The Scriptures Were Given to Us to Believe and Obey

2 Timothy 3:10-17

The authority of God’s Word has always been greatly challenged in every age. It happened in the past. Satan in the garden injected doubt in Eve’s mind - did God really say that? The Pharisees made the Word of God of none effect by their traditions - elevating their man-made tradition. In the early church, Gnosticism taught that the Word of God was good, but in order to be truly spiritual, you needed additional mystical knowledge you received directly from God. In Medieval times, the Roman Catholic Church believed she had infallible authority to interpret the Word according to her traditions. And her traditions and interpretation made the Word of God of none effect. Similarly in the recent 2 centuries, liberalism has attacked God’s truth - by questioning if the Bible books were actually written by the prophets and apostles; and Charismaticism has also resurrected the same Gnostic mysticism of extra biblical revelation. This is why the Belgic Confession is still valid for our day - to instruct us on the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures.

We learn from it that the purpose of Scripture is to regulate, establish, and confirm our faith. We must believe the Bible and live out the Bible. Faith without works is dead. And we accept the authority of the Bible. While Roman Catholics teach that church tradition and church authority are necessary to interpret and authenticate the Scriptures, Bible-believing Christianity draws out the meaning from Scripture which we accept as being from God. And we accept it as the Word of God because the Spirit convinces us. And the Bible authenticates itself - lives are changed, prophecies are fulfilled. Our passage this evening speaks of these glorious truths. We shall examine them in 4 points - 1. The Provenance of the Word. 2. The Purpose of the Word. 3. The Product of the Word. 4. The Priority of the Word.

Firstly, the provenance of the Word. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul was explaining to young Timothy, the pastor in Ephesus, that things will get worse in the Christian world. There’ll be false teachers. There’ll be a form of godliness - it’ll look good religiously - but there won’t be genuine spiritual power. These false Christians seem to pursue the truth - they’re ever learning - but they never come to the truth. In fact, they lead people astray. They’re like Jannes and Jambres, Pharaoh’s magicians with their counterfeit miracles. On the other hand, Paul reminds Timothy what true spirituality is. It’s holiness in the midst of opposition from the world. It’s also faithfulness to the Scriptures. When we continue in the Scriptures, we’re changed. But from where did the Scriptures come? What’s its source, its provenance? Verse 16 says clearly that it was inspired by God - “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The Greek word for “inspiration” literally means to breathe out. That’s why some translations have it as God-breathed. And there are only a small number of things that are described as being God-breathed in the Bible. God formed man out of the ground and breathed life into him, Genesis 2. No breath, no life. In Ezekiel 37, in prophesying what happened in Pentecost in Acts 2, God showed a vision of a people coming together out of dry bones - but they had no life, until he commanded that life be breathed into them. And we know that at Pentecost, the Spirit was breathed out on the disciples, and they preached the gospel. Our Lord also promised that giving of the Spirit in John 20:22 when he breathed on them. So when God breathes, he gives life and spiritual life.

So what does it mean that the Bible is God-breathed? It means that its source is God. And therefore, it is authoritative to give life. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And that’s why the Scriptures brings life. They’re given by God to us to teach us how to obtain eternal life and how to live in light of that salvation. 2 Peter 1:3-4 tells us, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises.” In God’s Word, we find all things that pertain to life and godliness – how to live, how to be godly. All things. Meaning, we’ve no need of any other instruction manual or philosophy to teach us how to live. Why? Everything else finds its origin in man. Yes, it may be helpful to learn about the 7 habits of highly effective people, but the Scriptures are enough, because they find their origin in God. This means that of all the books in the world, the Bible is different. It’s superior. It was written by men inspired and moved by God. 2 Peter 1:21 - “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.”

