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But it’s become outdated and is no longer relevant for our time.”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.
Notice what the Bible reveals next:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Now in this lesson, I want to just focus on the first part of this verse…
We will cover the second part next week,
But notice with me just the opening statement we are given:
That the man of God may be perfect,
So not only does The Word – Profit the Man of God,
But The Word also Perfects the Man of God - do you see that.
God’s Word is there to Perfect us.
But here’s the thing - I am far from perfect – and so are you!
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)
In fact, if the Bible teaches us anything it is that - no one is perfect.
No one can live upto God’s perfect Holy Law – and that is why we need a Savour
And that is why Salvation is through Jesus Christ and Him alone...
It’s because He is perfect, because He lived the perfect life...
And because He became the perfect sacrifice for man’s sin.
This is why Acts 4:12 declares:
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
However, The Bible is still quite clear on this one point,
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…
That the man of God may be perfect
The key thing to note here however
Is that this word “perfect” that is used is not talking about sinless, flawless perfection.
And for good reason right…
Because in the flesh, none could ever be “perfect” in that regard - none but Jesus.
Remember, we actually touched on this last week
When the Scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus
Spouting off about the law and trying to Condemn a women
Who had committed adultery to death.
But Jesus reproved them with His Words – didn’t He
And He simply reminded them that they were all guilty of breaking God’s Law too.
Ecclesiastes 7:20 makes this really clear saying:
20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
Can you have a just man living in the earth – Yes.
Can you have a just man that doeth good – Yes.
But can you have a just man, who goes around doing good, and sins not – No.
The Bible says you can’t – because no one is perfect.
So then what’s Paul talking about?
Well that term Perfect used in verse 17 – it’s the Greek term Art-ios
And It actually means: to be “whole” or “complete”.
It comes from a root word that speaks of taking many parts
And piecing them together – so that they can serve a desired purpose.
Now that’s an interesting picture - right.
Paul simply says: “look – the Word of God is there…
So that the Man of God can be perfect”
And that’s got nothing to do with sinless / flawless perfection…
But about how God’s Word has the power to make our lives whole and complete.
It enables us to put all the pieces of our lives together
And to become fully functional the way God intended.
Wow – is that enlightening or what!
THE PLAN FOR THE WORD
Brethren – do you know what this means?
It means that God always intended His Word - to be a part of our lives.
Because it’s actually through His Word that we are made complete.
Notice that Paul is actually quite specific here too...
In naming the person who will be “perfected” in this way – it’s the “Man of God”.
So We are not talking about a man of the world...
We are not talking about a man of wisdom...
Or a man of means and material wealth...we are talking about a Man of God.
And this is a very important distinction to make.
The term “man” used here by the way is not gender specific.
In fact, the word is used more broadly here to refer to all of mankind…
And therefore encompasses both men and women.
In other words – “any person” whole heartedly following God...
Can be perfected – and made whole and complete in the Word of God.
Now something else I want to make clear right now
Is that just because a person says they are a “Man” or “Women of God”...
Or that they are a “Servant of God”...Doesn’t necessarily mean that they are.
There are an awful lot of people out there that like to say that they are one thing,
When in fact - they are something else entirely.
What did Jesus say in Matthew 7:15
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Jesus says there are going to be people out there…
Pretending to be one thing – when they are in fact something else entirely.
Jesus said “beware – you need to watch out for them”
And then in the very next verse He says this:
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.
You are going to know the true servants of God...
From all the fakes and the phonies by the things they do.
Jesus went onto the teach in Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
You see, not everyone advocating that they are coming in the name of God
And in the power of God – are actually going to be serving God with their life.
Being a “Man of God” and follower of Jesus Christ...
Is not just a figure of speech - It is a way of life!
True servants and followers will be doing the will of the Heavenly Father - Jesus said
“And by their fruits you shall know them”.
This then, [the Bible] is the will of our Heavenly Father.
This is God’s Word to us – and it is there to Perfect us.
It is there to enable us as Children of God
To put all the spiritual pieces together…
So that we can become both whole and complete...
And fit for the purpose God has made us for – to be servants to Him.
Guys – a Child of God - without the Word of God
Will never be whole and complete.
This is what the Bible does for you and I.
It allows all the spiritual pieces in our lives to be brought together,
So that we can serve the function we were created for.
You see, we all know that God is perfect…
And that His Word is perfect - right
So then it shouldn’t be too much of a stretch to recognize
That it’s in turn God’s Word can be used to perfects us.
Please listen with me as I read 2 Samuel 22:31
31 As for God, His way is perfect; the Word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler [shield] to all them that trust in Him.
“God’s way is perfect – and The word of the Lord is tried…”
That means to be “tested” or “proven true”.
Nowadays manufacturers like to use what is called a “stress test”
To see what kind of extremes their products can hold up under
And still perform true to its design.
