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.