A Devoted Church is Anchored in God’s Word

Last week we talked about the secret of church growth which is Christians acting Christlike, and this will cause the church to grow.

But how can we become like Christ?

God gave us a book. In order to know Him, we must be anchored in it.

Did you know that the average Christian in America spends over three hours a day on their phone but only ten minutes reading the Bible?

Let that sink in for a moment.

How can we expect to live a victorious Christian life if we’re spiritually starving, and what happens to a soul that doesn’t feast on God’s Word?

The Bible isn’t just another book—it’s the very breath of God.

It’s not optional for your spiritual survival; it’s essential!

The greatest threat to your spiritual survival isn’t sin, Satan, or even the world.

It’s neglecting the Word of God.

Without it, your faith will wither, your hope will fade, and your soul will starve.

But with it, you’ll have everything you need to live a victorious Christian life.

Today, we’ll see why the Bible is not just important—it’s essential, and it’s time to anchor ourselves in it.

Today, we’ll see why the Bible is absolutely critical to your life as a believer.

Paul understood the value and importance of the holy Scriptures.

2 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV)

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul was an expert in the Word of God.

As a pharisee, he would have memorized the Old Testament Scriptures from an early age.

In Paul’s time, Jewish boys would begin studying the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), often starting as early as age 5-7.

By the time they reached adolescence, many had memorized large portions of Scripture.

Those who pursued further religious education, such as becoming Pharisees, would go beyond the Torah to study and memorize the Prophets and Writings.

The synagogue was the center of religious learning, where the Scriptures were read, taught, and discussed regularly.

Paul’s upbringing in Tarsus, a major city with a strong Jewish presence, likely exposed him to rigorous Scriptural instruction.

But do you realize we have more access to God’s word than the people of Paul’s time?

What about you?

Do you feast on the Word of God regularly?

Do you crave His truth above all else?

Do you realize just how important God’s word is to your spiritual survival?

Main Idea: The Bible is Crucial for Your Christian Life!

If the Bible is crucial for your Christian life, then understanding its origin is key.

Why is the Bible so reliable and powerful?

Because it is not just a human book, it’s breathed out by God Himself.

Let’s see what Paul means when he says, ‘All Scripture is breathed out by God.’

1. The Origin of the Bible is Divine (vs. 16a)

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God…

Believe it or not, the Bible did not float down from heaven with a leather cover and gilded edges.

Don’t get me wrong, the Bible is from God, but the process in which God delivered it was much more providential than miraculous.

The phrase ‘breathed out by God’ (theopneustos) emphasizes that Scripture is directly from God, not merely inspired like human creativity, but as though God Himself spoke through the writers.

This is why the Bible carries divine authority and is free from error.

When Paul uses the word “Scriptures” here he is referring to the sacred writings of the Old Testament in particular.

Why? Because the entirety of the New Testament was not complete at this point in history.

It would be later (around 100 A.D.) and therefore would be included in the “All” of Scripture.

But it is the process of how the Scriptures came about that Paul is concerned with.

Why?

Because the process indicates authorship and authorship indicates authority.

In other words, it is not just a fun fact that God wrote the bible through humans, but because the All-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present God of all creation created the bible, it is automatically authoritative.

Let’s talk about the process.

The Process of Inspiration

God’s Sovereign Plan: God determined the content of His revelation. He knew what we needed to hear.

Human Authors: God chose specific individuals (e.g., Moses, David, Isaiah, Paul) to write His Word, using their personalities, styles, and cultural contexts.

God didn’t override the authors’ personalities or circumstances, but He sovereignly guided their words so that the final product was exactly what He intended—perfect and without error.

The Holy Spirit’s Guidance: The Holy Spirit “carried along” the authors to ensure what they wrote was accurate and without error.

2 Peter 1:21 (ESV)

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

John 14:26 (ESV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Progressive Revelation: God revealed His truth progressively over time, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, which is recorded in the New Testament.

Hebrews 1:1–2 (ESV)

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Divine Authority: The final product—the Bible—is God’s Word, fully inspired, authoritative, and sufficient for life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

God wrote a book. That statement is profound.

Why?

Because God could have communicated to us in any number of ways.

He could have had an angel come out every morning, blast a trumpet, and then write across the sky the word of God.

He could have had a letter mysteriously show up to every home around the world each day with new revelation from God.

