Purposes of Scripture

There are many purposes of scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 lists four of the major ones though there are others as well.

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.¹

1) Teaching. Colossians 1:28-29 ²⁸We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. ²⁹To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.²

• Conviction of sin in our lives. Hebrews 4:12 ¹² For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.⁴
• Source of absolute truth and timeless principles.

2) Rebuking.

• Conviction of sin in our lives. Hebrews 4:12 ¹² For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.⁴

3) Correcting. Galatians 6:1 ¹Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.⁵

• Helps others and ourselves to get back on track when we go astray.


• Helps us learn from our mistakes.

4) Training in righteousness.

• Helps us grow in our faith.


• Helps us in developing wisdom for living.

5) As a means by which God can speak to us.

6) Promises to trust in during times of difficulty and trial. 2 Peter 1:3-4³ His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.⁶

7) A resource in witnessing and helping others grow in their faith.

¹ 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV.
² Colossians 1:28-29, NIV.
³ Joshua 1:8, NIV.
⁴ Hebrews 4:12, NIV.
⁵ Galatians 6:1, NIV.
⁶ 2 Peter 1:3-4, NIV.