Verse 16 says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” It literally says that “every Scripture is God- breathed” (see also 2 Peter 1:20-21) as opposed to inspiring. Scripture did not come from us, but it came to us perfectly from God.
“What Can The Bible Do For Me?”
2 Timothy 3
Sermon Series: “The Bible Questions”
Introduction: Let’s do a cost/benefit analysis and see what we can get out of reading Scripture.
Main Idea: God gave us Scripture not just to inform us but to transform us.
God gave us Scripture. Verse 16 says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” It literally says that “every Scripture is God- breathed” (see also 2 Peter 1:20-21) as opposed to inspiring. Scripture did not come from us, but it came to us perfectly from God. In other words, the Holy Spirit led the writers of Scripture so that they, through their own abilities and personalities, were writing the words of God. Sometimes God spoke to them in an audible voice but guided them in other ways at other times. This means that all of the very words of Scripture are inspired (Matthew 5:18, 1 Corinthians 2:13). Therefore, the Bible (all of it) is true (John 17:17). Jesus said the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35).
This is why we speak of the Bible in the original manuscripts being without error (inerrant) and the Bible being incapable of erring or leading us astray (infallible). This also means that Scripture is authoritative (James 1:22). By authoritative, we mean: God said it, that settles it, we must obey it.
God gave us Scripture in order to transform us. Here are four of the ways that it transforms our lives. We could also view these as four benefits that the Bible can bring into our lives.
1. Scripture enables us to avoid deception (v. 14). Satan is a liar and a deceiver who is trying to destroy us. The antidote is truth (John 8:31-32). How does Satan work to deceive us? He works:
A. Through the world (Colossians 2:8-10, Psalm 1).
B. In the church (2 Peter 2:1). In a blog post, Tim Challies lists 7 types of false teachers within the church today. He lists them as: the heretic, the charlatan, the prophet, the abuser, the divider, the tickler, and the speculator.
C. Within our minds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Our thoughts will lead us astray if they are not brought in line with Scripture.
2. Scripture enlightens us to the way of salvation (v.15). The Bible itself does not save us, but it shows us how we can be saved through faith in Jesus. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” This is why it is so important that the Bible is genuinely trustworthy because it would not make sense to trust Jesus if the revelation of Him is not trustworthy. Jesus is the door of salvation (John 10), but the Bible is like the key that unlocks the door.
3. Scripture educates us toward spiritual maturity (v. 16-17).
Paul uses two couplets of two words to describe how the Bible can bring spiritual maturity by changing our thinking, which changes how we live.
A. Profitable for doctrine-teaches us what to believe
B. Profitable for reproof-shows us what we should not believe, corrects our thinking
C. Profitable for correction-shows us what we should not do
D. Profitable for instruction in righteousness-teaches us how to live in order to please God and fulfill His will
4. Scripture equips us for every good work of service (v. 17).
Thomas Lea defines this phrase as describing “someone who is in fit shape or condition….furnished completely to do whatever God called him to perform.”
“What Can The Bible Do For Me?”
2 Timothy 3
Sermon Series: “The Bible Questions”
Introduction: Let’s do a cost/benefit analysis and see what we can get out of reading Scripture.
Main Idea: God gave us Scripture not just to inform us but to transform us.
God gave us Scripture. Verse 16 says that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” It literally says that “every Scripture is God- breathed” (see also 2 Peter 1:20-21) as opposed to inspiring. Scripture did not come from us, but it came to us perfectly from God. In other words, the Holy Spirit led the writers of Scripture so that they, through their own abilities and personalities, were writing the words of God. Sometimes God spoke to them in an audible voice but guided them in other ways at other times. This means that all of the very words of Scripture are inspired (Matthew 5:18, 1 Corinthians 2:13). Therefore, the Bible (all of it) is true (John 17:17). Jesus said the Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35).
This is why we speak of the Bible in the original manuscripts being without error (inerrant) and the Bible being incapable of erring or leading us astray (infallible). This also means that Scripture is authoritative (James 1:22). By authoritative, we mean: God said it, that settles it, we must obey it.
God gave us Scripture in order to transform us. Here are four of the ways that it transforms our lives. We could also view these as four benefits that the Bible can bring into our lives.
1. Scripture enables us to avoid deception (v. 14). Satan is a liar and a deceiver who is trying to destroy us. The antidote is truth (John 8:31-32). How does Satan work to deceive us? He works:
A. Through the world (Colossians 2:8-10, Psalm 1).
B. In the church (2 Peter 2:1). In a blog post, Tim Challies lists 7 types of false teachers within the church today. He lists them as: the heretic, the charlatan, the prophet, the abuser, the divider, the tickler, and the speculator.
C. Within our minds (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Our thoughts will lead us astray if they are not brought in line with Scripture.
2. Scripture enlightens us to the way of salvation (v.15). The Bible itself does not save us, but it shows us how we can be saved through faith in Jesus. Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” This is why it is so important that the Bible is genuinely trustworthy because it would not make sense to trust Jesus if the revelation of Him is not trustworthy. Jesus is the door of salvation (John 10), but the Bible is like the key that unlocks the door.
3. Scripture educates us toward spiritual maturity (v. 16-17).
Paul uses two couplets of two words to describe how the Bible can bring spiritual maturity by changing our thinking, which changes how we live.
A. Profitable for doctrine-teaches us what to believe
B. Profitable for reproof-shows us what we should not believe, corrects our thinking
C. Profitable for correction-shows us what we should not do
D. Profitable for instruction in righteousness-teaches us how to live in order to please God and fulfill His will
4. Scripture equips us for every good work of service (v. 17).
Thomas Lea defines this phrase as describing “someone who is in fit shape or condition….furnished completely to do whatever God called him to perform.”