2 Timothy 2:16-17

"All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

It is important to note here, that the Apostle Paul is writing a letter to Timothy, a disciple that he has instructed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The reason this is important, is because he makes mention of Scripture. Today, we consider the New Testament to be Scripture because the Catholic Church canonized these letters in the New Testament several centuries ago. This being said, we can consider these letters of the New Testament to be inspired by the Holy Spirit, but they were not considered to be Scripture by the one's who were writing them.

To Timothy and Paul, it was a letter. So when Paul is referring to Scripture, he is actually referring to the Law and the Prophets of the Old Testament. The same is true for all the writers of the New Testament.

There are three points of the above Scripture I believe are pertinent to our training in Witnessing.

First we find the issue of Doctrine and that the Scripture of the Old Testament is good for reproof, correction and instruction in righteousness.

Second we find that Paul is suggesting that Scripture is to be used for doctrine of the "Man of God." We also find in Scripture the need for a Savior and that all of Scripture speaks in prophecy the Savior.

And third, that it equips the "Man of God" for good works. We find that every attempt we make to gain favor with God through our good works is futile. Every attempt to gain favor with God through our works are only successful in establishing self righteousness, which God abhors. We make this conclusion when we find in scripture, that once a Law is broken intentionally, hope is gone and judgment awaits. Because the result for breaking the Law is death. We also find that the Law could not produce in us or through us, the righteousness the Law itself required. The Law gave demands, but no power to fulfill these demands. Therefore we find the Law served a much higher purpose, which is to act as a tutor, leading us to the Savior Jesus Christ.

So lets look at the first point. The Doctrine in Scripture that we find for instruction in righteousness is to declare man, in himself, is unrighteous and that all of man's righteousness is filthy rags.

So the point is this, we can find the Savior when we agree with Scripture that man cannot obtain righteousness on his own and we need a Savior.

We also find that the 200 plus prophecies about the Savior were fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Thereby concluding that redemption is now available to all who would believe.

The role of God's Word in Witnessing is to declare every man guilty for violating His Laws as outlined in the Old Testament and do the work of a tutor, leading us to the need for a Savior.

This make's the picture clear, that man of himself cannot ever obtain to righteousness, get right with God, through his good works. The prophecies given throughout the Old Testament Scriptures would clearly point to the Messiah, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The role of God's word in Witnessing is to bring every human being to the end of themselves. To cause them to see their condition, cry out for help and lead them to the risen Lord.

We turn to Scripture, not to gain righteousness as a believer, but to find the benefits and description of who we have become through Jesus Christ. It is all perfectly painted in the Scriptures.