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Understanding God’s Word • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Base Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“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.”
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Topical Sermon: The Nature of Scripture
Topical Sermon: The Nature of Scripture
“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.”
1. Introduction
1. Introduction
We live in times when the authority of Scripture has been questioned.
Many voices try to relativize the Word of God, treating it as an old and culturally outdated book.
However, as Christians, we believe that the Bible is the living Word of God, inspired and powerful to transform lives.
Analogy: Think of a map during a journey in unknown terrain. Without the map, there is confusion, disorientation, and risk. The Bible is our spiritual map, guiding us along the right path.
Today, we will explore in depth the nature of Scripture, its purpose, power, and how it shapes our lives for the glory of God.
2. Development
2. Development
2.1. Divine Inspiration of Scripture
2.1. Divine Inspiration of Scripture
Original Word Analysis:
The Greek word used for “inspired by God” in 2 Timothy 3:16 is “Theopneustos” (θεόπνευστος), which literally means “God-breathed.” This shows that Scripture is not the fruit of the human mind, but a divine breath through the sacred authors.
Related Scriptures:
Related Scriptures:
2 Peter 1:21: “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
This passage tells us that the Bible is not just a collection of wise sayings or historical accounts; it's the very breath of God, infused with His power and truth.
It means that the Bible has divine authority, that it comes directly from the heart and mind of God Himself.
This understanding is crucial because it shapes how we approach and receive the scriptures.
If we see it merely as a human creation, we're likely to pick and choose what we want to believe or follow.
But when we recognize its divine origin, we approach it with reverence and a willingness to be transformed by its message.
By acknowledging the divine spark within Scripture, we lay the foundation for a deep and meaningful relationship with God's Word.
This perspective helps us understand that the Bible is not just an ancient text but a living, breathing guide that speaks directly to our hearts and souls.
The holy spirit of God used man of God to write the word of God 2 Peter 1:20-21
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
the spirit did not erase the natural characteristic of the writer in fact, God in his Providence prepared the writers for the task of writing the scriptures.
Each writer has his own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances.
In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and in His working through the spirit, God brought about the miracle of the scriptures.
we must not think of “inspiration” the way the world thinks when it says, “shakespeare was certainly an inspired writer”.
What we mean by biblical inspiration is the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the Bible’s writers, which guaranteed that what they wrote was accurate and trustworthy.
Revelation means the communicating of truth to man by God; inspiration has to do with the recording of this communication in a way that is dependable.
Preacher Quote:
Charles Spurgeon said, “The Bible is not the light of the world, but the mirror. Christ is the light. Scripture shows us who He is.”
Practical Application:
Practical Application:
The inspiration of Scripture challenges us to treat it with reverence.
It is no ordinary book. It should be our primary source of wisdom, correction, and daily direction.
2.2. The Usefulness of Scripture
2.2. The Usefulness of Scripture
The apostle Paul highlights four main purposes of the Word:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2.2.1. Teaching (Doctrine)
2.2.1. Teaching (Doctrine)
The Bible reveals who God is, His character, and His purposes.
Linked Text: Romans 15:4 — “For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction.”
biblical examples
biblical examples
Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) — Jesus’ teachings on topics like love, prayer, and forgiveness serve as a foundational example of how the Bible instructs believers.
Illustration: Just as a teacher teaches fundamental principles to a student, Scripture educates us spiritually.
2.2.2. Reproof
2.2.2. Reproof
It confronts our sins and backslidings.
Linked Text: Hebrews 4:12 — “...discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
biblical examples
biblical examples
2 Samuel 12:1-7 — The prophet Nathan rebukes King David for his sin with Bathsheba, using a parable to expose David’s guilt.
• Matthew 23 — Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and legalism, revealing the need for sincere faith and humility.
Application: Without the Word, we are blind to our shortcomings. It acts as a spiritual mirror (James 1:23-24).
2.2.3. Correction
2.2.3. Correction
The Bible not only points out mistakes, but also guides us back to the right path.
biblical examples
biblical examples
John 21:15-19 — After Peter’s denial, Jesus restores and corrects him by asking three times if Peter loves Him, commissioning him to “feed my sheep.”
• Galatians 2:11-14 — Paul corrects Peter when he withdraws from eating with Gentiles, reminding him of the truth of the Gospel.
Illustration: Imagine a GPS that not only warns you when you’ve gone the wrong way, but also recalculates the route to take you to the right destination.
2.2.4. Instruction in Righteousness
2.2.4. Instruction in Righteousness
The Word teaches us how to live a holy life that is pleasing to God.
