All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

That scripture is authoritative for the church is tautological, and has been commented on many a time. The second half of this verse, it seems, receives less comment: Scripture has an appropriate function in the church. That is, when we use scripture in the church toward these ends, it is appropriate. It may be inappropriate (bad) to use scripture toward other ends. These two things: Scripture’s authority and appropriate use sets limits on the place of the Bible within the church. We cannot deem it less than authoritative on the one hand, and on the other we cannot deem it to be more than a tool by which we are shaped into Christ’s likeness.

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