The power and purpose of the scripture

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Hello and welcome to today's podcast. I'm Matthew Akinola, and I'm so glad you've chosen to join me as we reflect on the power and purpose of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16 says-All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. Have you ever paused to consider what it means for the Bible to be "God-breathed"? That phrase, which is referenced in 2 Timothy 3:16, comes from the Greek word "Theopneustos," which literally means "breathed out by God." It's such an incredible concept, isn't it? The words in Scripture are not merely human words but carry the divine breath of God himself, given through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This, of course, raises the question: how exactly did the Spirit work through the various authors to write these timeless truths?

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You see, the Bible didn’t just appear, fully formed, landing neatly in our hands. It was written over centuries, through the hands of prophets, apostles, and other servant leaders, each uniquely guided by the Holy Spirit. That divine guidance ensured that what they wrote held God's wisdom and authority. These aren’t just ordinary texts—they are words that are alive and powerful, as Hebrews 4:12 so beautifully reminds us.

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Now, why do we need these God-breathed words? Well, because we need wisdom for living. Life is, let's face it, complex. And the Bible provides direction that cuts through confusion and missteps. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding. How do we do that? By engaging deeply with these divine words.

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And, honestly, it's not just about turning to Scripture when you're seeking answers to life's big questions. The Word of God has a way of holding up a mirror to our lives. It exposes sin, highlights our errors, and offers us the grace to turn back toward righteousness. It’s not always easy to be confronted by the truth of who we are, but it's in that confrontation that character can be shaped. You know, like a potter molding his clay.

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Let me share a couple of examples. Think about teachings like loving your neighbor as yourself or forgiving seventy times seven. Walking in that kind of grace and mercy changes us—and those around us—in profound ways. The Bible isn't just information; it's transformation. But, you know, transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes discipleship, obedience, and perseverance. It’s a journey, one foot in front of the other, one verse at a time.

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So, what can we do practically to grow through Scripture? I’d say start simple. Set aside time daily, even if it's just a few minutes, to read and meditate on a passage. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide you as you study. Memorize verses that resonate, so they become a part of you. And find someone to share this journey with—perhaps in a discipleship or small group setting. The Word is meant to be lived and shared, not kept in isolation.

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You know, as we wrap up today, let me leave you with this thought. When you hold your Bible either hard or soft copy, you're not just holding a book—you're holding the very breath of God, his heartbeat, his wisdom for your life. I encourage you to take time this week to explore its pages and let it shape you, challenge you, and draw you nearer to Christ. And on that note, we'll leave it there for now. Thank you so much for listening. Take care, and God bless.