Now there is almost nothing in this day and age
That cannot be thoroughly scrutinised
And put to the most brutal tests imaginable,
And not emerge diminished in some way.
Generally there will be some kind of fatigue, or wear and tear visible.
But not God’s Word – because even after it has been “tried”,
Even after being put through every test possible known to man
It has remained true and remained perfectly in tact.
So is it any wonder then, that God has chosen to use
His Word to complete us?...because nothing else on this earth could.
Listen to what Psalm 19:7-8 declares:
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes
So again we are told that the “Law of the Lord”…
Or rather God’s Word is Perfect.
And just so there is no confusion on the matter
The Psalmist then talks about “the testimonies of the Lord”
“The Statutes of the Lord”…
And even “the commandments of the Lord”…
And they all refer to this – the Scriptures.
Then David takes things a step further in these passages saying
That God’s Word can “covert the soul”…
Can “make Wise the simple”…
Can “rejoice the heart”…
And can “enlighten our eyes”.
And of course it can do all of these things
Because it’s the perfect Word of God.
This is what God has always determined to provide us with...
So that we can live a whole and complete life.
THE PRACTICE OF THE WORD
Here’s how it works…
The Bible is a God-centered book – ok
It stems from God…
It is all about God…
And it was inspired by God, or literally, as it comes out in the Greek…
It was “breathed out by God”.
And since the Bible is completely centred around God…
Then it stands to reason that whenever we open the Bible
We will come face to face with Him.
Because He is in fact it’s author…our creator…
And the one who knows what’s best for our lives.
Makes sense right.
The more we open the Word to read, study, and apply the things God teaches here,
The more we’ll find our lives oriented around the Him - as opposed to ourselves.
And guys this is crucial for us to understand…
Because remember – God created us to have a relationship with Him.
And Guys – it’s only by holding to God’s Word’s here,
And by putting these things into practice out there,
That we will find true purpose and fulfilment for in our lives.
God created us all for a reason.
We have a far greater purpose and calling in this life than the world can ever give us.
And all of that is encapsulated right here in the Word.
Remember, the Word is the catalyst,…its like the bridge…
That brings all the individual pieces of God’s plan together in our lives.
The Word bring us closer to God…
The Word puts us in touch with His will…
The Word gives us clarity and direction…
And the Word gives us purpose and function.
Truth is, without the Word of God - we would all be helplessly lost.
God says - Its these Holy Scriptures that I have provided
That will make you Whole and Complete.
Of course, we have to apply the Word and put it into practice.
We have to be prepared to implement what God teaches...
In order for it to have affect.
How much of difference does God’s Word really make?
Well When life gets hard we can persevere on our own...
Or we can take refuge in God’s Word. - Psalm 119:114
Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
There is not much hope out in the world for people
But with the Bible God gives us hope.
What about when we are all worked up, stressed
Fretting and full of worry?
Well we can be miserable…
Or we can look for comfort in God’s Word - Psalm 119:165
165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
Psalm 119:50
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
That word quickened means to: “make alive” or “to breath new life into something”
“This is my comfort…” the Psalmist says…
“God’s Word breath’s new life into me.”
What about when times get so tough
That we feel like we have no where left to go, and no way out – what then?
Well we can wallow in our own despair…
Or we can seek help from God in His Word - Psalm 119:28
28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy Word.
What about when we fall…
What about when we fail…
Do we just give up?
Or do we hold to the Word God - Psalm 119:116-117
116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live:
and let me not be ashamed of my hope.
117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe:
and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.
“Hold me up with your Word Lord”
“Keep me safe with your Word Lord”
“Let me live by your statutes Lord.”
That’s quite a different outlook isn’t it.
What about when we stray away from God altogether?
What about when we wander far off on the wrong path?
Do we just discard the Bible and everything in it…
Or do we turn to cling to it once again
Knowing that it will enable us to get back on track? - Psalm 119:9-11
9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Are you beginning to see what the Word of God does?
Psalm 119:133
Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
CONCLUSION
You see the Word of God is a wonderful thing.
Where would we be without it?
It’s here to perfect us according to the Lord’s design…
And to allow us to live a whole and complete life.
As we have just seen in a handful of verses
How the Bible gives us hope, peace and comfort.
How the Scriptures provide us with a shield, refuge and strength.
And how the Word, keeps us from falling and even protects us from sin.
But this kind of “perfection” will be entirely contingent upon
The degree to which we are willing to hold to
And apply the principles God shares with us all here.
God gave us the Bible to transform us, not simply inform us.
When we open God’s Word to read it, study it, apply it and obey it,
That’s when we are truly made complete…
That’s when the whole plan of God for our lives comes into affect.
Why do you think Deuteronomy 8:3 declares:
…Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
It’s because - this is our life manual.
Simply put…All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…
that the man of God may be perfect...
That we might live whole and complete lives according to God’s Will and intent.
Join us next week...
As we see how God’s Word not only Profits Us...and Complete’s Us...
But discover how it also Equips us.
