Every scripture is God-breathed. (2 Tim. 3:16) The apostle Peter made a point in his final epistle that escaped my attention for a long time. He wrote, “I plan to keep on reminding you of these things—even though you already know them and are standing firm in the truth.” (2 Peter 1:12)

Peter noted that his readers had already heard what he was writing about. They were standing firm in the truth, but he intended to keep reminding them. He even says it again: “Yes, I believe I should keep on reminding you of these things as long as I live” (verse 12). He’s saying he’ll never stop bugging them! 

On the day that I noticed this verse, I gained a greater realization of the importance of the written Word of God. The apostle Paul tells us: Every Scripture is God-inspired. Not some thoughts in Scripture, not some points in Scripture, but every Scripture is inspired by God.

God took great care in getting His Word to us. Yet, we take it lightly at times or fail to put emphasis on it. We try to make His infallible Word fit into or confirm our lifestyle or culture—instead of allowing it to shape our lives. Let’s stay with the written Word of God. It’s incorruptible, eternal, and can never be altered or changed. It is the rock where we’re to stand firm. It’s the foundation for our lives.

The Bible tells us that “by [God’s] own mighty word, he holds the universe together.” (Hebrews 1:3) If God’s Word is the binding force of the universe, it is certainly essential to each of us every day!

This week, try a little exercise of interaction with the verse below. List the different things 2 Timothy 3:16 says Scripture is or does. Then determine how you see each of these truths or aspects at work in your life. Invite the Holy Spirit to shape and guide you by God’s Word so you can thrive before Him.

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action)…. (2 Tim. 3:16)