Equipped for Every Good Work - Carla D Burnette
Key Verses: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CSB), “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Did you know God’s Word equips you for every good work? You may not feel equipped, especially when you compare yourself with others. However, each of us has good works to accomplish, and God’s Word equips us to carry them out as the Bible informs us in the key verses above.
How Scripture Equips Us
Let’s examine these verses more closely to learn how Scripture equips us. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, Scripture is profitable or beneficial for
(NOTE: All definitions are from Merriam-Webster’s dictionary)
- teaching – “to impart knowledge, or skill, to give instruction”
- rebuking – “stern disapproval of, reprove or correct, reprimand or find fault with for behavior”
- correcting – “to point out or mark errors in, to alter or adjust so as to bring into accordance with a standard or required condition”
- training – “to a desired proficiency or behavior through practice discipline and instruction”
Whether reading or hearing the Word, let’s allow it to teach, rebuke, correct and train us. This requires spending time in the Word to digest what we read, not rushing through to complete the reading for the day. It also requires prayer to hear the Word speak to us and to understand what the Word says.
When the Word convicts us of wrong behavior, attitudes and thoughts, let’s be willing to repent and make the necessary corrections. The outcome of permitting the Word to accomplish all these things is that the man of God will be equipped for every good work as 2 Timothy 3:17 states.
But what does equipped mean? It means “to provide what is needed, to prepare, making something become useful”.
2 Timothy 2:21 declares, “So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”
To further illustrate this concept, Dr. John Koessler states, “Scripture supplies the believer with all the information needed to live the life God expects from those who belong to Him.”
I desire to be fully equipped and useful to my Master. Don’t you? Let’s allow Scripture to penetrate our hearts, so that we will be useful to the Master and equipped to do all He asks of us.
Father, Thank you for Your Word that is living and active. Help us to slow down and pay attention when we read Your Word. We desire to be changed by Your Word, so we can be fully equipped for the good works You call us to do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suggestions for Prayer
Before reading or hearing the Word, pray for the following:
- a willingness to listen
- a teachable heart
- wisdom to understand what we read
- for the Lord to reveal His character in order to learn more about Him
- for awareness of any sin in your life, so you can become more like Christ
Afterwards, thank Him for anything He showed you.
Questions for Reflection When Reading the Bible:
- What does this passage teach me about God? His character?
- Does this character trait apply to me? Am I displaying this character trait?
- How should I respond? Do I need to repent, thank God for something He showed me, or write something down so I remember?
Additional Scripture References for Further Study:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (MSG), “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.”
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB),” For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.”
Hebrews 4:12 (CSB), “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Galatians 6:4-5 (CSB), “Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.”
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