I use this illustration because there is a direct correlation between the above described scenario and our walk as Christians. If our faith is in Jesus alone as our Lord and Savior then we are saved, but we are saved for a purpose. Ultimately that purpose is to glorify God. That is the chief end of man, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Until that glorious day when Christ returns we have a job to do here. I believe that job, or purpose, can be summarized into three parts: 1. Love God with all of our mind, soul, strength, and heart, 2. Love our neighbors as ourselves, and 3. Make disciples of Christ.
The problem is that we can feel very inadequate and ill-equipped for the good works that we have been created for, and left to ourselves we most definitely are. However, by God’s grace, we don’t have to stay that way. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (CSB). So, if we are to be complete, then we must be equipped for every good work. To be equipped for every good work requires a few things. It requires that:
1) We must be taught. We must taught the things that we don’t know.
2) We must be rebuked. We must be shown where we have strayed from the will and Law of God. We need to have our eyes opened to our sin.
3) We must be corrected. When we realize that we are no longer on God’s path, we need to be shown how to get back to where we need to be.
4) We must be trained in righteousness. Training does not happen overnight. It is a lifelong process and can be painful at times. It requires discipline and effort.
This verse also tells us that Scripture is profitable, or effective, to bring about the things required to make us complete and equipped. Not just some Scripture, but ALL Scripture.
Based on this text, I want to ask a couple of questions and then offer some encouragement. Do you feel complete and equipped? How much time are spending on a daily basis in God’s Word? The Bible is very clear that if we are to be made complete and equipped than Scripture will do that. So, in light of this fact, let me encourage you to spend concentrated time in God’s Word. Join or start a small group where you can go through the Word with other people and hold one another accountable. If you do this, I can assure you that it will be of the utmost value and you will be on the path toward being a “complete man of God”.
Author: Sherwon Williamson