“IT’S OFFENSIVE!”

16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”

2 Timothy 3:16

I don't know about you, but there are moments when I feel uncomfortable reading the Bible, especially when I am being confronted by it. But sometimes, discomfort is necessary to receive God's comfort.

Yesterday, we learned that understanding the Bible demands hard work and patience. That is true regardless of our biblical interpretation experience.

Here’s another reason that keeps a person from reading the Bible.

It makes me feel uncomfortable.

One of the things the Bible does is confront our sins, which, most of us, find uncomfortable. No one wants to talk about their secrets, let alone their sins. But here’s a fact: God’s Word’s purpose is to comfort us. But before comforting us, it must first confront us.

In today’s verse, Paul says that all Scripture is God’s Word and serves a four-fold purpose: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. To keep this blog short, I will skip the inspiration part and move straight to its profitability.

First, it is beneficial for doctrine (teaching). It gives us the truth about spirituality, including the teachings on God, sin, man, angels, salvation, the church, and end times, among many.

Second, it is helpful for reproof (rebuke). The Bible speaks to us intimately and brings out the areas of our lives that are unacceptable to God. In addition, the Bible also allows us to debunk false teachings and resist Satan.

Third, it is useful for correction. Not only does the Bible reveal our wrongs, but it also helps us determine how to make them right. I can’t help remembering Zacchaeus’ act of restitution—when he promised to give back four times what he owed and offered to give away half of his assets. His experience is a great example of correction—plus interest.

Fourth, it is valuable in terms of training in righteousness. While we have been given the righteousness of Christ, we need to be trained in practical righteousness every day. The Bible shows us how to live godly lives in this rather pagan world.

Anyone who has seriously studied the Bible has been confronted by its teachings. It hurts our pride and makes us uneasy.

By default, we are unable to serve God because of our impurities. We must first receive instruction, rebuke, and correction. We must be changed from the inside out. And change is always uncomfortable. But it is a necessary discomfort. God’s Word cleanses us from our wrong beliefs and bad habits. That’s why it must be received with humility for it to achieve its purpose.

Pursue the Savior today!