Scripture Has a Purpose For Everyone

Sunday Morning March 4th, 2007

*2 Timothy 3:10 – 4:8

            In so far as we know, this letter to Timothy was the last letter Paul would write.  He was convinced that his execution was no more than a few days ahead.  With prophetic insight, Paul was allowed to foresee the future of the Church.  The time would come that believers would stumble in their commitment – not from persecution but from acceptance and apathy!

            Paul’s own experience had convinced him that persecution caused faith to grow rather than diminish.  Outside influences can do little more than hinder the Body of Christ.  For that reason, Satan has manipulated events so that the Church has become comfortable in the world.  That comfort has lead to compromise and apathy.

            Before we give him more credit than he deserves, let us make clear that the Devil has no power over the Church other than that we willingly or ignorantly give him.  Paul believed that apathy and compromise would lead to unsound teaching as the Church makes doctrine fit compromise.  Paul charged Timothy, and every believer, to take personal responsibility for knowing and doing the will of God!

            We are commanded to read, study, understand, and live the Word of God.  The world around us has often expressed wonder at Christians that hold the Word of God as inspired of God, literal, and without error.  Why is it not sufficient to accept the general principal of love thy neighbor and do the best one can?  Why must we insist that everyone is accountable before God to live as the Bible says?  Why can’t we simply decide for ourselves what we want to believe and accord everyone else the same privilege?   For the same reason we insist that students give the correct answers on tests!  There is one way to be saved and only one style of life acceptable to God!  Paul tells us this in 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”  Authority rests with God and is extended through His word to the Church. 

I.                    Believers Must Live in the Scripture (vs. 14)

A.    Not sufficient to learn the Word

B.     Not sufficient to believe the Word

C.    We must allow the Word to shape our philosophy and determine how we live and believe

II.                 Scripture Has A Purpose For Every Human Being

A.    It is profitable for doctrine

1.      The Word shapes our world view- telling us Who God is, who we are, and the meaning of all things

2.      The Word defines and explains creation

B.     It is profitable for reproof

1.      We must be convicted of sin – not only that it is wrong but that it is and affront to His sovereignty

2.      The Word reveals God’s purpose and our part in His plan

C.    It is profitable for correction

1.      Scripture provides the way and means for making us right with God

2.      Scripture allows believers to put suffering and tribulation in their proper context

III.               Scripture Must Have An Application

A.    A tool for preaching and evangelizing

B.     Provides believers with credibility, “God says….”

I do not think it coincidental that the so-called Davinci Code and The Lost Tomb of Jesus are being offered as alternatives to the Gospel.  Satan knows that human beings are perhaps more gullible today than at any other time in history.  Put it on TV, in the newspapers, or on the Internet and those without faith in the Scripture are likely to believe any lie they are told.  It is our responsibility to first prepare ourselves for this attack and then to convince our families, our friends, and the world for the cause of Jesus Christ!