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Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 2 Timothy 3:12-17

We are living in a dangerous time of apostasy; it is crucial that we put our faith in Scripture, our sure word in difficult days.

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…”

The Bible is the very breath of God, fully inspired by Him. It is not a partial or progressive inspiration; it is full and complete. The Bible gives us instruction for righteousness.

Because the Bible is inspired and instructive, it is instrumental in several aspects of our spiritual lives.

First, the Scriptures are instrumental in salvation.

Our friends are not saved by our philosophies, ideas, or testimonies. Rather, it is only by the saving grace of Jesus Christ, stated in Scripture. The Word of God must be shared with people in order for them to be saved.

The Scriptures are also instrumental in our sanctification.

This does not mean the Bible makes us sinless; rather, it makes us mature.

Adrian Rogers says, “You’ll never be a strong, mature Christian until you get in the Word of God.”

Third, the Scriptures are necessary for service.

God does not send us into spiritual war unarmed; the Bible equips us for service, like soldiers in a battle. Our faith is not blind or superstitious; it is rooted in evidence. There is historical and scientific evidence in the Bible; it is an indestructible book that has lasted through the ages. It is meant to be treasured.

Faith that is rooted in evidence goes beyond evidence. God is good to give us evidence, but there comes a time when we must go beyond evidence. Faith is more than an intellectual response to facts; it is a moral response to what God says through these facts. This is when faith then becomes its own best evidence.

A life built up by the Bible is not easily shaken by difficulty; if we are on the right foundation, we can face any fearful thing life throws our way.

Apply it to your life

Adrian Rogers says, “If you are a fearful saint in these desperate days in which we live, get a bulldog grip on the Word of God because you’re going to need it.”

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Today on BOLD STEPS with Pastor Mark Jobe, we’re learning how to stay in favor and keep our hearts soft as we walk in victory. As we conclude our study, Mark’s going to be taking us to Exodus chapter 20 … to show us why lying isn’t simply about the words we use!  Join us as we learn about the 4 things that happen whenever you tell a lie. Our message is called, Thou Shall Not Lie.

 Bold Step Gift: Lies Boys Believe: And The Epic Quest For Truth

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In 1985, Neil Postman published Amusing Ourselves to Death. That means this year is the 40th birthday of this landmark book.

And in that 40 years, Postman’s troubling prophesies have mostly come true. Screens have reshaped our minds, our relationships, and our culture. Ivan Mesa and Brett McCracken say that “social media and smartphones have brought an appetite for distraction, an epidemic of loneliness, and increased rates of mental health challenges.

Their new book, Scrolling Ourselves to Death, is a collection of essays by them and many others who have studied not only Neil Postman’s book, but also the culture – examining both through a Christian worldview lens. Both Postman’s original book, and this new book celebrating Postman, have much to offer Christians today, and I’m delighted to have both Brett and Ivan on the podcast.

Brett McCracken is a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition and the author of many excellent books, including one of my recent favorites, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World. Ivan Mesa ha a PhD from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and is the editorial director for The Gospel Coalition. He is the author of Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

Our teacher, John Mathews, covers the topic of responsibility and work ethic among believers. Paul encourages the Thessalonian church to pray for the spread of the gospel and for protection from evil. He corrects the behavior of those living idly, urging them to work and contribute. Paul provides himself as an example of diligence and reminds the church to gently correct those who step out of line.

’Tis a fearful thing/to love what death can touch. That line begins a poem written over a thousand years ago by the Jewish poet Judah Halevi, translated in the twentieth century. The poet clarifies what’s behind the fear: to love . . . / And oh, to lose.

In Genesis, an outpouring of emotion occurred when Abraham lost Sarah in death. “Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her” (23:2). The chapter unfolds the beautiful, grief-heavy story of the loss of one of Scripture’s most memorable characters: Sarah, the faithful wife of Abraham, that old woman who laughed at the news she’d be a mother (18:11-12) but cried in pain as Isaac made his way into this world.

We make much of that crisp, humanity-rich verse in John’s gospel: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). Jesus’ tears at the tomb of Lazarus emphasized His loss. To love is indeed a fearful thing. The poet Halevi calls it a thing for fools, yet he follows by also naming it a holy thing, which it is, especially for those whose faith is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

We love and lose everything from spouses to children to parents to friends to pets, and weeping with painful joy is oh-so-human. Yet for the believer in Jesus, our weeping only lasts for the proverbial night. As David wrote, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Our Father hasn’t left us bereft of hope.