The usefulness of the Scriptures

How important is the Bible or Word of God? It is vital that this question resonates in our lives so that we can realize the eternal value that it has. The first thing we must understand is that this is the Word of God, which is inerrant, true, noble, pure, and entirely trustworthy. It is the only Word that guides us to all justice and truth. It is not a simple book with a black cover that says “Holy Bible”; it is the very revelation of God, the message He has decided to communicate to humanity so that we may know His will and walk in His paths. Through it we learn who God is, what He desires from us, and how we should live in a fallen world. When we approach the Bible with humility, reverence, and a sincere heart, we discover that it contains everything we need to live a full, joyful, and spiritually healthy life before God.

The apostle Paul understood very well the meaning of the Scriptures, and that is why he speaks with such clarity and conviction about the value of the Word. He did not speak from theory but from deep experience; he had seen how the Scriptures had shaped his life, corrected his path, and transformed his heart. For that reason, he says the following:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Friends, the apostle begins verse 16 in a very definitive way. He says: “All Scripture is inspired by God.” This is a foundational truth for every Christian. The Bible is not a human invention or a collection of ancient ideas; it is a living book, a book that produces life, conviction, transformation, and spiritual maturity. It is powerful because God Himself breathed it out. Today, however, many people in the church find this book boring or heavy. They feel too lazy to read it or study it, believing that it is overwhelming or difficult. They prefer entertainment, emotional experiences, and quick messages, rather than the discipline of studying the Scriptures. But brothers and sisters, we are supposed to long for this Word, to hunger for it, because it is the Word of the living God.

If we truly want to walk with God, then we must understand what Paul is teaching. He explains not only that Scripture is inspired but that it is also “profitable”—that is, useful and necessary. It is profitable for doctrine, meaning it teaches us what is true. It is profitable for reproof, meaning it shows us where we are wrong. It is profitable for correction, meaning it redirects us. And it is profitable for instruction in righteousness, meaning it trains us to live a holy life. Without the Scriptures, we would be like travelers without a map or soldiers without a sword. But with the Scriptures, we have everything we need to walk safely and confidently.

And what is the final purpose of all this? Paul tells us clearly: “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This means that a true believer is shaped, strengthened, and prepared through the Word of God. If we neglect Scripture, we neglect our own growth. If we embrace it, we grow in wisdom, in holiness, and in maturity. We become instruments that God can use.

From today, let us learn the usefulness of the Holy Scriptures and commit ourselves to loving them, studying them, and obeying them. This is the way that we are truly prepared to live for God.