Drawing Near to the God Who Speaks
Chris Patton
2 Tim. 3:14-17
July 25,2020
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2 Timothy 3:14–17 [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it [15] 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. [16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
Introduction
- In these trying times, we need the comfort of God’s presence, the consolation of His nearness, and the clarity of His Word.
- We need His Word, because at all times, particularly so now – there is no voice we need to hear more than His voice
- As believers, it is crucial for us to be grounded in God’s Word first so that our souls are nourished and secondly to ensure that we are thinking biblically and in a God-centered way about what is going on.
- God’s voice calms our fears, corrects our thinking and clarifies our goals.
- God has spoken through His Holy Word. May the Lord would use this time very simply to remind and encourage us to allow His voice in these days to speak loudly and clearly to our hearts.
I. The origin of scripture
“[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God”
- Here the Apostle claims, all scripture has been inspired by none other than God Himself. All scripture is “breathed out” by Him.
- To be clear, when Paul uses the phrase “all scripture” he means ‘all of the OT scriptures.’
- What Paul says about the OT scriptures applies to the NT as well. We know because the NT claims divine authorship for itself. Hence the phrase “All Scripture” here in verse 16 absolutely applies both to the 39 books of the OT as well as the 27 books of the NT.
- All 66 books have been “breathed out by God”
- Scripture and scripture alone has a unique character as the voice and words of the Lord (https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/god-breathed-scripture/).”
- When our souls are dry or discouraged or lacking hope we can turn to God’s Word, the Bible, the only place where we find the voice and words of the Lord.
- Any time we need help and counsel in understanding how to process world events in a God-centered way–we don’t have to look far….God has revealed his purposes and will in His Word. His Word stands ready to help.
II. The profitability of scripture
[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
- The scriptures are profitable — that means the scriptures are useful. How are they useful?
[Scripture] instructs us in that which is true, reproves us for that which is amiss, directs us in that which is good. — Matthew Henry
- As we process Covid-19 and its present implications for our lives…
- As we process issues related to racism and the unrest in our nation…
- As we process and think through our own personal trials and difficulties.
- Let us allow scripture to instruct us in that which is true.
- Let us allow scripture to reprove us for that which amiss.
- Let us allow scripture to direct us in that which is good.
- In our personal lives, I think most of us would acknowledge – we need the Word of God to instruct, to reprove, direct. This is also true in how we process all that is going on around us.
- The need of the hour is draw near to the God who speaks.
III. The sufficiency of scripture
[16] All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- Verse 17 points to the sufficiency of scripture. What that means is scripture is sufficient. It is enough. What we need to live a life that honors God is either clearly stated in God Word or is an implication or application of God’s Word.
- Explain the sufficiency of scripture for all of life.
Conclusion
- In the days ahead let’s draw near to God.
- Let’s draw near to the God Who speaks through His all-sufficient Word.
- When we draw near, the appropriate posture is receiving and listening with an attitude of reverent, prayerful submission — We say “God refresh my soul in you. Encourage me. Strengthen me. Help me keep my eyes on Christ and the gospel.” And We say “whatever may need to be adjusted in my mindset, my perspective —whether it relates to something going on in my life personally or in the world around me, I want to hear your voice. Speak to me Lord. Mold me. Shape me. Conform me into your image.”
- As we continually make this our prayer, God — our great God will meet us.
- We will be a light to this world in these dark days as we walk according to His Word.
Questions For Discussion/Application:
- Re-read the text, 2 Tim 3:14-17. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
- What does it mean — “All Scripture is breathed out by God” ? Tale a few minutes to review the doctrine of inspiration.
- Re-read verse 16. What does it mean that scripture is “profitable” in these different ways?
- What difference should it make in our lives practically to remember that scripture is both inspired and profitable?
- What is one way you might like to grow in terms of your intake of God’s Word?