Dr. Dan Hayden •
In the NFL, when a football player is guilty of an infraction against the rules of the game, his number is called out, so that everyone knows that he’s the one who did it. The referee will say, “Holding, number 78!” Everybody in the stadium knows he goofed, and if the game is televised, the whole country knows.
Being reproved for something we did wrong is never a pleasant experience. But sometimes it is the only way we learn. In 2 Timothy 3:16, we are told the various ways the Bible is profitable for us. This verse says,
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Now, did you notice the scripture is profitable for reproof…?
The word “reproof” is a Greek word (elegmon) that has the idea of testing something to expose its true nature. It is proving the inner reality in order to bring to light any flaws or mistakes. To reprove is to expose.
Occasionally we take our grandkids to Chucky Cheese. Now that is a real experience – what a paradise for the kids! But in order to protect children from leaving without their parents, they stamp an invisible number on each person’s hand when you enter. Then, when you leave the restaurant, you must put your hand under the ultra violet light and the number is exposed. That way, no one can kidnap your child, because when you leave the numbers have to match.
Now the Bible is like that ultraviolet light. The sins which we endeavor to hide, and which are invisible to others, are exposed by the Word of God. The Bible convicts us of our sins and exposes our need for repentance and forgiveness in Christ. The Bible is profitable for reproof.
If you want to see what you are really like – read the Bible!