“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NLT)
Paul describes the last days as filled with selfishness, pride, and people who love pleasure more than God. The most alarming part is in verse 5: they will act religious but reject the power that makes them godly. That power is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 that we would receive power when the Spirit comes upon us. Without Him, even our religion is empty.
Paul reminds Timothy that his faith was rooted in Scripture from childhood. The Old Testament gave him wisdom to see his need for salvation in Christ. Scripture reveals what is true and exposes what is wrong. But knowing right from wrong alone is not enough—we need the Spirit’s power to live it out.
All Scripture is God-breathed. It teaches, corrects, and trains us in righteousness. But it is the Spirit who enables us to actually walk in obedience. Scripture without the Spirit leaves us with rules we cannot keep. Spirit without Scripture leaves us with feelings we cannot trust. Together, they equip us to do every good work.
This is God’s process: His Word reveals, His Spirit empowers, and His people are prepared. Only then can we accomplish anything He calls us to do.