In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, God's Word declares:
(15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
What a blessing to understand God's perspective on spiritual growth, in that the inerrant, infallible, eternal, God-breathed Scriptures are both the source and resource of all spiritual life and growth.
The first aspect of spiritual growth is salvation, seen in verse 15, which comes only through the wisdom of the Scriptures. Thereafter, verse 16 shows that the process of sanctification is accomplished as the doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness declared in the Scriptures are employed. Finally, in verse 17, the ultimate goal of spiritual growth is realized in the maturity of Christ-likeness that accurately declares Him to our world.
In doctrine and reproof, we LEARN God's heart, mind, will and purpose;
In correction, we understand a directional CHANGE in repentance;
In instruction in righteousness, the need for a PLAN going forward.
May God bless you today, as God uses His Word in your life, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
(C) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal file copy
(15) And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
What a blessing to understand God's perspective on spiritual growth, in that the inerrant, infallible, eternal, God-breathed Scriptures are both the source and resource of all spiritual life and growth.
The first aspect of spiritual growth is salvation, seen in verse 15, which comes only through the wisdom of the Scriptures. Thereafter, verse 16 shows that the process of sanctification is accomplished as the doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness declared in the Scriptures are employed. Finally, in verse 17, the ultimate goal of spiritual growth is realized in the maturity of Christ-likeness that accurately declares Him to our world.
In doctrine and reproof, we LEARN God's heart, mind, will and purpose;
In correction, we understand a directional CHANGE in repentance;
In instruction in righteousness, the need for a PLAN going forward.
May God bless you today, as God uses His Word in your life, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
(C) 1993 N.A.Collins - Limited copy permission for one personal file copy
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