Faith Meets Academia

Word of the Day #4 - The Purpose of Studying Scripture...According to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Dr. Adrian Reynolds

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Do we seek only comfort from the holy scriptures or are we willing to let them challenge and mold us, even when it means reevaluating our habits, values, and beliefs? Through the wisdom imparted by Apostle Paul to Timothy, we are reminded that Scripture is not just inspirational but is a robust guide to living a life aligned with God's will. By engaging with the entirety of Scripture, including the difficult parts, we open ourselves to growth and alignment with God's purpose for us. 

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DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.

Speaker 1:

Hey, family, happy Friday. I am so grateful. I'm so thankful that we've made it thus far. Hopefully you're getting ready to close out the work week on a great note and are looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Speaker 1:

The word of the day comes to us from 2 Timothy 3, 14 through 17. As we journey through life, having a clear sense of purpose is absolutely essential for growth and success, and this principle applies not just to our personal and professional endeavors, but also to our spiritual development. And this brings me to the central question that I have for you today what is the purpose of the Holy Scriptures? When we study the Scriptures, do we think about the desired goal or outcome? Do we select passages that make us feel comfortable or that simply confirm our existing thoughts and actions, or do we also engage with those parts of the Scriptures that challenge us, those areas that push us to reevaluate our habits, our values, our beliefs? So here it is in 2 Timothy 3, verses 14 through 17,. And I'm reading from the NIV, new International Version the Apostle Paul addresses these questions while speaking to Timothy, his mentee and spiritual son, in the faith, if you will. And he says and how from infancy you have known the holy scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

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All scripture is God-breathed. The King James Version and the New King James Version say all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, right, same meaning. Basically, all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. So you see, the purpose of the Holy Scriptures extends beyond just comfort or affirmation. They're designed to transform us daily, guiding us toward becoming a more complete, holistic version of ourselves in Christ.

Speaker 1:

When we engage with Scripture in its entirety, we include even the parts that may make us uncomfortable, and this allows for holistic growth and alignment with God's will. The Holy Scriptures provide wisdom for salvation. Provide wisdom for salvation. It teaches sound doctrine and, yes, it provides corrective feedback, even rebuke, if you will. And it trains us in righteousness, equipping us for good works. So as we integrate our faith with our personal, professional, academic pursuits, let us approach the scriptures with openness, allowing them to teach, correct and educate us so that we may be thoroughly equipped for every good work in all aspects of our lives. God bless, be safe.