Sermon Tone Analysis

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV) — 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

In a broad sense this includes everything that God calls a believer to do.

But, in a specific sense, this also supports the doctrine of the “sufficiency of Scripture,” that is, the idea that the truth contained in Scripture is sufficient in all matters pertaining to doctrine and moral behavior.

Although there are no commands outside the Bible that apply to all of God’s people, this does not exclude individual guidance by the Holy Spirit on how to apply the universal commands of Scripture in particular situations (cf.

notes on Gal.

5:16; 5:18).[1]

I. THE SOURCE OF GOOD

Genesis 1:28 (ESV) — 28 And God blessed them.

And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

Genesis 1:31 (ESV) — 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.

And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) — 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

II.

THE MOTIVE FOR GOOD WORKS

Matthew 5:16 (ESV) — 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Peter 2:12 (ESV) — 12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

III.

PREPARED AND BEING PREPARED

2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV) — 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Titus 3:1 (ESV) — 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

Titus 1:16 (ESV) — 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works.

They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

IV.

OUR OCCUPATION

Titus 2:14 (ESV) — 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 3:8 (ESV) — 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works.

These things are excellent and profitable for people.

Titus 3:14 (ESV) — 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.

Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) — And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

Galatians 6:9–10 (ESV) — 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

[1]Crossway Bibles.

(2008).

The ESV Study Bible (p.

2342).

Crossway Bibles.