Foundations: What EVery Christian Ought To Know

The Bible Is the Word of God

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

In June of 2013, news broadcasts across the country featured a little boy, named Grayson Clamp, doing something he had never done before. The three-year-old was born without the auditory nerves that carry sound to the brain. Attempts to restore his hearing with a cochlear implant were unsuccessful, so doctors at the University of North Carolina tried an experimental procedure to implant an auditory nerve directly into Grayson’s brain. This procedure proved successful, and millions of people enjoyed seeing the look of wonder and joy on the little boy’s face when he heard his father’s voice for the first time.

Can you imagine hearing your father’s voice for the first time? When we read the Bible we are hearing from God. Pastor Jim explained that God most often speaks through the Bible. The Apostle Paul taught that all Scripture is “God-breathed.” This mean’s God literally inspired the words that were recorded by the biblical writers.

Reflection

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”  The more you spend time in God’s Word, the more you will sense the timeliness of what you read and how God is speaking. Can you recall reading or hearing God’s Word and it was exactly what you needed to hear?

Praise/Prayer

Praise God for giving you His Word so you can hear from Him. Ask God to give you the ability to hear what He is saying to you through the Bible.

The Bible is Profitable for Teaching

 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Jean-Paul moved to Texas and bought a donkey from an old farmer for $100. The farmer agreed to deliver the donkey the next day. The next day the farmer drove up and said, “Sorry, but I got some bad news. The donkey died.” “Well then, just give me my money back.” “Can’t do that, I went and spent it already.” “OK then, just unload the donkey.” “What are you gonna do with him?” “I’m gonna raffle him off.” “You can’t raffle off a dead donkey!” “Sure, I can. Watch me. I just won’t tell anyone he’s dead.” A month later the farmer met up with him and asked, “What happened with the dead donkey?” “I raffled him off. I sold 500 tickets at $2 a piece and made a profit of $898.” “Didn’t anyone complain?” “Just the guy who won. So I gave him his $2 back.”

The Bible provides a much more honest way to make a profit. In 2 Timothy 3:16, the Apostle Paul wanted young Timothy, his apprentice, to understand just how profitable it was to have God’s Word. The first way Paul taught that the Bible was profitable was for teaching. Through teaching, we learn what is true and right in God’s sight. 

Reflection

Who has been some of your favorite Bible teachers? How have you profited from learning God’s Word? Try memorizing a verse this week.

Praise/Prayer

Thank God for giving us clear instructions in His Word. Praise God for the value that His Word is adding to your life. Ask God to grow your understanding of His Word.

The Bible is Profitable for Reproof

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

When the railroads were first introduced to the U.S., some folks feared that they would be the downfall of the nation! Legend says Martin Van Buren, Governor of New York, wrote a letter to President Andrew Jackson. Here’s an excerpt from the alleged letter dated January 31, 1829: As you may know, Mr. President, railroad carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by train engines which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed.

Thankfully, public perception changed and so did transportation. We learned in the sermon that one of the things that makes the Bible profitable is reproof. That means the Bible shows us when we are wrong. We don’t realize that we need a Savior until we realize that we are sinners.

Reflection

Can you think of any areas where the Bible has revealed that you were wrong? Are there any beliefs that you currently hold that you think may be contrary to what the Bible teaches? If you believe the Bible is God’s Word, why would you not be willing to change?

Praise/Prayer

Thank God for loving you enough to change you for your good and for His glory. Ask God to show you areas of your life that need to be changed.

The Bible Is Profitable for Correction

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

Several prominent literary figures were invited to an open forum where someone interviewed them and asked them questions. One question that came up was this: “If you were stranded on a desert isle, and you could only have one book, which book would you bring with you?” The first person said without hesitating, “The complete works of William Shakespeare.” The next said, “I would bring the Bible with me.” They turned to the last writer and said, “How about you? What book would you bring with you to a desert isle?” He responded, “Thomas’ Guide to Practical Ship Building.”

The Bible is a guide that shows us not only when we are not right with God but it also shows us how to get right with God. This is called “correction.” It’s a cruel thing to simply convince people of their sinfulness but not show them how they can find forgiveness and life change.

Reflection

What were some of the ways your parents tried to correct your behavior when you were younger? What are some of the ways God tries to correct your behavior today?

Praise/Prayer

Thank God for loving you enough to discipline you so that you can experience the blessed life He wants for you. Ask God to continue to build you up in areas where you are weakest.

The Bible is Profitable for Training

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. –  2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)

A little boy opened the big family Bible at home. He was fascinated as he searched through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the Bible. He picked up the object and looked at it closely. What he saw was an old leaf that had been pressed in between the pages. “Mamma, look what I found,” the boy called out. “What have you got there, dear?” his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered: “I think it’s Adam’s underwear.”

When we search God’s Word we are more likely to hear God’s voice. And when we search God’s Word we receive “training in righteousness.” This means the Bible can teach us how to stay right with God. Training is an ongoing process. As long as we are alive, God isn’t done shaping us into His image.

Reflection

The Bible encourages us to dig in and search for truth. If we only occasionally open God’s word and never really dig in, we are less likely to hear what God wants us to hear or how to live in the center of His will. Do you spend time in the Bible daily? If you are eager to hear from God, take time daily to search His Word.

Praise/Prayer

Praise God that His Word stands the test of investigation. Thank Him for giving us daily nourishment from the Bible. Ask Him to grow your desire for daily Bible study.