Here is the scripture in total:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Some quote this verse without understanding; making the scriptures the actor for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. To do so ignores the pattern seen in the scriptures: the spiritually mature guide the immature. Even the passage above is from the mature, Paul, to the immature, Timothy. Timothy is Paul's "son in the Lord". That obligates Paul to raise Timothy up in the Lord: showing him the father as he instructs.
Christ Jesus said to His disciples: "As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you..."
The way in which Christ Jesus was sent by the Father is the manner in which He sent the disciples out from Himself. And what do we see by His actions?: careful, intentional, intimate, close, and personal instruction. He related to them as an elder brother would relate brothers, as a father would relate with sons. So when Christ Jesus said:
"Make disciples..." The disciples knew how to make disciples... with careful, intentional, intimate, close, and personal instruction.
It was a one to one understanding: the disciples are to lead the people as Christ led the people. The flow of grace was from those who had been given a greater measure to those who had less. The intent was that the immature may grow in grace by the doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction from the mature.
For example, Paul would say to the believers in Rome; "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
Paul would often refer to "my gospel" and encourage believers to "imitate me". This confuses some because it is known that there is God's gospel and no others. Paul was establishing the authority in which he was sent NOT saying his gospel was something other than the Lord's. Indeed, he notes that he "imitates Christ" so Paul's example to others had a foundation in the life and mysteries of Christ.
If we remove the interconnection of the members of Christ's Body to each other we are left with something other than what God intended. Fractures, divisions, orphan-mindsets come out of such errors. Without a place for the mature to lead the immature the immature will determine the direction of the church. The immature extol the character; the celebrity. He wishes always to be entertained or distracted. Nothing much is asked of the immature because he cannot handle responsibility.
Sickness and weakness come out of a church organized on broad strokes that appeal to many vs the depth of relationship modeled by the Lord and His disciples.
Grace and Peace.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 "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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Some quote this verse without understanding; making the scriptures the actor for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. To do so ignores the pattern seen in the scriptures: the spiritually mature guide the immature. Even the passage above is from the mature, Paul, to the immature, Timothy. Timothy is Paul's "son in the Lord". That obligates Paul to raise Timothy up in the Lord: showing him the father as he instructs.
Christ Jesus said to His disciples: "As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you..."
The way in which Christ Jesus was sent by the Father is the manner in which He sent the disciples out from Himself. And what do we see by His actions?: careful, intentional, intimate, close, and personal instruction. He related to them as an elder brother would relate brothers, as a father would relate with sons. So when Christ Jesus said:
"Make disciples..." The disciples knew how to make disciples... with careful, intentional, intimate, close, and personal instruction.
It was a one to one understanding: the disciples are to lead the people as Christ led the people. The flow of grace was from those who had been given a greater measure to those who had less. The intent was that the immature may grow in grace by the doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction from the mature.
For example, Paul would say to the believers in Rome; "For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me."
Paul would often refer to "my gospel" and encourage believers to "imitate me". This confuses some because it is known that there is God's gospel and no others. Paul was establishing the authority in which he was sent NOT saying his gospel was something other than the Lord's. Indeed, he notes that he "imitates Christ" so Paul's example to others had a foundation in the life and mysteries of Christ.
If we remove the interconnection of the members of Christ's Body to each other we are left with something other than what God intended. Fractures, divisions, orphan-mindsets come out of such errors. Without a place for the mature to lead the immature the immature will determine the direction of the church. The immature extol the character; the celebrity. He wishes always to be entertained or distracted. Nothing much is asked of the immature because he cannot handle responsibility.
Sickness and weakness come out of a church organized on broad strokes that appeal to many vs the depth of relationship modeled by the Lord and His disciples.
Grace and Peace.