The Bible: The Book of God’s People

📖 Sermon Title: The Bible — The Book of God's Church

Text: 2 Timothy 3:14–17; Acts 2:42; Psalm 19:7–11; Hebrews 4:12 Series: Built to Last (Week 3) Big Idea: If the Church is to last, it must be firmly grounded in the eternal, living Word of God.

✍️ Introduction:

Illustration: Blueprint → no structure is solid without a reliable plan. The Bible is the divine blueprint for a healthy, enduring Church.

🧱 Sermon Outline

I. The Church Is Built on the Word

Text: Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42 CSB

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…”

The first Christian church didn’t start with marketing, music, or methods — but with teaching.

“Devoted” = a continual, unwavering commitment.

Application: We don’t drift toward devotion — we commit to it. When the Word is central, the Church is stable.

II. The Word Is Inspired, Sufficient, and Profitable

Text: 2 Timothy 3:14–17

2 Timothy 3:14–17 CSB

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God…”

Inspired — divine in origin.

Sufficient — equips for every good work.

Profitable — useful for real-life change: teaching, correction, rebuke, and training.

Application: Scripture is not decorative — it is essential to a faithful church and a faithful life.

Text: Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 4:12 CSB

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword…”

God’s Word isn’t just informative — it’s transformative.

It cuts through pretense, pride, and sin to expose the heart.

It is alive — always relevant, always working.

Application: This is why we preach, read, and obey Scripture — not out of tradition, but because God speaks through it right now.

📝 Illustration idea: Share a testimony (personal or pastoral) of how a verse convicted or comforted someone at just the right time.

IV. The Word Nourishes and Transforms the Church

Text: Psalm 19:7–11

Psalm 19:7–11 CSB

The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul…”

It revives, gives wisdom, causes joy, enlightens.

More desirable than gold; sweeter than honey.

Application: Churches that are built on trends grow shallow. Churches built on Scripture grow deep and fruitful.

V. The Bible Anchors Us in Times of Change

Tie to pastoral transition

Pastors come and go. God’s Word remains.

The same Word that shaped this church will shape it still.

Application: Now is the time to recommit to the Word. It has never failed — and it never will.

✝️ Conclusion:

The Bible is God’s living Word — it equips, exposes, instructs, and transforms.

If we want to be a church Built to Last, we must be a church Built on the Book.