That’s why the books are authoritative. When Paul said “all scripture is given by inspiration,” the whole Bible wasn’t written yet - only the Old Testament and some New Testament books. So Paul’s “all” referred to all existing books then. This means the 39 books of the Old Testament. Why not the apocrypha as article 6 lists out? In Luke 11:51, Jesus spoke about all the prophets who were rejected by the Jews - and he used the phrase the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias. Abel was the first prophet of the gospel to be murdered in Genesis and Zacharias was the last prophet to be murdered in Chronicles. Genesis was the first book of the Hebrew Bible and Chronicles was the last. The Hebrew Bible is ordered differently to our Old Testament. So none of the other books were included by Jesus; therefore the Apocrypha isn’t authoritative. Now, interestingly, Paul quotes an Apocryphal book in 2 Timothy 3 - it’s called The Apocryphon of Jannes and Jambres. These were the names of Pharaoh’s magicians. The Bible doesn’t give them those names, but this apocryphal book does. So why does Paul quote this book if it wasn’t God breathed? He was using it to make an illustration from literature, just as in sermons, preachers can quote from Shakespeare or even Taylor Swift. Similarly, both Jude and Peter quote from the book of Enoch. Paul himself, writing to Titus, quotes the Greek Philosopher Epimenides to make the point that all Cretans are liars. These books are not authoritative nor inspired, but the apostles read them - their content were useful for illustrations. But when the writers quoted them, these inclusions into the Bible were inspired by God and therefore authoritative. Now, how can we say this? And how can we say that the other books of the New Testament are authoritative when Paul was only speaking about those books existing at his time? In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, Paul praised the Thessalonians who received his preaching as the Word of God - “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.” So what the apostles and prophets spoke and wrote were authoritative. That’s why we accept the New Testament canon - written by apostles and apostolic men.

Now, why did God give these books? The Belgic says they’re for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith. Similarly, verse 16 says that the word of God is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. It has a four-fold purpose. The first purpose is education - it’s profitable for doctrine. It educates us about God, His will, about us and our greatest need, how to live; what pleases God and how to find joy in life. It tells us the gospel and how to live under the gospel. And it educates in 2 ways. One is by example - by the life of Christ and the saints of old. Peter said in 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” Paul also in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” He even says it here in verse 10 - “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience.” But the Word also educates us by precepts - what to do, what not to do. Like the 10 commandments. The 8th commandment tells us “thou shalt not steal.” And it has many examples of what stealing is. Not only are theft, robbery, and kidnapping examples of stealing; but the Word makes it very plain that keeping what is not yours to keep is also stealing. Leviticus 6:2-4 says, “If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbor in that which was delivered him to keep; or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein, then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found.” If the Char Kuey Teow Aunty accidentally returns you more change, and if you keep silent and don’t return it, that’s sin. You have sinned against God and the Char Kuey Teow Aunty by stealing from her. We must return it.

The Word is also profitable for reproof - for conviction. When we know what’s right, but do what’s wrong, the Word ought to convict us of our sin. We’ve all experienced this. When we become aware something we’ve been doing is sin, we feel guilt and repent. Like David. Many months after his adultery with Bathsheba, Nathan confronted him with the Word. He repented immediately. He was convicted. His repentance was recorded in Psalm 51 – “I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight.” Or like Job, who was convicted to repent in dust and ashes for all his foolish and sinful words, when God revealed himself in a series of questions.

The Word is also profitable for correction. This means that after having been educated and convicted, the Word helps us do right. It sets us straight. That’s what the word literally means. The convicted thief returns the money. When we’re pricked in conscience, we repay the Char Kuey Teow Aunty. Correction is repentance – not just sorrow, but right action. Zaccheus said in Luke 19:8 after his encounter with Christ,“Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” By so doing - his correction would make him a pauper. He was poor in wealth, but rich in Christ. This is the amazing truth - when we’re obedient to the Word, we’re led from the bondage of sin to freedom in Christ. Those who let it work in them will experience the joy of salvation like David when he repented. Thomas Brooks said, “Sin is a turning the back upon God – and the face towards hell. Repentance is a turning the back upon sin – and setting the face towards God without any reservation or exception. True repentance breaks the heart with sighs, sobs, and groans – that a loving Father is offended, a blessed Savior crucified, and the sweet Comforter grieved. The sweetest joys are from the sourest tears; penitent tears are the breeders of spiritual joy.”

