2 Timothy 3:16 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.
Doctrine is our way of life. It is the teaching that comes to others by the observance of our lives. Scripture is profitable for our way of life. The word for reproof is the Greek word ἔλεγχος elegchos; proof, conviction. It is the proof or conviction of the One in us. Christ in us is the hope of glory. Scripture is profitable to draw Christ out of us in a way that others can see it and testify that it is true. Scripture is also profitable for correction. The Greek word for correction is, ἐπανόρθωσις epanorthōsis; a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation). It is not a matter of being bad and now being good. It is a matter of staying in the path of life. Staying in the path that leads to life and causes us to be givers of life to the world. This can be observed by the measure of life that happens in others because of us. Scripture is also profitable for instruction in righteousness. The word for instruction here is the Greek word, παιδεία paideia; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction. True righteousness is a relationship of love for God and love for people. Holy Spirit transforms our lives to become a testimony of loving God and of loving others. This is not just the emotion of love, but the strong action of sacrificial love and demonstration of love that can be observed by others. Scripture is profitable to aid in this process. Scripture is not our teacher. Holy Spirit is our teacher, but Scripture is a witness to the voice of Holy Spirit and it is profitable for the process of our relationship with God in Christ. #purposeofScripture