Go! And Read the Bible in Context - 2 Timothy 2:15
Introduction
Today’s message in our ‘Go! And…’ series is one that anchors our Christian life deeply in truth. The title is: "Go! And Read the Bible in Context".
Reading the Bible in context is not merely a skill—it is a spiritual discipline. It is a way of respecting the Word of God, hearing His voice clearly, and guarding ourselves against deception. When we read the Bible in context, we don’t just gain knowledge—we are transformed. We behold Jesus. We embrace truth. And we are equipped to live as faithful disciples.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth."
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young pastor navigating challenges in Ephesus—a city steeped in paganism and false doctrine. The Greek word for "correctly explains" is orthotomounta (Greek: ????t?µ???ta), meaning “to cut straight.” Paul is urging Timothy to handle the Word of God accurately, not twisting it or taking it out of context.
This verse forms the heart of our sermon: we must rightly divide the Word of truth—through diligent study, reverent hearts, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
1: The Word of God is Inspired and Authoritative
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
Paul is affirming the divine origin of Scripture. The Greek word theopneustos (?e?p?e?st??) means "God-breathed." Scripture is not merely human opinion; it carries divine authority.
If we believe the Bible is God-breathed, we must handle it with care. Reading it out of context diminishes its power and leads us astray. Reading in context honours its Author.
Charles Stanley "His Word is perfect, it is truth, it is life, and it leads us in the right direction every time."
I echo Stanley’s truth. If we truly believe God's Word leads rightly, we will commit to understanding it in the way God intended.
2: The Danger of Misinterpretation
Matthew 4:5-7 (NLT)"Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, 'If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say...'" (He quotes Psalm 91 out of context)
Even Satan quotes Scripture—but wrongly. He rips verses from their context to tempt Jesus. Jesus responds with rightly interpreted Scripture: "You must not test the Lord your God."
If we don’t read in context, we can be deceived—even by words that sound biblical. Context is protection.
Tim Keller "If you read the Bible superficially, you will end up either hating God or hating yourself. Only when you see the Bible pointing to Jesus can you read it properly."
Keller’s point hits home. Scripture must be read in light of Christ—He is the centre, the fulfilment, the meaning.
Imagine receiving a heartfelt letter, but someone only reads every third sentence aloud. They would misrepresent the heart of the message. The Bible is God’s love letter—we must read every line in light of the whole.
3: Context Includes the Cross
Luke 24:27 (NLT)"Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
After His resurrection, Jesus explains the Old Testament—not as disconnected moral tales but as pointing to Him. The Greek word diermeneuo (Greek: d?e?µ??e??) means to interpret thoroughly. Jesus unpacks the Scriptures in their full context—centred on the Gospel.
Every book of the Bible ultimately points to Jesus. When we read in context, we see the scarlet thread of redemption from Genesis to Revelation.
Max Lucado ,"The Bible is all about Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, it tells the story of His love, His sacrifice, and His victory."
Lucado reminds us: Christ is not a chapter in the story—He is the story.
A tapestry looks messy from the back, with threads knotted and tangled. But viewed from the front, a beautiful design is revealed. The Bible may seem complex, but when seen in Christ’s light, the beauty of redemption is clear.
The Gospel Presentation
At the centre of Scripture is not a principle, but a Person. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into our world, lived a sinless life, and willingly went to the cross to bear our sins. He died, was buried, and on the third day, He rose again—defeating sin, death, and hell.
This is the Good News: salvation is not achieved—it is received by faith.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Call to Action:
Church, will you commit to reading the Word rightly? Will you pursue context, not comfort? Will you read to know about Jesus—or to actually know Him?
Let us not be casual readers but diligent disciples. Let us not twist the Word but tremble at it. Let us not merely quote it—but live it.
John Piper"God wrote a book. And with that book, He calls us to know Him, love Him, trust Him, and follow Him."
Friends, the Bible is your invitation into the very heart of God. Will you respond?
Invitation to Salvation
If today you recognise your need for Jesus, if your heart is stirred to respond, don’t delay. Repent of your sin. Trust in Jesus Christ. Receive the free gift of salvation.
Pray: “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for me. I believe You rose again. I turn from my sin and trust in You as my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me follow You all the days of my life. Amen.”
Benediction
May the God of truth guide you into all truth. May your eyes be opened to the wonders of His Word. May you read, obey, and be transformed by the living Word of God. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit always.
Amen.