The last purpose we see here is instruction in righteousness - or regulation. The Bible regulates our lives. You see, it’s not enough to know what God requires; we must know how to avoid those sins and how to stay out of them in the future. This takes discipline. It takes exercise. Our faith is shown in our holiness. 1 Timothy 4:7 says we should “exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” This requires a regulated and structured life – we need to identify sin, take steps to avoid it, and replace it with godly works. Brethren, we can recognize that we have a lot of knowledge – we have a lot of education. But often we lack in conviction, correction, and regulation. It’s no wonder we feel joyless and defeated. The life God gives can only be filled with joy when we receive the Word to regulate, confirm, and establish our faith. The Scriptures teach us to be content - godliness with contentment is great gain. But we’re discontent with our station in life, our children’s grades, our work, our family. It’s because despite knowing the Word, we’re not convicted, corrected, and regulated. And it shows we don’t accept or value its authority.

But if we use the Word profitably, there will be a glorious product. That’s the third point. And we see that it’s impossible to know and be convicted by the Word without first being saved. This was the case with Timothy, as Paul said in verse 15, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” John Wesley robbed one night. The thief found very little money on him. But as he was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I’ve something more to give you.” The surprised robber stopped. Wesley said, “Friend, you may live to regret this life. And if you do, remember this: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’“ The thief ran away as Wesley prayed for him. Years later, after a service, Wesley was approached by a stranger. It was the thief; now a successful Christian businessman. He told Wesley “I owe it all to you!” In turn, Wesley exclaimed -“not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!” The Word is the foundation of our faith. When Saul came face to face with Christ and was blinded, only then did he believe the gospel he had opposed, because now he was convicted of his sins.

It also regulates our faith. There’s sanctification. In verse 10, Paul said, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience.” He was godly. And godliness leads to affliction, verse 11. He didn’t compromise the gospel. Verse 12 - “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” You know my doctrine - the Word of God, the gospel - and it’s led to a holy life which has led to persecution. Abel offered up an offering that pleased God - he was killed. Noah was a preacher of righteousness and preached 120 years as he built the ark - he was ridiculed. Jeremiah preached to a compromising nation and was thrown down a septic tank. John the Baptizer and Jesus called the people to faith and repentance - both died. And so too, Stephen, so too, James, so too others. Hebrews 10:32-34 speaks of the Roman Christians - “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Do people know your doctrine? Do they know your manner of life? Can they see that you have received the Bible as holy and canonical, that your faith is established and regulated? And can they see that your faith is confirmed? That you love Jesus above all else, even your life? Another effect of the Word is maturity. Verse 17 tells us that if we continue in the Word - to be educated, convicted, corrected, and regulated, “the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” To be sure, context tells us that a pastor - that man of God - will be mature by the Word of God. But this applies to all others. The word “perfect” means “complete” or “completely prepared.” So if we respond to the Word of God, we will be completely equipped for every need in life. Brethren, there is nothing in life that the Word of God cannot prepare you for. That’s because God has given to the Church “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” We see Paul changed from a Christ hater to a Christ lover. The disciples changed from fearful men who ran away, to those who faced persecution and death. They wouldn’t recant their faith. Why? Because they truly believed by the Spirit that the Word was from God. They saw prophecies fulfilled, the evidences - how the Spirit breathed new life into God’s people, Ezekiel 37 fulfilled in Acts 2. In Ephesians 2:21, they saw how the church was being built up as a Holy Temple, a fulfillment of Ezekiel 40-48. They saw God’s people coming into the fold from every nation, fulfilling Isaiah 11:12. Even the blind are able to perceive that the things foretold in them are being fulfilled. Lee Strobel an atheist journalist sought to disprove the historicity of Christ’s resurrection, but ended up converting - he saw the case for Christ. A militantly atheistic professor - Ayaan Hirsi Ali - who was mentored by Richard Dawkins - also recently converted to Christianity. The word brings such change!

