“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain what 2 Timothy 3:16–17 teaches about where Scripture comes from and what it does
- Describe the Bible as a lamp and as food for the believer (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4)
- Explain why Bible study is meant to lead to Jesus and to obedience, not only to knowledge
- State the role, limits, and safety rules of a Bible study leader
Lesson Notes
God-Breathed and Profitable
Paul wrote to Timothy, All scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The words given by inspiration of God describe Scripture as coming from God Himself. Peter said the same thing another way: holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:21).
Paul then names four ways Scripture is profitable, or useful:
- Doctrine: teaching us what is true about God, ourselves, and salvation.
- Reproof: showing us where we have gone wrong.
- Correction: showing us how to get back on the right path.
- Instruction in righteousness: training us in how to live God's way.
The goal is that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (3:17): complete and fully equipped. That includes every woman in this room.
A Lamp and Daily Bread
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). An oil lamp in Bible times did not light up the whole road ahead. It gave enough light for the next few steps. God's Word often works the same way. It may not explain everything about tomorrow, but it shows us the next faithful step today.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He answered from Scripture: It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). The Word is food for the soul. A believer who never eats from it grows weak, just as a body grows weak without meals.
Study That Leads to Jesus
Some people in Jesus' day knew the Scriptures very well and still missed Him. Jesus told them, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39). The goal of Bible study is not to win arguments or collect facts. It is to know God through Jesus Christ and to become like Him.
Paul warned that Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth (1 Corinthians 8:1). Knowledge without love makes us proud. Knowledge joined with love builds others up. James adds, be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). Good Bible study always ends with a humble question: Lord, what would You have me believe, trust, or do?
The Leader's Role and the Safety Rules
A Bible study leader is a fellow learner who helps a group read, understand, and live God's Word together. She is not a counselor, a clinician, a pastor (unless she is one), or a spiritual boss. In The Timothy Pattern from CMD 271, a Bible study leader Builds Up others through the Word while Being With them in community.
Bible study can stir deep things. Get help immediately if anyone talks about suicide, self-harm, harming someone else, abuse, or a medical emergency. Inside a facility, go to staff or the chaplain right away. Outside, call 911 for an emergency, or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. Stay with the person if it is safe, and never promise to keep danger a secret. Leaders refer women to pastors, chaplains, doctors, and licensed counselors when they need more than a study group can give.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspiration | God's breathing out of Scripture through human writers moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) |
| Doctrine | Teaching about what is true; one of the four uses of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16 |
| Bible study leader | A fellow learner who helps a group read, understand, and live God's Word; not a counselor or a boss |
| Referral | Connecting someone with a pastor, chaplain, doctor, licensed counselor, or other qualified help |
In-Class Activities
Four Uses of Scripture
Write out 2 Timothy 3:16–17. Draw four boxes labeled Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, and Instruction in Righteousness. In each box, write what the word means in your own words and the reference of one verse you already know that does that job (for example, John 3:16 teaches doctrine about God's love). Share one box with a partner.
Our Study Group Covenant
As a class, write a covenant for this course and for any study you lead later. Include: we come to learn from God's Word, not to win arguments; anyone may pass on reading aloud or sharing; what is shared stays here, except when someone may be in danger; we use invented examples in practice; we listen without interrupting; we keep to the passage; and we pray for one another. Copy it into your notebook.
Assignment: Why I Study the Word
Write one page:
- Copy 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and Psalm 119:105 accurately from the KJV.
- In your own words, explain the four uses of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16.
- Explain what John 5:39 teaches about the purpose of studying the Bible.
- Describe one time (in general terms) when a verse gave you light for your next step, or describe a composite example.
- Make a pocket When to Get Help card listing the five situations that require immediate help and who you would go to inside (staff or chaplain) and outside (911 or 988).
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Psalm 119:105 calls God's Word a lamp unto my feet. Where in your life do you most need light for the next step right now? What has made Bible reading easy or hard for you in the past, and what would help you grow?
Prayer focus: Thank God for giving His Word, and ask Him to make it a lamp for your feet and to give you a hunger to study it and share it with others.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Enough Light for the Next Step
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). An oil lamp in the psalmist's day did not light up the whole road. It lit the ground right in front of you. Enough for the next step, and then the next.
Many of us wish God would show us the whole road: every year ahead, every answer, every outcome. Instead He gives us His Word, and His Word gives light for today's step. Forgive. Tell the truth. Trust Me. Be kind. Come to Me.
Paul told Timothy that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and profitable to teach, to correct, and to train us, so that we are throughly furnished, fully equipped (2 Timothy 3:16–17). God does not hand you a job and leave you empty-handed. He equips you through His Word.
This course will teach you to study the Bible and to help other women study it. But it begins here, with you and the lamp. Before you ever lead a group, let the Word light your own path.
Think About It
- Where do you need light for your next step this week? ______________________
- What has made Bible reading hard for you in the past? ______________________
- Who would you go to inside this facility if someone in your group were in danger? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 1
A Lamp for My Feet
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.— Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
God's Word may not show the whole road, but it shows the next faithful step.
Reflect: What is your next faithful step today?
Pray: Lord, light my path one step at a time.
Do: Read one short psalm slowly before your day begins.
Daily Bread
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.— Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
Our souls need the Word as surely as our bodies need food.
Reflect: Have you been feeding your soul lately?
Pray: Lord, make me hungry for Your Word.
Do: Write one verse on a card and read it at each meal today.
It Shall Stand
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.— Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)
Seasons, places, and feelings change. God's Word stands.
Reflect: What feels unsteady in your life right now?
Pray: Lord, let me stand on Your unchanging Word.
Do: Name one promise of God that has not changed for you.
Wise for the Simple
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.— Psalm 19:7 (KJV)
God's Word gives wisdom to ordinary people, not only to experts.
Reflect: Where do you need God's wisdom today?
Pray: Lord, make me wise through Your Word.
Do: Ask God one honest question before you read today.
Hope From the Scriptures
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.— Romans 15:4 (KJV)
The Bible was written for our learning and for our hope.
Reflect: Where do you need hope today?
Pray: Lord, give me patience, comfort, and hope through Your Word.
Do: Find one verse of hope and share it with someone.
Module Quiz
- 1.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, all scripture is given by:
- 2.
Which is NOT one of the four uses of Scripture listed in 2 Timothy 3:16?
- 3.
Psalm 119:105 describes God's Word as:
- 4.
According to John 5:39, the Scriptures testify of Jesus.
- 5.
Name the five situations that require getting help immediately, and who to go to inside and outside a facility.