Related Text: Psalm 119:9 — “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.”
biblical examples
biblical examples
Psalm 119:9-11 — “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” This shows how Scripture trains believers in holiness.
• Hebrews 12:11 — Describes how God’s discipline trains believers to yield the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.”
Preacher’s Quote:
Preacher’s Quote:
John Wesley said, “I am a man of one book: the Bible.”
Practical Application:
Practical Application:
We should use the Word as a daily manual. Always ask yourself, “What does Scripture say about this?”
2.3. The Result of the Word in the Believer’s Life
2.3. The Result of the Word in the Believer’s Life
Spiritual Fitness:
Spiritual Fitness:
The verse says that the man of God will be “fit.” In Greek, the word is “artios” (ἄρτιος), which means “complete” or “perfect.”
Full Preparation:
Full Preparation:
In addition to being fit, the believer will be “fully equipped” for every good work. The Bible equips us not only for knowledge, but for action.
Earlier Paul had called Timothy a man of God 1st Timothy 6:11, but here Paul states that any Christian can become a person of God.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
how? by studying the word of God, obeying it, and letting it control his life.
It is worth noting that all of the men of God named in scriptures including Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha, David and Timothy were men who were devoted to God's word.
Two words in this verse are specially important;
2Timothy 3:17 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
be complete, fully equipped…. fully qualified and equipped
“perfect” and “furnished”.
The word translated “perfect" means “complete, in fit shape, and fit condition”. It does not begin to suggest sinless perfection.
Rather, it implies being fitted for use.
“Furnished” has a similar meaning: “equipped for service”.
In other words, the word of God furnishes and equips a Believer so that he can live a life that pleases God and do the work God wants him to do.
The better we know the word, the better we are able to live and work for God.
The purpose of Bible study is not just to understand doctrines or to be able to defend the faith, as important as these things are.
The ultimate purpose is the equipping of the Believers who read it. it is the word of God that equips God's people to do the work of God
The times are not going to get better, but we Christians can become better people even in bad times.
We must separate ourselves from that which is false, devote ourselves to that which is true, and continue in our study of the word of god.
then God can equip us for ministry in these difficult days, and we will have the joy of seeing others come to a knowledge of the truth.
Related Scriptures:
Related Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Preacher’s Quote:
Preacher’s Quote:
Billy Graham declared, “The Bible is more current than tomorrow’s newspaper.”
Practical Application:
Practical Application:
A Christian who is grounded in the Word is someone who lives the gospel daily, influencing the world around him or her.
2.4. The Immutability and Authority of the Word
2.4. The Immutability and Authority of the Word
The Bible does not adapt to the trends of the world—it stands firm.
Related Text:
Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Illustration:
Think of a lighthouse in the midst of a storm. The winds may blow and the waves may crash, but the lighthouse remains firm, guiding ships to safety. This is how God’s Word stands in the midst of life’s storms.
Practical Application:
Even in times of crisis or uncertainty, trust in the Scriptures. They are our solid rock.
2.5. The Bible as a Spiritual Sword
2.5. The Bible as a Spiritual Sword
The Word is our weapon in spiritual warfare.
Related Text: Ephesians 6:17 — “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Illustration:
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4), He fought Satan using Scripture: “It is written...”
Preacher Quote:
Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it talks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it holds me.”
Practical Application:
In times of temptation or doubt, remember to use the Word as your defense. Memorize verses that strengthen your faith.
3. Conclusion
3. Conclusion
The Word of God is living, inspired, and powerful to transform our lives. It teaches, rebukes, corrects, and instructs us in righteousness, conforming us to the image of Christ.
Summary of main points:
Summary of main points:
Scripture is inspired by God and not merely a human product.
It is useful to teach, correct, and guide us in the path of righteousness.
The Word equips us for every good work and strengthens us spiritually.
The Bible is unchanging and remains the absolute truth in a relative world.
It is our sword in daily spiritual combat.
Final Challenge:
Final Challenge:
Have we treated the Bible with the reverence and priority it deserves? Are we being shaped by it daily, or are we just skimming it?
Invitation to Reflection and Prayer:
Invitation to Reflection and Prayer:
I invite you to reflect and pray, asking the Lord to renew in your heart the passion for His Word.
May we be believers who not only know the Scriptures, but who live them intensely.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
🙏 Let us pray:
"Lord, thank you for Your Word that illuminates our paths. Give us a heart thirsty for truth and an obedient spirit to live it every day. May we be shaped by it, and not by the world. In Jesus' name, amen!"
