SUBJ: The
inspiration of the Scriptures with the implication that the Lord speaks
to us directly through them and that they are complete and sufficient
for all our needs in life and in worship of Him.
AIM: That we
should give the more earnest heed to the Word of God and to the God of
the Word as we see Him in Christ Jesus our Lord.
INTR: Albert
Mohler wrote that “The preaching of the Word is central, irreducible,
and nonnegotiable to authentic worship that pleases God.” 1. In
making this statement Dr. Mohler was introducing the fact God speaks to
His people and that “the only true and living God is the God who
speaks,” and that “God’s true people are those who hear God speaking to
them,” and that “God’s people depend for their very lives on hearing His
word.” 2. This is thought is surely set forth in the scripture as we
hear our Lord say to Satan, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by
every word that proceedeth out of the Mouth of God. 3. Yet, men
equivocate and arbitrate when it comes to the authority, precepts and
narrative of the Word of God and see it as less than God speaking.
THESIS: If indeed the Scripture is
not “God breathed” then we have no more reason to believe it than any
other document. If it is “God breathed” we must hear and respond to it
as God speaking directly to us in our hearts.
I. An exhortation
to continue (v. 14-15) 1. Those things are the elements of the Gospel
and are those principles and precepts that had arisen in his (Timothy’s)
heart and mind through the “hearing by the word of God.” 1) There is
a certain reference in these verses to the childhood instruction that
came to Timothy by way of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice.
2) Paul also refers to himself as the one who confirmed the word of God
to him 3) Knowing of whom tells us that these things were verbally
communicated to him and effectually in that a profound revelation
emerges. 2. Even as a child he had a sense of the sacredness of the
Scripture and a respect that is all but dead among many children in our
land today. 1) That they (the scriptures or writings) are Holy and
that can only be because of the source of them being God Himself. 2)
That they are essential to life with God and in Christ and thus 3)
Are able to bring salvation and its associated wisdom to bear as they
are heard and obeyed. 4) Thus we understand the emphasis on preaching
and specifically to “preach the Word…” See 4:1. 5) Most assuredly
none of this exists or occurs except “through faith which is in Christ
Jesus.”
II. A revelation concerning Scripture (v. 16) 1. Not
only has this passage been quoted often, but it has also been explained
as to the meaning of the word “inspiration” here. It is Theopneustos or
literally “God breathed” 2. One has observed that many believe that
God did speak but that He is not speaking now. 1) Certainly we are
aware that He spoke the worlds into existence and 2) Who can forget
His thundering voice from Mount Sinai or 3) The words of the
Psalmist as he declares: The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the
God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the
LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. Psalms
29:3-4. And the still small voice to Elijah! 4) Or that the ministry
of Jesus was verbal – there is no record of Him doing anything but
preaching and teaching! And, He spoke directly to Paul regarding his
personal plight! 3. But, do we believe that this same breathed out
Word is as alive as its Source is alive and that it is the truth
communicated to the hearts of true believers in all ages – even now?
1) And do we believe that every word of it is so and that it is from Him
to me? 2) Do we believe that it is the complete message (plenary
inspiration) and 3) Do we believe that is sufficient in that the
glorious work of redemption is therein declared and the claim is of full
completion and of salvation in no other? 4) Is the message for this
and all ages to be the unfolding and explaining of the Word of God?
5) And shall we follow the pattern of old: So they read in the book in
the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to
understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:8. And shall we pray for the same
effect as was observed in them? 4. Do we believe and shall we attend
to those things set forth here: 1) That it is profitable for
doctrine; it is that which teaches us of the being and existence of God,
His attributes and especially of that Triune Gospel is which God
determines, Christ procures and the Holy Spirit applies. If it does not
come from this Word there is no light in it! 2) For reproof with
regard to heresies and false teaching and all forms of error in teaching
and judgment 3) For correction in that vice and wickedness are
therein exposed and 4) Instruction in righteousness. The Scriptures
are not a mere guidebook to be consulted on and as desired basis – they
teach of eternal life and life with Jesus in the way and so instruct our
hearts as the voice of God in us!
III. A worthy goal accomplished
(v. 17) 1. It is obvious that Paul is aiming this at the ministry and
particularly the preaching of Timothy and so I receive it as an
exhortation to me. 2. However, the message here is one that speaks to
the essentials of Spiritual life and leaves us to understand that apart
from the maturity that comes with this there is no acceptable life with
God. 1) This is not to say that all must be equally skilled in the
Word of God, but it does say that they must be hearers of the Word and
of Him who speaks and whose words are of life indeed! 2) The result
will be a life of responsiveness to the Word and fruitfulness in
God-honoring good works.
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