Go! And Trust the Living Word - 2 Timothy 3:16–17
The Bible’s original languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—are more than historical artifacts; they are living instruments of God's revelation. Though often called "dead" languages, their ancient words are still alive with the Holy Spirit and vital for understanding God’s living Word today.
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."
1. The Bible is God-Breathed and Timeless
The Bible was written over 1,500 years in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, yet it speaks one consistent message: Redemption through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 24:35 (NLT): "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear."
The phrase “inspired by God” in 2 Timothy 3:16 is from the Greek word theopneustos (?e?p?e?st??), meaning God-breathed. The Holy Spirit breathed life into the original words of Scripture.
If God breathed out Scripture, we must breathe it in. We must study, meditate, and trust in its truth.
John Piper: "The Bible is not man’s word about God, but God’s word about man."
Piper reminds us the Bible is not a human opinion piece. It is divine truth that pierces the heart and transforms the soul.
2. Hebrew: The Language of Promise and Covenant
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew. It is earthy, emotional, and poetic.
Genesis 1:1 (NLT): "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
?????? (bereshith) – "In the beginning"
??? (bara) – "created"
From the first verse, Hebrew shows God as Creator and Covenant-Keeper.
Psalm 23:1 (NLT): "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need."
???? (YHWH) – God's covenant name. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Hebrew Scriptures reveal God's faithfulness. Just as He kept His promise to Israel, He will keep His promise to save all who trust in Jesus.
Charles Stanley: "If God was faithful to Abraham, He will be faithful to you."
God’s faithfulness to Israel reassures us of His faithfulness today. His promises are still yes and amen in Christ.
3. Aramaic: The Language of Exile and Intimacy
Parts of Daniel, Ezra, and a few words from Jesus were spoken in Aramaic.
Matthew 27:46 (NLT): "And about three o’clock Jesus called out with a loud voice, '‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’' which means 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'"
Aramaic was the language of exile, the common speech of Jews under foreign rule. Jesus used Aramaic on the cross—it was the language of His suffering.
Daniel 1:8 (NLT): "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself..."
Daniel, speaking Aramaic in Babylon, stood firm for God amidst compromise.
God speaks even in exile, in brokenness, and in pain. He meets us in our darkest places.
C.S. Lewis: "God shouts in our pain. It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
In Aramaic, we hear God’s nearness to the hurting. Jesus cried in the same language we do.
4. Greek: The Language of the Gospel Proclaimed
The New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language of the Roman Empire.
John 1:1 (NLT): "In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Logos (?????) – the Word, reason, divine logic. Jesus is the full expression of God’s nature.
John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son..."
Greek allowed the Gospel to spread rapidly across cultures. It communicated divine truth in understandable terms.
The Gospel was not reserved for scholars; it was proclaimed in the street language of the time.
Max Lucado: "Jesus spoke the language of heaven in the dialect of earth."
Lucado captures it beautifully. God made Himself plain, accessible, and personal.
5. The Word is Alive Because Jesus is Alive
Hebrews 4:12 (NLT): "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword..."
The Bible is alive because the Living Word—Jesus Christ—is alive.
Romans 10:17 (NLT): "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."
This is not an ancient book collecting dust. It is God's breath on a page.
The Translator and the Prisoner
In a Middle Eastern prison, a Bible translator smuggled in a scrap of Psalm 23 in Hebrew. The prisoner read it, wept, and said, "It feels like God is whispering in my own soul."
The Ancient Seed
Archaeologists found a 2,000-year-old seed from Masada. They planted it, and it grew! Likewise, Scripture may be ancient, but when planted in a ready heart, it grows eternal fruit.
Gospel Presentation: The Living Word Became Flesh
Jesus Christ is the Living Word.
He came from heaven to earth.
Lived a sinless life.
Died on the cross for our sin.
Was buried, and rose again.
John 1:14 (NLT): "And the Word became human and made his home among us..."
Today, the Word calls you to repent and believe.
Call to Action:
Read the Bible with reverence. It is God-breathed.
Study with depth. Explore the richness of the original languages.
Live the Word. Obey what God reveals.
Share the Word. It is for all nations, all people, all time.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, Jesus Christ—the Living Word—wants to write your name in His Book of Life.
"Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away." — Acts 3:19 (NLT)
Pray:
"Lord Jesus, I believe You are the Living Word. Forgive me. Save me. I trust in You as my Saviour and Lord. Amen."
Benediction:
May the God who spoke through Hebrew prophets, who cried in Aramaic agony, and who proclaimed life in Greek grace, fill your heart with truth. Go! And trust the Living Word. Walk in it, proclaim it, and never doubt its power.
