Shaped
Summary of the Message
The Scriptures are the single most important literary resource for the Christian. Yet statistically, many seem to only experience the sacred words of God in an unmethodical way. In a world of constant devices gnawing at our spirit man/woman, we see that the greatest antidote is not based on a set of rules or practices but on how the scriptures help bolster the Christian into true human flourishing. This flourishing does not come without risk, tension, and even loss (at times). We see vividly in our text, "All Scripture is God Breathed," which not only supports the authenticity of God's voice in history but also the power to speak authoritatively in such a way that you and I can experience true redemption both in this life and in the eschaton (end times).
The Scriptures are the single most important literary resource for the Christian. Yet statistically, many seem to only experience the sacred words of God in an unmethodical way. In a world of constant devices gnawing at our spirit man/woman, we see that the greatest antidote is not based on a set of rules or practices but on how the scriptures help bolster the Christian into true human flourishing. This flourishing does not come without risk, tension, and even loss (at times). We see vividly in our text, "All Scripture is God Breathed," which not only supports the authenticity of God's voice in history but also the power to speak authoritatively in such a way that you and I can experience true redemption both in this life and in the eschaton (end times).
Key Sermon Points
1. The Sacredness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16a)
When people think of sacred, we often think of it as some relic or maybe significant artifact or material possession, which can be applied to the notion of sacred. In this passage, we use the term sacred not as a means to describe the Bible's credibility historically throughout antiquity but as a distinction among other written/oral forms of literature that have recorded significant historical events throughout our time. The Bible, or the Scriptures, is not only seen as situated within major historical events but is often noted as one of the most complex pieces of literature historically; given its breadth of literary devices to philosophical disciplines recorded throughout the Bible and its main characters.
The Word of God breathed to us has historically been noted as "inspiration," which is the English equivalent of the Greek word Theopnuestos. Undergirding all the recording and transcribing by the 40 different authors, one constant theme remains, and that is that the voice of God can be traced, identified, and corroborated from the earliest of writers to beyond the establishment of the early first-century church.
2. The Usefulness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16b)
Scripture is often regarded as our ruler or our teacher. It may seem rather strange or even unbefitting for us to see the Scriptures this way. The reality is that today we have constructed systems and particular ways of thinking that either aren't found in scripture or cheapen the reality of how the Bible ought to be handled. The Bible says of itself that it is sufficient for all of life and that life and godliness can be found through the written word of God. Though the Bible doesn't mention contemporary issues like social media usage or which political candidate you should vote for, it does speak to the nature of our hearts and the clear condition of sin that has havocked humanity. The Bible is a clear vision and statement of God's plan for humanity and His church.
3. The Effect of Scripture on our Lives (2 Timothy 3:17)
"The Scriptures are the furnace for transformation” Henri Nouwen writes in one of his books, and he's right! The scriptures are not only a transcript of the mind of God articulated through human agency but also a clear picture of how His standard of righteousness would be conveyed to humanity spanning over thousands of years. Listen to Calvin in his small book on the Christian Life; he states, "The goal of God's work in us is to bring our lives into harmony and agreement with His righteousness." The effects of scripture on our lives bring about not only deep formational satisfaction but a true sense of who we are meant to be, wholly. Scripture that has metabolized in the life of the Christian becomes the key to sustained satisfaction that never runs dry
1. The Sacredness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16a)
When people think of sacred, we often think of it as some relic or maybe significant artifact or material possession, which can be applied to the notion of sacred. In this passage, we use the term sacred not as a means to describe the Bible's credibility historically throughout antiquity but as a distinction among other written/oral forms of literature that have recorded significant historical events throughout our time. The Bible, or the Scriptures, is not only seen as situated within major historical events but is often noted as one of the most complex pieces of literature historically; given its breadth of literary devices to philosophical disciplines recorded throughout the Bible and its main characters.
The Word of God breathed to us has historically been noted as "inspiration," which is the English equivalent of the Greek word Theopnuestos. Undergirding all the recording and transcribing by the 40 different authors, one constant theme remains, and that is that the voice of God can be traced, identified, and corroborated from the earliest of writers to beyond the establishment of the early first-century church.
2. The Usefulness of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16b)
Scripture is often regarded as our ruler or our teacher. It may seem rather strange or even unbefitting for us to see the Scriptures this way. The reality is that today we have constructed systems and particular ways of thinking that either aren't found in scripture or cheapen the reality of how the Bible ought to be handled. The Bible says of itself that it is sufficient for all of life and that life and godliness can be found through the written word of God. Though the Bible doesn't mention contemporary issues like social media usage or which political candidate you should vote for, it does speak to the nature of our hearts and the clear condition of sin that has havocked humanity. The Bible is a clear vision and statement of God's plan for humanity and His church.
3. The Effect of Scripture on our Lives (2 Timothy 3:17)
"The Scriptures are the furnace for transformation” Henri Nouwen writes in one of his books, and he's right! The scriptures are not only a transcript of the mind of God articulated through human agency but also a clear picture of how His standard of righteousness would be conveyed to humanity spanning over thousands of years. Listen to Calvin in his small book on the Christian Life; he states, "The goal of God's work in us is to bring our lives into harmony and agreement with His righteousness." The effects of scripture on our lives bring about not only deep formational satisfaction but a true sense of who we are meant to be, wholly. Scripture that has metabolized in the life of the Christian becomes the key to sustained satisfaction that never runs dry
Discussion Questions
- We often talk about Bible reading in maybe two ways: one is how we aren’t reading enough or how we ought to schedule more regular reading. These can be helpful ways, and if you find it beneficial for you, please continue to do so. In your group or maybe in your alone time, what methods of Bible reading have worked for you, and what are some things that may hinder effective Bible reading?
- The Bible can be read in many ways; we can read it for information, entertainment, leisure, to feel good, etc. When we say that you ought to read the Bible formationally, what do you think we mean by that?
- Some scholars admit that some of the Bible is not written to be understood upon the first reading of that passage. If that is true, what are some clear ways you can identify when a particular passage of Scripture has metabolized within you?
- When Paul speaks of being equipped for every good work, how would you render this?
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Giving your everything to Jesus and commit ourselves to continue as true Christians ✝️ ✨️ being faithful and trusting in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Amen ??