Scripture and You

Profiting From the Word: The Fourfold Use of Scripture

By Dr. Paul M. Elliott
As you read and study God's Word, always remember the God-ordained four-fold use of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase

Part five of a series. Read part four.

Editor's note: It has been our great privilege to send thousands of our Bible Reading Kits to individuals and churches around the world. One of the items in the kit is called More Precious Than Gold: How to Read and Study the Bible Profitably. As an encouragement to our readers around the globe to read and study God's Word to their spiritual profit, we are reproducing this resource in the five articles of this series. If you have never received a copy of our Bible Reading Kit, or would like a supply for your church or for personal ministry, please click here.

Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, Instruction

As you read and study God's Word, always remember the God-ordained four-fold use of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. You will profit greatly from your reading and study of God's Word if you ask these questions as you read it, and pray for the Spirit's leading and power in discovering and implementing the answers:

  1. What doctrine is God teaching here? What is the path of sound doctrine? What is the truth? How is Scripture showing me the right way to think, and the right way to live?
  2. Does this passage reprove me? Does it tell me that there is an area of my living or thinking where I have gotten off the path of sound doctrine, or perhaps didn't understand it before? How did it happen? How is this adversely affecting my walk with God and my life before others?
  3. How does this passage tell me I need to be corrected? In light of what I have read, what needs to change in my thinking and living so that I will return to the right path? Am I willing, by God's grace, to conform my life to His truth? Will I now resolve to do so?
  4. How does this part of God's Word instruct me in righteousness - how to remain on the path of sound doctrine, and not stray again? What must I do to remain in conformity to His Word?

Rely on the Power of God's Word

God's Word, more precious than gold, will do all of this for you and more - if you read and study it faithfully and systematically, in prayerful reliance upon the Holy Spirit.

The church of Jesus Christ must be the Scripture-driven church. God's inspired, inerrant Word must be our sole authority, and our infallible critic, in every area of life and ministry.

For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner [or critic] of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

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