What is the Bible?

2 Timothy 3:16 – 17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NLT

16 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. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

INTRODUCTION:

I. THE DEFINED EXTENT OF AN INSPIRED BIBLE. (2 Timothy 3:16 a)

2 Timothy 3:16a NLT

16 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.

A. All Scripture is inspired.

1. This is a biblical fact. (Psalm 19:7) (Proverbs 30:5)

a) the Bible does not contain God's word – It is God's word.

b) There is no such thing as degrees of inspiration.

c) Jesus emphasized the inspiration of Scripture. (Matthew 5:17 – 18) (Matthew 9:4)

B. What did Jesus say?

1. Jesus testified to the truth of Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch. (John 5:46; 7:19; Luke 24:27)

2. Jesus testified about the fact of a literal Adam and Eve. (Matthew 19:4)

3. Jesus testified about the fact of Noah's flood. (Matthew 24:37 – 39)

4. Jesus testified about the truth of Jonah and the great fish (Matthew 12:40)

II. THE DETAILED EVIDENCE OF AN INSPIRED BIBLE. (2 Timothy 3: 16 B)

2 Timothy 3:16 NLT

16 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.

A. The Bible was given supernaturally.

1. The Bible originated with God, not man.

a) Evidenced by its unique nature.

b) Evidenced by changed lives. (John 8:32) (Jeremiah 15:16)

c) Evidenced by fulfilled prophecy. (Isaiah 7:14) (Micah 5:2)

(1) Isaiah stated that Jesus would be born of a virgin (700 years before it occurred)

(2) Micah stated that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. (520 years before he was born)

B. The Bible emphasizes its supernatural origin.

1. The Greek word translated inspiration or inspired literally means that God breathed the words of Scripture.

2. God did this through men. (2 Peter 1:21) (Acts 27:15) (Jeremiah 1:9)

III. THE DIVINE EFFECT OF AN INSPIRED BIBLE. (2 TIMOTHY 3: 16 C)

A. It is profitable. – It always works.

*Country lady and vacuum salesman

1. Profitable for doctrine. (2 Timothy 2:15)

2. Profitable for reproof. (Jeremiah 23:29)

3. Profitable for correction.

4. Profitable for instruction. (Psalm 119:105)

B. It is profitable to evaluate all teachings and theologies.

1. For those who have "other scriptures". (Revelation 22:18 – 19)

2. for those who have false ideas about Jesus. (John 1:1, 14) (Hebrews 1:1 – 4)

3. for those who teach salvation by works. (Ephesians 2:8 – 10)

IV. THE DESIRED END OF AN INSPIRED BIBLE. (2 TIMOTHY 3:17)

A. The completion of God's people.

1. The completion of joy. (Jeremiah 15:16) (John 15:11)

a) *A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who is not.

2. Completely equipped for all good works.

a) *God does not call the equipped, he equips the called. (Ephesians 2:10)

CONCLUSION: