Embracing the Power and Purpose of Scripture

Summary

In today's gathering, I shared my gratitude for the love and passion for Jesus that our church embodies. It's a blessing to be part of a community that genuinely believes in and worships Him. I also expressed my appreciation for the sabbatical I took in June, which was a time of renewal and reflection for my family and me. Sabbaticals are essential for preventing burnout and allowing leaders to recharge, and I am thankful for the support of our elders in this regard.

As we continue to seek God's vision for our church, it's crucial to remember that the church is built on Jesus, not on any one leader. This truth was evident as our team of leaders faithfully led the church in my absence. Our current sermon series, "Eight Verses That Every Christian Should Know," emphasizes the power of words, particularly the words of Scripture. Today, we focused on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which highlights the divine inspiration and purpose of Scripture.

Scripture is not just a collection of words; it is the living, eternal Word of God. It is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. These verses remind us that Scripture is essential for our spiritual growth and equipping us for every good work. In a world where truth is often relative, we must hold fast to the truth of God's Word and allow it to guide our lives.

We also discussed the importance of not picking and choosing which parts of Scripture to follow. All Scripture is inspired by God and is meant to show us who He is and how we should live in response. It's not about agreeing with Scripture because it fits our preferences; it's about aligning our lives with God's truth.

Finally, I encouraged everyone to consider their role in the church and how they can use their gifts to serve others. Whether it's teaching, leading, or simply being a faithful presence, God calls each of us to contribute to His work. We must not let fear or doubt hold us back from fulfilling our calling.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Scripture: Scripture is the living, eternal Word of God, inspired and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It is essential for our spiritual growth and equipping us for every good work. We must hold fast to its truth in a world where truth is often relative. [08:26]

- Unity of Scripture: All Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God and provides a complete picture of who He is. We must not pick and choose which parts to follow based on our preferences. Instead, we should align our lives with God's truth as revealed in His Word. [17:08]

- Role of Scripture in Our Lives: Scripture is not just for teaching others; it is also for our personal growth and correction. It rebukes us, reminds us of our inconsistencies, and shows us how to live in response to God's truth. We must be open to its transformative power in our lives. [29:23]

- Equipping for Service: God calls each of us to use our gifts to serve others. We must not let fear or doubt hold us back from fulfilling our calling. Whether it's teaching, leading, or simply being a faithful presence, we have a role to play in God's work. [33:09]

- Consistency in Scripture: Consistent engagement with Scripture is vital for our spiritual health. It helps us stay grounded in truth and equips us to navigate the challenges of life. We must prioritize spending time in God's Word and allow it to shape our lives. [40:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:01] - Gratitude for Sabbatical
- [01:52] - Vision for the Church
- [02:45] - Leadership and Continuity
- [03:29] - Church Built on Jesus
- [04:21] - Power of Words
- [05:05] - Influence of Words
- [06:23] - The Weight of Scripture
- [07:29] - Introduction to 2 Timothy
- [08:26] - The Power of Scripture
- [09:55] - Reminder to Timothy
- [11:02] - Forgetting God's Words
- [12:52] - Personal Responsibility
- [13:33] - Satan's Attack on Scripture
- [14:48] - Misunderstanding God's Word
- [15:28] - Following Jesus' Commands
- [16:40] - Observations from 2 Timothy
- [17:08] - Unity of Scripture
- [19:39] - Copy and Paste Culture
- [21:22] - Approach to Scripture
- [23:32] - Inspired by God
- [25:50] - Longing for God's Words
- [26:28] - Essential for Spiritual Growth
- [28:06] - Teaching and Proclaiming Truth
- [29:23] - Rebuking and Correcting
- [31:02] - Training in Godliness
- [32:36] - Equipping for Service
- [34:21] - Overcoming Fear and Doubt
- [36:25] - Importance of Discipleship
- [38:53] - Power of Words
- [40:42] - Consistency in Scripture
- [41:19] - Response and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the four purposes of Scripture mentioned in 2 Timothy 3:16-17? How do these purposes contribute to the spiritual growth of a believer? [08:26]

2. According to the sermon, why is it important for the church to be built on Jesus rather than any one leader? [03:29]

3. How does the pastor describe the role of Scripture in combating false teachings and ideologies? [08:26]

4. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate the power of words in our lives? [05:05]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of all Scripture being inspired by God challenge the idea of picking and choosing which parts to follow? [21:22]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Scripture equips believers for every good work? How might this look in practical terms? [32:36]

3. The pastor mentioned the importance of not letting fear or doubt hold us back from fulfilling our calling. How does Scripture help us overcome these obstacles? [34:21]

4. How does the sermon address the issue of truth being relative in today's world, and what role does Scripture play in this context? [27:04]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current engagement with Scripture. Are there specific areas where you feel you need to grow in your understanding or application of God's Word? How can you take steps to address this? [40:42]