He could have created a cosmic movie telling the story of redemption.

But He didn’t choose any of those ways.

He chose to write a book.

And He chose to write a book through the humans that He created.

The beautiful thing is, the first copy of each of the letters in the Bible (all 66 of them) were written without error.

Psalm 19:7 (ESV)

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;

I think it is amazing that God progressively revealed Himself to His creation throughout the centuries and it is all captured in a perfect Book.

To me this shows the care that God has for us.

He carefully built this book, the bible, over 1500 years written by 40 different authors from all sorts of different backgrounds.

It isn’t just a list of things we are to do and things we are not to do.

It has amazing stories of love, war, intrigue, and instruction.

This compelling book demonstrates the profound love of God in so many different ways, it is breathtaking.

For example…

The Bible is a book of WARNING The Bible warns us about the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, calling us to repentance and obedience.

Just as Noah was warned about the coming flood (Genesis 6:13), we too are warned of God’s judgment and the need to turn to Him for salvation.

The Bible is a book of SALVATION From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the story of God’s plan to rescue humanity through Jesus Christ.

‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16).

The Bible is a book of INSTRUCTION The Bible equips us for righteous living by teaching us God’s will and how to walk in His ways.

As Psalm 119:105 says, ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’

The Bible is a book of COMFORT In times of trial, God’s Word offers peace and assurance.

As David wrote in Psalm 23:4, ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’

The Bible is a book of LOVE The Bible reveals the depth of God’s love for us: ‘But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8).

From His promises to His people to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the pages of Scripture are saturated with His love.

The Bible is a book of HOPE The Bible gives us hope for the future, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the promise of eternal life.

Revelation 21:4 declares, ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’

The Bible is no ordinary book! It has everything we need and more!

Imagine you're on a journey through a vast, uncharted wilderness. The terrain is rough, the path uncertain, and dangers lurk in the shadows.

You know your destination—a beautiful, life-giving land—but without guidance, you're bound to lose your way.

In your hands, you hold a remarkable book: the Bible. It's not just any book; it’s your survival kit for the journey of life.

A Lamp and a Light (Psalm 119:105): As darkness falls, you open the Bible, and it becomes a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. It illuminates the rocky trail ahead, showing you where to step and what to avoid.

A Compass (Proverbs 3:5-6): When you're unsure which direction to take, the Bible acts as a compass. Its teachings guide you toward true north—God's will—so you stay on course even when the path seems unclear.

A Map: As you study its pages, you realize the Bible is also a detailed map, charting the way to eternal life. It marks the hazards of sin, the peaks of faith, and the streams of living water.

A Sword (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17): When enemies approach—temptation, doubt, or spiritual attacks—the Bible becomes a sword, sharp and powerful, equipping you to defend yourself and stand firm.

A Mirror (James 1:23-25): At times, you pause and gaze into the Bible like a mirror. It reflects your heart, revealing your weaknesses and helping you align your life with God's standards.

A Seed (Luke 8:11): Along the journey, you plant seeds from the Bible in the hearts of those you meet. These seeds take root and grow, bringing life and hope to others.

A Hammer (Jeremiah 23:29): In moments when your heart feels like a wall of stone, the Bible acts as a hammer, breaking through your stubbornness and shaping you into who God wants you to be.

Bread and Water (Matthew 4:4; John 4:14): When you're weary and hungry, the Bible nourishes your soul like bread and refreshes your spirit like living water, sustaining you for the journey.

A Counselor (Psalm 119:24): In times of confusion, the Bible speaks to you as a wise counselor, offering wisdom, comfort, and encouragement.

A Treasure Chest (Psalm 19:10): As you dig deeper, you find that the Bible is like a treasure chest, filled with riches—truths more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey.

A Shelter (Psalm 91:1-2): When storms rage around you, the Bible is a shelter, offering peace and protection under the shadow of God’s wings.

A Song (Psalm 119:54): When the journey grows long and lonely, the Bible becomes a song in your heart, lifting your spirit and reminding you of the joy of the Lord.

The Bible is not just one thing—it’s everything you need for life’s journey.

Whether you’re searching for direction, fighting battles, or needing rest, it meets you right where you are and equips you for what lies ahead.

No wonder it’s called the living Word of God—it’s alive, active, and able to meet every need of the human soul.

