The Bible 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, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Let me briefly explain the underlined word, "perfect." In the New Testament, there’re several words translated from different Greek words rendered "perfect." This particular one is translated from the word "artios," which actually means "a freshness in completeness."

 

For instance, you can say, "completely fresh" or "complete now afresh"; both expressions are akin to the word "updated." It’s like when you say in computer parlance, "I have the latest update or version" of a certain application or software. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 is saying that the Christian, through the Scriptures, would have his life "updated" and upgraded all the time. He’d have the latest spiritual information and be in sync with the Spirit, all the time.

 

Christians who aren’t given to the study of the Word aren’t updated; they’re "old version" Christians. The King James uses the term "perfect," but it means "perfect now"; "fresh," as in right now. The "updated" Christian is the one that’s thoroughly furnished unto all good works, because his knowledge is "complete." In Matthew 13:52, we read that "…every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

 

The "updated" Christian brings out of his treasury both new and old; he’s got the updated and newest information, plus all the old information! God expects you to continually increase your knowledge and understanding of the Word, because "…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

 

The underlined clause doesn’t mean looking for God in the literal sense; it means studying the Word to know and discover more about Him. The more you study the Word, the more you discover His nature, and He’ll manifest Himself to you in increasing glory.