12) God's Word Perfects Us! Series

THINGS MOST SURELY BELIEVED AMONG US

12) We Believe The Word Perfects

TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Alright brethren what are – “Those things which are most surely believed among us.” (Lk 1:1)

Well let’s all now turn to 2 Timothy chapter 3 - and let’s find out.

Remember in our study so far we have seen through the Bible us...

Some of the many things we believe about the Lord,

And now we are beginning to explore some of the many things

We believe about the Scriptures and the Holy Word of God.

I want to draw your attentions again to verse 16:

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Brief Review

Now for our last two lessons – we haven’t managed to get beyond this verse,

Because brethren – “these are the things we most surely believe”.

First of all - All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.

The Bible is not just a book – it is the Inspired Word of God.

Literally in the Greek this phrase come out as “All Scripture was Breathed out of God”

Every Word was breathed out of Him!

He spoke it…and He is the ultimate author of it.

And remember we touched on how the Holy Spirit played a pivotal role in the past

Working through Godly Men – to declare and record God’s Word in the form we have now.

The Bible is God Inspired – this is what we believe!

Last week, we added to our understanding of verse 16…

By also learning how the Bible is Profitable.

Not profitable in the sense of generating wealth and prosperity – as some try to advocate,

But profitable in the sense of being “useful”, “advantageous” and “beneficial” to our lives.

Now of course, this is where the problems for may people set in.

They don’t see the Bible as God’s inspired Word…

And therefore - fail to see the real use and benefit of it today.

And some will even openly say – “look the Bible was a really good book in the past,

But it’s become outdated and is no longer relevant for our time.”

That is incorrect – the Scriptures are every bit as relevant for today…

As they were in Ancient times – and in many respects the truths contained here are more relevant now than they have ever been before.

What does Jesus declare: Heaven and earth shall pass away…

but my words shall not pass away (Matthew 24:35).

Jesus said the Word of God will always be Relevant.

For any time…for any application – God’s Word will stand true!

That’s why Paul declares to us that the Word of God is Profitable.

It’s because it always has a practical use - that is beneficial for our lives.

And just so no one is left in any doubt – Paul goes onto to list 4 examples

In verse 16 He says - All Scripture… is profitable for…Firstly – Doctrine.

Now Doctrine simply means “Teaching!”

God’s Word is helpful because it can teach us all a thing or two. Amen.

Secondly, the Scriptures are Profitable to us for Reproof…Paul declares

Remember Reproof speaks of revealing fault and exposing sin.

And Guys the more I read the Bible...

The more truth I am shown about the fact that I am a sinner – and I need a Saviour!

Thirdly, the Scriptures are profitable for our Correction

And this is what is so great about the Word of God.

The Word doesn’t just show us all of our shortcomings,

And reveal to us our sins…

Because it also shows us how to correct them through Jesus Christ. Amen.

God doesn’t just highlight the problem of mankind’s sin in the Bible,

Because He also provides a solution through Christ. Amen.

And lastly - we are told, the Scriptures provide Instruction in Righteousness.

The word Righteousness there really speaks of living or acting in the right way.

You see, the Bible instructs us in what is right.

Its like a road map showing us the right path.

The Scriptures provide us with instructions in where to go and how live.

And I can tell you all this…

I have never followed God’s Word and been led wrong.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable:

It teaches us…

It reproves us…

It corrects us…

And it instructs us in how to live right.

Brethren this is what we believe!

INTRODUCTION

Ok - so verse 16 has given us a really good start,

In helping us to understand some of the ways Scripture can be used in our lives

And its created a good foundation for what is now going to follow tonight in verse 17.