Ready and Able

2 Timothy 3:17 “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 

One thing great about doing a "word study" of Bible verses and passages is when you find a word that is only used once or twice in the entire Scriptures. The word “perfect” in this verse is “artios”, and it is used only this one time in the Bible. Its basic meaning seems to be “fitted,” or “fresh.” Then, the words “thoroughly furnished” are one word, “exartizo”, in the original Greek, which—interestingly enough—is essentially this same rare word (artios) with the prefix ex (meaning “out of”) added. It is only used one other time, where it is translated “accomplished” in Acts 21:5. Putting these concepts together, Paul seems to be saying that the “man of God” is not necessarily a man who is sinlessly perfect but one who is both fresh (ready to meet present needs) and fully equipped (able to meet present needs). And, of course, it is significant that this splendid testimony to what a man of God can be - and should be - follows immediately upon Paul’s grand testimony to the inspiration and power of the Holy Scriptures. 

2 Timothy 3:15-16 “  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

It's good to know and understand biblical terms. “Doctrine,” more specifically, is teaching. “Reproof” is evidence or conviction. “Correction” is a word used only this one time, and it means setting straight or bring back to an upright position. “Instruction” is chastening for purposes of moral improvement. Then, the end result of the perfect teachings, the convicting evidences, the correcting influences, and the chastening cleansing of the Holy Scriptures is to produce men and women of God who are both ready and able to meet the critical needs of the times in which they live. By the same token, the large numbers of nominal Christians who do not diligently study, obey, and apply the Holy Scriptures in their lives are not either ready or able to face the awful challenges of these days in which we live.

In Christ, Brian