The Junior Bible Quiz Sermon Series
Why should we study the Bible?
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
Purpose of the message: A motivational message meant to cause the hearer to put forth an effort to be skilled in handling the truth of Scripture.
How to introduce the topic: It would be good to remind the audience that there is a difference between those who have talent and those who have talent and have honed it into skill. Whether in the workplace or on the field of play those who have done their best to develop the skill and experience stand out to create success for their teams. People with carefully honed skill are promoted. They are called upon to help in a crisis. They are put in charge. They are paid more.
Proposition: People who are skilled in handling Scripture are called upon to lead and to do greater things for God.
I. Adopting an Attitude of Greatness.
1. “Do your best to present yourself as one approved.” In my profession, as a sports official, there are people who long to be on the big stage. These are the people who want to prove that they are good at what they do and what people to see it. They expose themselves to critique and criticism. But, they are driven to be great at what they do. The same is true in the kingdom of God. There are people who want to do only what they have to do in order for God not to be mad at them. They ask “what is the least I have to do in order to be right with God?” But, there are those who want to be on God's big stage. They have done the work required. They are prepared. They want to do great things.
2. Biblical support: The question is asked, “who shall I send?” The one God calls upon says, “Lord, send me.” It was a characteristic of David, Joab, Jeremiah, Jesus.
3. The point: The point is that God uses those who are standing up and saying, “Put me in, Lord.” “Put me in coach.”
II. Working well.
1. “A worker who does not need to be ashamed.” What makes a good worker?
1. One who works.
2. One who seeks opportunity to improve.
3. One who shows up on time
4. One who is seen to want to be at work.
5. One who practices.
6. One who seeks out new opportunities and experiences.
7. One who improves skills.
8. One who works well alongside others.
9. One who satisfies the needs of the employers.
2. Biblical support: Blessed is the man who is at work when his master arrives. Blessed is one who is prepared when the bridegroom arrives. Blessed is the one who knows his masters will and does it.
3. The point: Those whom God uses are those who want to be used. That desire is shown by preparation, punctuality, improvement, listening to mentors, and gaining progressive experience. It is the same in the kingdom of God as it is in any other profession.
III. Skilled in the Scriptures.
1. “and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Skill in the scriptures come about the same way skill in anything is developed. Practice plus experience, plus correction results in skill. A great many people have been led astray by people who are skilled in selling ideas contrary to scripture, but not in handling it correctly. People who are skilled in scripture have the ability to lead people away from error and keep them from danger. People who are skilled in Scripture have the ability to declare the mind of God. They can be prophets and teachers and pastors that can lead.
2. Biblical support: Paul demonstrated this truth in how he proclaimed truth in the epistles. His rise to apostleship is documented in Acts, and in his epistles.
3. The point: When you become skilled in communicating Biblical truth, you put yourself in a position to represent God in your world. You are in position to lead people to salvation and freedom.
Concluding the message: Followers of Christ often ask “what is God's will for my life?” His will is for you to become skilled in the scriptures, and as you grow in grace and in His Word, led the opportunities carry you forward into his ultimate plan for your life
