Training Us to Be Who We Already Are! (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,..."

INSTRUCTION

The Greek word for "instruction" includes two concepts, of which, the second can be seen as part of the first:

1) Training; instruction; education.

2) Chastisement, or corporal punishment.

The second meaning reflects more on punishment for wrongdoing, to deter or prevent further undesirable action or behavior.

The first meaning envelopes the whole process of rearing a child, with the goal of equipping them to manage; excel; succeed; and prosper in life. Intrinsic in this meaning, is the full development of their capabilities for success in several disciplines. (eg. music; art; physical education).

To the Greeks, the idea of the word containing any inference of corporal punishment, was totally foreign.

THE GREEK

The Greek word is (paideia), which comes from (pais), meaning "child". The oldest meaning is that of bringing up children. Most specifically, however, the word group came to mean the communication of culture; customs; laws; and values, from one generation to another. Generally, it would describe our English word education, but encompassing everything valuable to a group of people, instilled in the next generation, to the extent, that those who were "educated" not only behaved in a manner fitting and acceptable to society, but demonstrated, in their lifestyle, everything prized by that society.

The statement was made, that 'a Greek was not a Greek by birth, but was a Greek by education'. To the Greeks, education included not only language and writing, but gymnastics, music, and the arts, and everything valued by that society.

VALUES & BEHAVIORS

(Paideia), was the education of children into the values and behaviors that defined "Greek culture", so that they became a Greek, in the truest sense of the word, in the way they thought and acted.

To the Greeks, the whole purpose of education was the self-preservation of society as a whole, to maintain and expand Greek laws; customs; and culture. Negatively, they believed that a lack of proper education led to poor moral behavior and unsavory character.

This core understanding of the word, vividly expresses God's intention, plan and purpose for us, where the announcement of the word shapes our thoughts and attitudes, as we submit to its revolutionary truth, and it effects positive change in our behavior.

T.L. OSBORN

Missionary statesman, and apostle of love, Dr. T.L. Osborn, [who fittingly went home on February 14, the love date on the calendar], is credited with saying, that there are only two things in Christianity:

(1) what you believe, and

(2) what you do about it.

AFFIRMATION:

God's word trains me in what I believe and how I act, so that I effectively promote His lifestyle in my world.

DIGGING DEEPER:

In the OT, there are approximately an equal number of references to the (paideia) word group being used to refer to corporal punishment, as there are to those more specifically containing the general meaning of education, where the purpose is the cultivation of godly character.

LEGAL POSITION

In the context of 2 Timothy 3:16, there is no negative connotation to the word (paideia). The dominant emphasis, properly translated, is "training", or "education", in righteousness, where righteousness refers to the two main elements of :

(1) our legal position that has been established, and

(2) the result of that position being the rights afforded or due to us.

It is evident from this scripture, that the purpose of the announcement of the word, to us as Believers, is to bring us into a place of living in our position in Christ, so that we demonstrate everything that He is, in us, to the world.

 In other words, by constantly having the truth of the gospel [good news], announced to us, it breaks off the lies, and we constantly reflect, in every aspect, His nature, and His works, doing good, and healing, bringing deliverance, into the lives of others, just like Jesus. (Acts 10:38).

No amount of external observance of trying to be "good" will accomplish what the revelation of the truth of the word will perform. People will change into who God has already made them to be, through Christ, by the declaration of who they are, and who He is, in them, not by trying to curb negative behavior. Tell people who they are in Christ, and they will transform into that gospel image.

AFFIRMATION:

I am who God says I am. I have what God says I have. I can do what God says I can do. God in me, is who He says He is. God in me, has what He says He has. God in me, can do what He says He can do.

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