2 Timothy 3:14-17

  1. INTRODUCTION

    2. I was recently looking at a list of quotations and sayings about the Bible when I came across one that really stood out. I’m confident that many of you have heard or read it also. It has been used many times for various points and illustrations. But I have never looked at it the way I do now. Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. First, we need to look at what the passage says, then secondly we will look at how it applies to us.

  2. Reread 2 Timothy 3:16

    3. What does this passage say about the scriptures?

    1. We see the SOURCE (ORGIN) of the scriptures.

      2. v. 16: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God,"

      1. From verse 16 we are told the METHOD in which the scripture is given.

        2. "by inspiration of God," Literally "God-breathed"

        (Ex. Speak without breathing)

        Paul illustrates this in Gal. 1:11-12

        11: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

        12: For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

        And further in 1 Peter 1:20-21

        20: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

        21: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

        Also 1 Peter 4:11

        11: If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God;

      2. Notice – All Scripture.

      not Some, not Much, not Most

      What if it read some Scripture? Where would that leave us? We would need to decide what part is inspired and what is not.

    3. Also from verse 16 we find the VALUE (USEFULNESS) of the Scriptures. ("profitable for")

      1. Doctrine also translated Teaching

      2. Reproof carries the Idea of conviction of sin.

      3. Correction - I think we all (especially parents) understand the idea of Correction.

      4. Instruction in righteousness. The Greek word for Instruction is rendered "nurture" in Eph 6:4

        5. 4: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

        It has been said that the Scriptures tell us

        1. What is Right.

        2. What is Not Right.

        3. How to Get Right.

        4. How to Stay Right.

      5. Lets take a look at some passages that show us the profitability of the scriptures.

        1. Ephesians 6:1 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Teachings or Doctrine)

        2. Look at Acts 8:9-21

          3. Simon’s heart was "not right"

        3. And in verse 22 of that chapter we see the corrective action that needed to taken for Simon to Get Right.

        4. And as already noted in Eph 6:4, instructions Godly fathers give will help us in the quest to Stay Right.

  3. How does this apply to us? How do we treat the teachings found in the New Testament?

    1. Consider 1 Thess. 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Are we thankful people? We should be. It is the "will of God".

      2. The doctrine of Christ tells us in 2 Cor 8:21: "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." Are we honest in our dealings with others?

    2. The scriptures tell us in Col. 3:9 "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;" When we know it is not right to lie, what is our attitude?

      1. James 4: 17: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."

      2. When we are convinced we are "not right" will we ask, "what shall we do?" like in Acts 2.

      3. Will we say, like Paul did, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

    3. When we are told the steps that we need to take to "get right", do we follow that path?

      1. In Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

      2. Now notice verse 41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

      3. When we are told in Col. 3:10-14 the characteristics we must "put on" after "putting off" the old man", do we make an effort to display them in our lives? Such as Kindness, Meekness, Forgiving

    4. In living our lives, do we follow the instructions that are given for us to "Stay Right". The New Testament is full of Instructions on how to continue in a Righteous Life. One passage in particular that comes to mind is Eph 6:11-17. Here we are told to put on the whole armour of God. We wear this armour in order to protect and defend ourselves from evil and thus we stay right.

  5. Well, how does that benefit us?

    1. In order to receive the Salvation that Paul spoke of in verse 15, We must obey from the heart that form of doctrine (teaching) that was delivered (the Scriptures). The scriptures teach us that we must:

      1. Hear the Word of God Rom 10:17

      2. Believe the Word of God Mark 16:16

      3. Repent of our sins Acts 3:19

      4. Confess our belief in Christ Matt. 10:32

      5. Be Baptized into Christ 1 Peter 3:21

      6. Remain Faithful Rev. 2:10

    2. When we choose to not obey the gospel the scriptures tell us of the punishment we will receive.

      3. 2 Thess. 1:7 "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

      8: In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

      9: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"

    3. When we become unfaithful, James 5:16 tell us a way we can get right, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

    4. And in Rom. 15:14 we find a way to help us stay right "And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."