Completely Restored (2 Timothy 3:16)

2 Timothy 3:16 says, "All scripture breathes-God, and is profitable for doctrine; for reproof; for correction; for instruction in righteousness..."

Words are vehicles of vision, and so it is important that we try to convey the right mental picture in the minds of the reader, in whatever we are attempting to communicate. Unfortunately, sometimes our English translations of the scriptures, fail to capture the true relevance of a word, and often paint a picture somewhat distorted from the original intention of the Holy Spirit.

CORRECTION

When we think of the word "correction", perhaps we conjure up a negative image of some form of discipline meted out, as a result of some offense or sin committed. However, if this were the imagery in our mind, it would definitely be the opposite of what the Greek word used here speaks of.

The word used is (epanorthosis), and originally presented the thought of 'setting a statue, or some similar object straight, back in an upright position'.

Like the word usually translated "inspiration", in the text, this is the only place in scripture where this Greek word is found.

Some of its dominant uses, in secular Greek literature, included:

- the REPAIR of a statue

- the RESTORATION of a sanctuary

- the REBUILDING of a city

- the RESTORATION of a wall

- the RESTORATION of a bridge

- the REBUILDING of ruins

RESTORING

Properly, the word meant "to straighten what had become crooked", or " to restore a thing back to its former state".

According to the historical use of the word, it evidently has nothing to do with the "correcting" of sin, or error, in our lives, but rather, the restoration; rebuilding; or reestablishing of our lives, to our former state of authority; inheritance; influence; relationship; etc., with God, before sin marred the picture.

In other words, as the word of God is announced, the scriptures, literally, "breathe-God", or God shows up, and restores back to us, our Father's original intention and divine purpose for our lives.

AFFIRMATION:

The word announced in my life brings the revelation and restoration of all things my Father intended for me to to walk in and benefit from.

DIGGING DEEPER:

The word (epanorthosis) is a compound word, from (epanorthoo), composed of (anorthooo), with the prefix (epi). Further, (anorthoo) contains the words (ana), meaning, "again", and (orthoo), meaning, "to make straight". Quite literally, the meaning is "to make straight again", or to restore to an original state.

The word was also used of an orator, who after speaking something that wasn't exactly the way he wanted it, retracted what he had just uttered, only to resume speaking, but in STRONGER terms.

What is important to note, is that the root word (anorthoo), already contains the imagery of 'restoring something to its original state', but like the orator, the prefix (epi) is intensive, making the meaning even stronger. Like the word (epigonosis), where (gnosis) refers to knowledge, but (epignosis) refers to complete; full; intimate; or revelation knowledge, (epianorthosis), is not just the restoration of our lives to their former state, but 'the complete; total restoration, with nothing missing, fully restored, and if possible, even to a stronger state than we were before'.

AFFIRMATION:

Through the announcement of God's word, I am totally, and completely, restored to my rightful position in Him.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours