2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
We all agree – God’s Word is critical in our mission of seeing His Kingdom advanced. God is the best teacher, and His inspired Word is our most effective teaching tool. In the 7 Laws of the Learner, Dr. Bruce Wilkinson explains that God’s Word is given to:
- help us understand the right belief (teaching)
- adjust our wrong belief (rebuke)
- remedy improper action (correct)
- coach in right action (train)
But verse 17 goes on to help us understand the bigger picture: God’s Word is not just for our information, but ultimately for our transformation. The “So that” is there to express the primary purpose for God’s Word is not just to point out information about our belief or actions, but ultimately to coach disciples in developing a new lifestyle. This new pattern is where disciples are equipped to allow God’s Word to permeate every sphere of their daily lives.
When people understand their identity and allow God’s Word to marinate in their life, it will result in good works happening in their relationships at work, at home, in their neighborhood, and in all their spheres of influence.
How does this verse motivate us to coach leaders to keep growing in their transformation? First, let’s continue to point them to God’s Word and allow His Word to equip them for the good works He’s prepared in advance for them to do (Eph. 2:10)!
How can this same principle help us as we strengthen and course-correct movements?
