All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man [woman] of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for EVERY good work. (2 Tim 3:16-17 – bracketed word added by the author)
It’s interesting to understand, from the Scripture shown above, that God uses His Word for:
- Doctrine [a principle or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief],
- Reproof [criticism for a fault],
- Correction [a bringing into conformity with a standard], and
- Instruction [the action of teaching] in righteousness.
This passage tells us that God uses these methods to thoroughly equip believers for every good work. Do you feel thoroughly equipped? If not, then perhaps you haven’t been spending enough time reading, meditating, listening to, and hearing God’s Word preached.
A key component in being equipped is obeying the Word that you hear and that you read. Without your obedience to the Word of God, there is no submission to it—nor is there a respect for it. We also need to respect God, Himself, in order to obey His Word.
Equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Heb 13:21 ESV – emphasis added)
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ . . . (Eph 4:11-16 ESV – emphasis added)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal 5:1 – emphasis added)
The Lord has set all believers free, and He is in the process of equipping us at all times. We are equipped now, but as we continue our walk with the Lord, He will reveal new truths to us. Our knowledge and understanding of His ways and His standards will grow and mature. Our expertise with our spiritual “tool set” will increase. All we need to do is to keep hearing His voice, and to continue in our willingness to learn from Him. Yield to His Word and to His will for you.
The Lord has set you free, and He has thoroughly equipped you, so let your light shine brightly!
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