Study
Notes
Transcript
Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
10 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions, and my suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
The purpose of the Spiritual Disciplines is the total transformation of the person. They aim at replacing old destructive habits of thought with new life-giving habits. Nowhere is this purpose more clearly seen than in the Discipline of study. The apostle Paul tells us that we are transformed through the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2). The mind renewed by applying it to those things that will transform it. "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, thing about these things" (Philippians 4:8). (pg. 62)
We must understand, however, that a vast difference exists between the study of Scripture and the devotional reading of Scripture. In the study of Scripture, a high priority is place upon interpretation: what it means. In the devotional reading of Scripture, a high priority is place upon application: what it means for me. All too often people rush to the application stage and bypass the interpretation stage: they want to know what it means for them before they know what it means! Also, we are not seeking spiritual ecstasy in study; in fact, ecstasy can be a hindrance. When we study a book of the Bible we are seeking to be controlled by the intent of the author. We are determined to hear what he is saying, not what we want him to say. We want life-transforming truth, not just good feelings. We are willing to pay the price of barren day after barren day until the meaning is clear. This process revolutionizes our lives.
Scripture is a compass for us. Tell story of getting lost hiking in Scouts. Orienteering/map reading was what our leaders used to get us on the right path.
1. Scripture is to be studied continually. (vs. 14)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,
"I will study the way that is blameless. When shall I attain it? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house;" (Psalm 101:2)
v14. Paul has warned Timothy of false teachers and so he now encourages him to hold firmly to the truth taught him by believers of good character - don't get caught up in the new ideas of the "impostors".
There are imposter gospels that are proclaimed around us and we must be aware of them. Right now we are being bombarded with the false gospel of social justice in our culture. You can't turn on the television or watch the news without its influence. Books that have shot up the lists on Amazon like "White Fragility.”
2. Scripture instructs us in salvation through faith in Christ. (vs. 15-16)
15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
"Take good care to observe the commandment and instruction that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, and to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Joshua 22:5)
v15. The scriptures support these truths. The word "holy" is not used elsewhere in the New Testament, but it does appear in the Old Testament as a honoring title. So, the phrase means "sacred writings." As to what sacred writings are being referred to, the phrase is used primarily of the Old Testament, but it is more than likely that Paul also includes the gospel. Paul defines the purpose of these scriptures as making us "wise for salvation", they point us toward Jesus through whose faithful obedience we are saved.
v16. Paul now gives us a creedal statement about the scriptures. He states that "all" the separate parts of the scriptures (the Law, Prophets and Writings) are inspired and thus, are useful. He points to four uses: a negative and positive teaching use and a negative and positive life-style use. The Old Testament scriptures are useful to teach sound doctrine and to expose untruth. They are also useful for ethics, correcting evil behavior and training in right behavior.
3. Scripture equips us for the mission. (vs. 17)
17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
"The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ," (Ephesians 4:11-12)
v17. Biblical truth serves to equip Christian ministers. The term "man / servant of God" may apply to all believers, but is most likely referring only to the prophet, pastor/teacher. The "good work" is the work of proclamation - the ministry of the Word.
v11. Still with the idea of Moses bearing the Word of God to the gathered people at Mount Sinai, Paul lists the gifts of ministries which make known the Word of God: apostles, prophets, evangelists and pastor-teachers.
v12-13. Ministries of the Word prepare and train God's people for service within the church, and in so doing, strengthen the fellowship, such that the individual members are shaped into the image of Christ.