All of this is true of the Bible because the Bible isn’t just any book, it is a book from the One who created us!

The obvious application here is this:

If God gave you a book. Master it. Read it cover to cover.

Not just once, but as often as you can.

Study it. Learn how to study the bible well.

Memorize / meditate on it.

These disciplines will help you not just know the Bible, but you will know all the tools the bible possesses to help you navigate this life in a way that pleases God.

Review:

Because the Bible is breathed out by God, it carries His divine authority.

But why did God give us His Word? Paul tells us it’s for our benefit—our profit.

Let’s look at the specific ways Scripture equips us for life.

2. The Reason for the Bible is Your Profit (vs.16b)

2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Because the Bible originates from God Himself, the God who is perfect, holy, righteous, and the epitome of love, His Word brings its readers great profit/benefit.

Now specifically, Paul gives four areas that we, receive profit when we master the Scriptures.

Do you see them in the text? Teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Lets look at each one and discover their individual benefit.

Teaching - This refers to the Bible's ability to instruct and explain what is considered right behavior according to God's standards.

Reproof - This means the Bible can point out when someone is acting wrongly or sinning, essentially showing them where they are not "right".

Correction - The Bible provides guidance on how to amend wrong actions and return to a righteous path, essentially "getting right" with God.

Training in Righteousness - This indicates that the Bible offers ongoing instruction to help individuals maintain a righteous lifestyle and continue to live according to God's will.

Essentially this verse states that the Bible provides guidance on understanding what is morally correct, identifying when you are not acting righteously, how to rectify mistakes, and how to maintain a righteous lifestyle.

Read the Bible as if God were speaking to you. He is!

Scripture is profitable for teaching (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to get right), and for training in righteousness (how to stay right).

The value of the Holy Scriptures cannot be understated.

As I mentioned last week, to me the Bible has become an old friend.

Not simply because of the comfort it brings to my soul, but because it is the truth that I need for my life.

It is the measuring rod of accuracy for how I am to live.

It is a friend that says the hard things I need to hear written by a God who loves and cares for me.

Psalm 19:7–11 (ESV)

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Joshua 1:8 (ESV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Proverbs 30:5 (ESV)

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

The Toolbox

Imagine a carpenter about to build a house.

He carries with him a toolbox, and in that toolbox are all the tools he needs to get the job done: a tape measure for precision, a hammer to drive nails, a saw to cut away excess wood, a level to ensure everything is straight, and a chisel to shape intricate details.

Now, think of the Bible as God’s toolbox for building your life. Every verse is a tool with a specific purpose:

Teaching – The Bible is like the tape measure, giving you the precise dimensions of truth.

It tells you what is right and lays the foundation for understanding who God is, who you are, and how to live according to His will.

Reproof – The Bible is like the level.

It shows you when something in your life is out of alignment with God’s standards.

It reveals sin, just as a level reveals when a surface is crooked.

Correction – The Bible is like the saw or chisel.

When there’s excess material—wrong habits, harmful attitudes, or false beliefs—the Word of God cuts away those imperfections, shaping you into the image of Christ.

Training in Righteousness – The Bible is like the hammer.

It drives truth deep into your heart and strengthens your faith, training you to live a life that glorifies God.

It also functions like a blueprint, showing you the long-term picture of what your life should look like as you follow Christ.

But here’s the key: just like a carpenter must use the tools in his box, so must we actively use the Bible in our daily lives.

A toolbox left unopened is of no help to the builder, just as a Bible left unread cannot equip us for the work God has called us to do.

1. Teaching: Prioritize Biblical Truth

Commit to daily study of God’s Word, asking, “What truth is God teaching me today?”

Let Scripture shape your understanding of who God is, who you are, and how to live according to His will.

Start a daily discipline of studying a specific book of the Bible or topic like God's attributes or the life of Christ.

2. Reproof: Humbly Confront Sin

Allow Scripture to act as a mirror for your life.

Ask, “Is there anything in me that’s out of alignment with God’s Word?” Be willing to confess sin and seek God’s grace to change.

Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to convict you of sin as you read passages like Psalm 139:23-24.

3. Correction: Embrace the Work of Change

Don’t stop at recognizing sin.

Let Scripture guide you toward what needs to change. Ask, “How does God’s Word direct me to live differently?”

If you’re convicted about lack of patience, meditate on passages like Galatians 5:22-23 and take small, practical steps to grow in patience, such as pausing to pray when frustrated.

4. Training in Righteousness: Grow in Christlikeness

View the Bible as a training manual for your spiritual life. Ask, “How can I develop disciplines that help me grow in godliness?”

Incorporate Scripture memorization, prayer, and acts of service into your daily routine to practice righteousness intentionally.

Review:

If the Bible teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains us, what’s the ultimate purpose of all this?

Paul says it’s to make us complete and equipped for every good work.

Let’s explore what that looks like in our lives.

3. The Result of the Bible is Doing Good Work (vs. 17)

2 Timothy 3:17 (ESV)

that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Scriptures come from God and they have a purpose.

Their purpose? To teach, reprove, correct, and train in righteousness. Why?

So that the follower of Christ may be two things.

Do you see them in the text?

Complete = capable, proficient

Equipped = fully prepared

For what?

“every good work.”

What does “every good work” mean?

It means everything that is morally right.

Every activity that is pleasing to the Lord.

God saved us, not to sit on our hands and wait for His return - no, He saved us to do good!

Do you remember what the angels said to the apostles after Jesus ascended into heaven?

Acts 1:9–11 (ESV)

And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

In other words, GET TO WORK.

God had work for them to accomplish and He has work for you to accomplish as well.

Ephesians 2:8–10 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

We are not saved from eternal Hell to sit. We are saved to work for His glory.

Right orthodoxy leads to right orthopraxy.

Right teaching leads to right activity.

James has something to say about this in his letter to the dispersed Jews under persecution in the first church.

James 2:14–26 (ESV)

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Now, if you were part of my James class you’ll know what his focus was in this letter.

James is not talking about a saving faith, but a serving faith.

In other words, for the Christian we must be about doing good because we are considered good through the imputation of righteousness from Jesus Christ.

Good works are the fruit of a transformed life, not the root of salvation

Faith never asks whether good works are to be done, but has done them before there is time to ask the question, and it is always doing them.

Martin Luther

We must first be made good before we can do good; we must first be made just before our works can please God—for when we are justified by faith in Christ, then come good works.

Hugh Latimer

What are some biblical examples of good works? Here are six…

Sharing the Gospel Boldly (Evangelism) Paul emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the good news of Christ (Romans 10:14-15).

A "good work" could involve witnessing to unbelievers, inviting them to church, or supporting missions that spread the gospel.

Serving Others in Love (Acts of Service) Following Christ’s example of humility (Philippians 2:3-8), believers are called to serve others, whether through helping the poor, caring for widows and orphans (James 1:27), or simply meeting the needs of those around them.

Teaching and Discipling Others (Building the Church) Paul often highlights the importance of teaching sound doctrine and helping others grow in their faith (Titus 2:1-8).

This could include mentoring new believers, teaching Equipping Classes, or leading a small group.

Practicing Generosity (Stewardship) Paul commends the generosity of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) and encourages believers to give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Good works include sharing financial or material resources to support the church, missions, or those in need.

Praying for Others (Intercessory Prayer) Paul frequently emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer (1 Timothy 2:1; Ephesians 6:18). Praying for others—whether for their salvation, healing, or spiritual growth—is a powerful and loving "good work."

Encouraging and Building Up Fellow Believers (Edification) Paul exhorts believers to encourage one another and build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25).

Offering words of encouragement, mentoring, or simply being present for someone in need strengthens the body of Christ.

Review

Because the Bible comes directly from God, we know it carries His authority. And because it is profitable, it teaches, corrects, and trains us to live lives that honor Him.

But Scripture doesn’t stop with equipping us—it has a goal.

The result of the Bible’s work in your life is that you’re thoroughly prepared to do every good work God calls you to.

Conclusion

The Bible is crucial for your Christian life because it comes from God, it benefits you by shaping your character, and it equips you to do good works for His glory.

“A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

― Charles Spurgeon

Imagine what God could do through a church anchored in His Word—believers growing in godliness, families transformed by truth, and communities impacted by love. That starts with you opening the Bible daily and letting God shape your life.

This week, will you commit to anchoring your life in God’s Word?

Read it. Study it. Let it shape you. And watch how God equips you to do His good work.