Profitableness of Scripture -- Message for Pastors

After exhorting Timothy concerning his "conversation," the apostle Paul now addresses Timothy's manner of preaching as a minister of Christ. Timothy's heart, and his life, must be right before he addresses his people. Paul knows that there is a tendency to compromise the truths of God because of the wickedness of the day, and because of persecution. God's minister is not just endangered from those without, but from those from within who would want him to go astray from the truth. Only the Word of God is profitable to be preached, says Paul. His opinions are not to be preached; he is not to go outside of the Scriptures. The Scriptures are profitable for: doctrine--wrong doctrine will lead to wrong living and wrong worship. Such were the Pharisees. The Scriptures are profitable for reproof: the Scriptures must be used to promote repentance. We must know the Scriptures in order to be able to help those in need, or in sin. Continued next week, Lord willing.