Engage: God's Word

Mission and Strategy Series: Fall 2024

Mathiston First Baptist Church

Message #4

2 Timothy 3:16-17. .

Central Idea: The Bible is God’s Word, inspired by Him, carrying full authority for our lives.

Cognitive: I want the hearers to know that the Bible is God’s Word and carries His authority— thus, it is deserving of their time and devotion.

Affective: I want the hearers to feel the assurance of God’s instructions to equip them to do the work He has called them to.

Psycho-Motor: I want the hearers to engage in consistent study of God’s word so that they might be mature in Christ.

Intro.:

Out Mission:

“Mathiston FBC exists to evangelize the lost through verbal proclamation of the Gospel; to equip the saints for the work of ministry; to engage the Word of God, in the worship of His name, and the world with the hope of His gospel.”

“Fewer in U.S. Now see Bible as Literal Word of God…A record low 20% of Americans now say that the Bible is the literal word of God, down form 24% the last time the question was asked in 2017, and half of what it was at its high points in 1980 and 1984. Meanwhile, a new high of 29% say the Bible is a collection of “fables, legends, history, and moral precepts recorded by man.” (Fewer in U.S. Now See Bible as Literal Word of God (gallup.com)

Why engage the study of God’s Word? [v. 16a]

Inspiration:

God-Breathed — θεόπνευστος

Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus Continue in the God-Breathed Scriptures (3:16a)

Paul also affirms the total inspiration of Scripture saying that “all Scripture” is breathed out by God. This means we cannot simply pick and choose which parts of the Bible we like, which commands we wish to obey, and which doctrines we will believe. All of it is from the Spirit of God, and therefore all of it is good, binding, and true.

The Message of 2 Timothy 4. The Origin and Purpose of Scripture (Verses 15b–17)

that all Scripture is God-breathed. It originated in God’s mind and was communicated from God’s mouth by God’s breath or Spirit. It is therefore rightly termed ‘the Word of God’, for God spoke it. Indeed, as the prophets used to say, ‘the mouth of the Lord has spoken it’.

As we affirm that all Scripture, every word, is inspired by, indeed, even from God, we affirm that it bears the authority of God.

The Message of 2 Timothy 4. The Origin and Purpose of Scripture (Verses 15b–17)

Two fundamental truths about Scripture are asserted here. The first concerns its origin (where it comes from) and the second its purpose (what it is intended for).

How do you engage the study of God’s Word? [v. 16b]

As we affirm the inspiration and authority of God’s Word, we acknowledge it’s usefulness in our lives, also:

The New Bible Commentary 3:10–17 Further Charges to Timothy

It would seem better to suppose that the main point of the passage is not so much the inspiration of Scripture as its profitableness. Timothy would know of its inspiration, and this would enhance its usefulness.

With a spirit of humility to be taught by it’s instruction.

With expectancy to be changed by it’s authority.

to rebuke sinful patterns in our lives

to correct sinful patterns in our lives

to train a person in righteous living

What is the result of engaging God’s Word? [v. 17]

The person is complete

Equipped for every good work

Response Questions:

[1] Assess: How important is the Word of God to me? (Do I believe it provides the answer to eternal life? Do I believe it provides instruction for my life?)

[2] Commit: What is the next step for you to begin more consistently engaging the study of God’s Word?

[3] Train: Who is someone who can help me study God’s Word more confidently and consistently? Who is someone I can help study God’s Word more confidently and consistently?

[4] Serve: How will I let the Word of God impact what I do this week?