That’s why lastly, we must prioritize the Word. If the Word is God-breathed - coming authoritatively from God; if it teaches, convicts, corrects, and regulates us; if when we follow it, we're saved, sanctified, and made mature; we must prioritize it. It’s canonical - authoritative. Therefore there must be continual learning - not just learning, but learning the gospel. Verse 14 says, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of.” Continue in what you have learned. Continue in the gospel. That’s the message of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. God wants a people. He saves that people. He does all the work. They’re saved by no works on their own. But false teaching seeps into the church. Legalism comes in. There are some here who gravitate towards that. Alcohol is sinful. And there’s no mature response to it. You judge those who drink. Not mature. But there’s also antinomianism. There are some who celebrate your liberty when it comes to alcohol. You say, it’s for fellowship. You drink till you’re tipsy. Your voice grows louder characteristic of intoxicated persons, your topics of conversation are not spiritual. You’re not mature either. Where’s the gospel that transforms your life? How’re you growing more stable in faith? How’re you growing more stable in holiness? Are you like Jannes and Jambres, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth? Sure, we know our doctrine as Reformed Christians - but how has that transformed us? The gospel is central.

But also continue in obedience. The word “continue” means to remain faithful. There’s not only a learning that affects faith, but faithfulness. Act on what you’ve learned. The Word isn’t there for us simply to pick and choose. It’s no wonder why many continue in bitterness, impatience, immaturity, gossip, foolishness, pugnaciousness, and a whole hosts of other things. Because we don’t continue in the things we’ve learned. Timothy acted upon what he had learned. So did Paul. We don’t really believe something until we practice it. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” As hard as it is, there is no other way to be perfected unless we practice the truth and believe in it, trusting that the Lord will help us and change us. What specific sin grips you? What virtue do you lack? Is it patience? What does the Word say? Let’s apply. Let’s have victory over impatience. But unless we have this attitude, we’ll never be prepared for anything, much less life. If we don’t learn to profit and obey, we will end up being spiritual midgets, being many years in the university of life, but still being a novice.

What priority are we placing on the Word of God? The purposes of God’s Word of education, conviction, correction, and regulation; will produce no perfection, if we Christians keep it at the bottom of our prioritization. Remember, our Lord grew in wisdom and stature - he learned from and questioned the teachers at the the temple as a child. He resisted the temptation of the devil with the word of God. He deflected the interrogation of the Pharisees with the Word of God. He went to the cross, in submission to the Word and Will of God. That’s how he vowed the authority of the Word. But not only him. Many others. Let us gain inspiration from this story, with which I will close. In the year A. D. 303, the roman Emperor Diocletian issued a decree which he hoped would extinguish the spreading flames of Christianity. One of his primary objectives was the seizure and destruction of the Christian Scriptures. Later that year, officials enforced the decree in North Africa. One of the targets was Felix, Bishop of a village near Carthage. The mayor of the town ordered Felix to hand over his Scriptures. Though some judges were willing to accept scraps of parchment, Felix refused to surrender the Word of God at the insistence of mere men. Resolutely, he resisted compromise. Roman authorities finally shipped Felix to Italy where he paid for his stubbornness with his life. On August 30, as the record puts it, “with pious obstinacy,” he laid down his life rather than surrender his Gospels.

1. The Provenance of the Word

A. Its inspiration

B. Its authority

2. The Purpose of the Word

A. Education

B. Conviction

C. Correction

D. Regulation

2. The Product of the Word

A. Salvation

B. Sanctification

C. Maturation

4. The Priority of the Word

A. Continual learning

B. Continual obedience