2. The pastor emphasized the importance of using our gifts to serve others. Identify one gift you have and consider how you can use it to serve your church community this week. [33:09]

3. In what ways have you been tempted to pick and choose which parts of Scripture to follow? How can you commit to aligning your life more fully with God's truth? [21:22]

4. Think of a time when words, either positive or negative, had a significant impact on your life. How can you be more intentional about using your words to encourage and build up others? [05:05]

5. The sermon mentioned the importance of not letting fear or doubt hold us back from fulfilling our calling. What fears or doubts are currently hindering you, and how can you confront them with the truth of Scripture? [34:21]

6. Consider the role of Scripture in your personal spiritual growth. What specific steps can you take to ensure that you are consistently engaging with God's Word? [40:42]

7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to prioritize Scripture in their lives? What practical ways can you support each other in this journey? [40:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Living Word of God
Scripture is not merely a collection of ancient texts; it is the living, eternal Word of God, inspired and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. In a world where truth is often seen as relative, the Bible stands as a steadfast source of divine truth. It is essential for our spiritual growth and equips us for every good work. By holding fast to its truth, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. The power of Scripture lies in its ability to transform lives, guiding us in our journey of faith and helping us to become more like Christ. [08:26]

2 Peter 1:20-21 (ESV): "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize engaging with Scripture daily to allow its transformative power to guide your life?

Day 2: Embracing the Unity of Scripture
All Scripture, both Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God and provides a complete picture of who He is. It is not for us to pick and choose which parts to follow based on our preferences. Instead, we are called to align our lives with God's truth as revealed in His Word. This unity of Scripture challenges us to embrace the entirety of God's message, understanding that each part contributes to the whole. By doing so, we gain a fuller understanding of God's character and His plan for our lives. [17:08]

Psalm 119:160 (ESV): "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."

Reflection: Are there parts of Scripture you find challenging to accept? How can you seek understanding and alignment with God's truth in those areas?

Day 3: Personal Growth Through Scripture
Scripture is not just for teaching others; it is also for our personal growth and correction. It rebukes us, reminds us of our inconsistencies, and shows us how to live in response to God's truth. By being open to its transformative power, we allow Scripture to shape our character and guide our actions. This process of growth requires humility and a willingness to be corrected, but it ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more authentic expression of our faith. [29:23]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to allow Scripture to correct and guide you? How can you take a step towards that today?

Day 4: Using Our Gifts for Service
God calls each of us to use our gifts to serve others. We must not let fear or doubt hold us back from fulfilling our calling. Whether it's teaching, leading, or simply being a faithful presence, we have a role to play in God's work. By stepping out in faith and using our gifts, we contribute to the growth and health of the church community. This service is not only a blessing to others but also a means of experiencing God's joy and purpose in our own lives. [33:09]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: What specific gift has God given you, and how can you use it to serve others in your church or community this week?

Day 5: Consistency in Engaging with Scripture
Consistent engagement with Scripture is vital for our spiritual health. It helps us stay grounded in truth and equips us to navigate the challenges of life. By prioritizing time in God's Word, we allow it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This consistency builds a strong foundation of faith, enabling us to stand firm in the face of trials and temptations. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we grow in our understanding of God's will and our ability to live it out daily. [40:42]

Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that ensures consistent engagement with Scripture, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this in your life?

