The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel Express

Psalm 119:89–96, 2 Timothy 3:1–17, Jeremiah 50:18–45

The apostle Paul describes all Scripture as ‘*God-breathed*’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is not just inspired in the way that artists, poets, composers and musical performers can be said to be inspired. It actually has God’s breath, his Spirit, in it. Through the Bible, God speaks to you.

Proverbs 25:21–28, 2 Timothy 2:1–24, Jeremiah 50:4

Being ‘useful to the Master’ and ‘instruments for noble purposes’ starts with dedicating your life to him and re-dedicating it regularly to his service.

Psalm 119:81, 2 Timothy 1:2–18, Jeremiah 48:10–29; 49:1

The older I get, the more I appreciate the wisdom of the generations before me and the more I realise the responsibility we *all* have to pass the baton on to the next generation.

Psalm 119:73–74, 1 Timothy 6:3–19, Jeremiah 46:28

Ultimately, contentment only comes from putting your hope in God: ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’.

Psalm 119:66–72, 1 Timothy 5:1–20; 6:1–2, Jeremiah 43:1–2; 44:1–5

The Bible is very realistic. We live in a fallen world. Everyone goes through hard times and some people find themselves in circumstances that make life hard all of the time.

Proverbs 25:11–18, 1 Timothy 4:1–16, Jeremiah 42:4

The most powerful words ever written are in the Bible. Words are an important theme in it, and the word ‘word’ is used in different senses in today’s passages.

Psalm 119:57–64, 1 Timothy 3:1–16, Jeremiah 38:14–20

Leadership is not only functional, but also involves a responsibility to live *as an example* to others.

Psalm 119:49–55, 1 Timothy 2:1–6, Jeremiah 35:12–15; 37:1–3

There is no limit to the times, places and different ways in which you can pray.

Psalm 119:41–48, 1 Timothy 1:3–19, Jeremiah 32:37–41; 33:2–11

Faith *leads to* true freedom and love. Love, faith and freedom are inextricably entwined.

Proverbs 25:4–8, 2 Thessalonians 3:1–16, Jeremiah 31:31–34

Jesus did not go for the easy or popular solution, but he always did the right thing. This is an important principle that runs throughout the entire Bible.