-11; 1Cor 14:29; 1Th 5:21; 1Jn 4:1; Rev 2:1-3). Scripture cannot be added to or taken away from (CP De 4:2; Pr 30:6; Jn 10:35; Ga 1:6-9; Rev 22:19).
Doctrine in 2Ti 3:16 refers to the wealth of teaching which scripture provides. All teachings necessary for life and godliness are provided in scripture (CP Psa 119:97-105; Col 3:16; 2Pe 1:2-3; 1Jn 2:24). Reproof is conviction.
It means to rebuke with the truth so as to bring the one rebuked at least to a conviction of their sin (CP Job 13:6; 23:4; Hos 5:9). Correction means bringing to an upright or right state, setting up straight again, correction or improvement of life and character. 2Ti 3:16 is the only place in the New Testament where this word is used (CP Psa 119:9-12; Pr 3:11-12; 15:9-12; Jn 15:1-2).
Instruction refers to training and education. It relates to the cultivation of mind and morals - chastening and chastisement, discipline. It does not relate to punishment, as so many Christians believe (CP Psa 2:10; Pr 6:20-23; 19:18; 29:17; 1Cor 11:32; He 12:6-7, 10; Rev 3:19). Perfect means completely qualified, one in whom all the parts are complete or whole and what they are supposed to be, so that they might serve their destined purpose (CP 1Cor 14:20; Eph 4:11-13; Col 1:28; 2:1-2, 10; He 5:14).
Thoroughly furnished means being fully equipped for God's service. God's word equips one with the necessary skills and tools to be capable of performing every good work (CP 2Ti 2:20-21; He 13:20-21).
The entire process of sanctification is outlined here. First of all, scripture is presented as doctrine, instruction, authoritative teaching, ie. truth. Secondly, as truth it is ethically persuasive - proof, correction - convincing us of any sin in our life. Thirdly, it then places us in a correct moral posture, and fourthly, it continues to provide chastening, discipline and training in righteousness.