Articles
All Scripture Is Inspired By God
The apostle Paul was concerned about the spiritual development and growth of his young coworker Timothy. He had written about some who were not concerned with their spiritual progress. These individuals proceed from bad to worse (2 Tim. 3:13). Paul, however, had better things in mind for Timothy. He wrote, “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:14-15). Paul directed Timothy to the sacred writings that he had known from childhood. The sacred writings were the foundation that would fuel his spiritual development and growth.
Paul identified the sacred writings that would make Timothy wise as Scripture. He wrote, “All Scripture is inspired of God…” (2 Tim. 3:16). What writings were considered to be sacred or to be scripture in Paul’s day? Paul, certainly, was referring to what we call the Old Testament. A three-fold division of writings known as the Tanakh existed in Paul’s day. It consisted of the five books of Moses, the Prophets, and the Writings. Jesus likely referred to this division of the Old Testament writings in Luke 24:44. New Testament writings were also referred to as Scripture by Paul and others. Paul wrote about elders who should be supported for their work of preaching and teaching in 1 Timothy 5:17. He then quoted scripture to support his instruction. He wrote, “For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Tim. 5:18). These statements that Paul refers to as Scripture come from Deuteronomy 25:4 (the Old Testament) and Matthew 10:10, and Luke 10:7 (the New Testament). Likewise, Peter equated the letters of Paul to the Scriptures in 2 Peter 3:16.
The value of the Scriptures (both Old and New Testaments) for spiritual development and growth can be observed by Paul’s description of them—inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures originate with God. What will help Timothy avoid the folly, depraved mindset, and deception of others? What will help him (and others) in their spiritual development and growth? Only the truth, wisdom, and guidance that originates with God.
The Scriptures, originating with God, are the essential foundation for spiritual development and growth. By following Paul’s instructions and Timothy’s example we are assured of growing in ways that honor God. Let us immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, respond to them in obedience, and bear the good fruit that brings glory to God.