Quotes

1) "And as sabbaticals are great for a pastor or a leader to get away and to recharge, there's some things that happen. I'm reminded that this place is going to go on even when I'm not here, which is an incredible thing. None of us want something to die if we're not at the helm, right? And that's the way that God has organized the church. One of the conversations we have pretty much annually with our staff is that for all of us, God has called us to this place, and we value our team. We're excited about the leaders that God has put here, but all of us are in them. We're either going to die, and then after our funeral, God's going to replace us and rise up new leaders to continue the work that he wants to have accomplished. Or he's going to call us somewhere different, and then we're going to be diligent to find leaders because it's, it's his work that he wants to be accomplished. Or we're going to retire, and there's going to be prayer for new leaders to continue the what? The work that he wants to see accomplished. Like, we are all interims." [02:00] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "The words that we use have so much power in our lives, don't they? And you can think back to middle school, to high school, college. Maybe it was not that long ago. It was just a few weeks ago. The words that people use have the power. They change your life, don't they? Those encouraging words that your grandmother gave you. Or if it was like my grandmother, when I got into middle school, she, like, brought me a sign. I was the oldest grandchild. She brought me a sign, and she taught me about the dangers of rap music and how Satan would enter my mind if I ever listened to rap music. And, well, I think the application may have been a little skewed. She wasn't up to what was happening. Like, the motivation and the intention was there. Look, she wanted to make sure that her grandson knew about dangers in the world. I wasn't just, And some of these conversations stay with us forever, don't they? The good ones, and unfortunately, the bad ones." [05:05] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "And whoever did that was a dummy. Like, that statement's not true at all. People don't go to counseling. We don't go to counseling because of sticks and stones. We go to counseling because of our words, right? And the way that we speak, the words that we use have power. And how much more so the living, eternal, true word of God. And our intention over this month and last month has been for us to be reminded of Scriptures. And, yes, the words that we use, the words that others speak over us or pray over us have power and weight. But there are no words that we can come up with that have the power and the weight of Scripture. It is true on everything that it says. And it is the way that we learn about God, and we learn how we can follow God." [06:23] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And Satan is the father of lies. His main attack is against the Word of God. Why? Because if we are confused, if we question, if we're disobedient, then we're taking steps away from God and what he has for us. And Satan's known this since day one. And Satan's been convinced that if we can misunderstand, if we can be disinterested, if we can just be apathetic to what God has for us and the words that he's spoken to us, then in turn, we're going to be disinterested and we're going to be apathetic towards God." [14:48] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "And sometimes we wish he would have said something different, right? If you love me, go to an annual conference. If you love me, sing worship music louder. If you love me, go do these things. If you love me, be nice to people. And he does say, man, that we should love and to care and to serve and to worship. But those are all commands, aren't they? He's saying, look, if you love me, you're going to follow me. You're going to let me lead. And for so many of us, we want to follow God. We want to follow Jesus as long as we can lead. Let's not call it following. Let's call it leading. And as elementary as it is, man, it's a daily battle for all of us, isn't it?" [16:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Scripture is the word of God. 2 Timothy 3.16, all scripture is inspired by God. All scripture, Old and New Testaments, married together to show us a full picture of who God is and how we can live a response to him. Man, I feel like I'm taking crazy pills every now and again. And I see pastors standing in churches and they're calling into question the validity or the necessity of the Old Testament. I'm like, what Bible college did you go to? Some of them haven't. And I'm like, oh, it's glaring, right? I was seminarian. What seminarian did you go to? Like, you don't separate it. There aren't two different gods. And today, you're frustrated. So I'm going to pick the Old Testament God of wrath and I'm going to smite someone. But today, I want somebody to love me. So I'm going to pick Jesus. Jesus is all about love. No, Jesus is God. Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit are the Trinity. They are in unified work throughout all of history." [17:08] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And all Scripture, every verse, every word, every account is by God and inspired by God. And what a lot of people want to do is just copy and paste. And we live in a copy and paste culture. I wish the internet was this prevalent when I was like in high school, but it's probably not a good thing. I would not have studied as much as I did. People are like, you can just Google anything now, can't you? Back when we were kids, what was the one thing your math teacher said? Now, you're not going to have a calculator everywhere you go. You better learn how to do a tip. Little did they know, they're going to put the tip on the receipt now. And they're going to turn that screen around and make sure you give a tip. They're not worried about that now, all right? Man, like, how easy it is for us to copy, copy and paste. You take a news story here, take a news story there. And because of the vast amount of information, a lot of people get in the habit of like, well, I'm going to take a story from here, take a story from there, an account from there. And all of us are kind of lacking a full picture. And what a lot of people want to do is just cut and paste scripture. Man, I like these passages. I'm going to focus in on this aspect. I'm not going to read. I'm not going to be condemned by these verses. And what we end up doing is we're trying to cut and paste the approach we want to the Bible." [19:39] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And the question that I had for me as I was reading through this and studying this week, it's like, man, if these are the literal words of God, if this is inspired by God, if this is what God has for all of humanity through all of history to read about him, and the question I have for myself is, well, whose words am I looking for? Like, who am I longing to hear from, and whose voice is brightening my day? And look, I love hearing from my kids. I'll come in the house at the end of the day, and they're yelling, Dad! And I'm talking to Annie, like, as parents, and you're in a relationship. Like, those things just, they make you feel awesome to have people who are close. I had to walk in here, other than the jeers and kind of sideways glances, because you didn't know if I was Chase or not, and you're like, am I having a stroke? I get that. But, man, people are like, hey, we've missed you, and the conversations and me catching up on life. Like, we love hearing from people." [24:20] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And today, are you feeling like you were complete and equipped to do the work that God has called you to do? To raise your kids in a crazy, chaotic world. To be truth to your coworkers. To be encouraging to the person who just lost a family member. For you to repent of sin on your own. For you to open up about inconsistencies in your life. Do you feel complete and comfortable and equipped to do the work that God has called you to do? And today, if not, then it might be time for us to dive back into the word. For us to spend time with Jesus. Because you don't have to go off and get a four-year degree. Man, if we are diligent to spend time in his word, God, he is going to continue to be diligent to lead us." [39:27] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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