Notes

MATURING INTO CHRIST
V. Loving God’s Word
II Timothy 3:10-17 February 8, 2009

INTRODUCTION
We will look at a passage that probably more than any other, sets forth the nature of the Word of God and our response to it. Everything we need to know in order to mature into Christ is found in the Word of God. The source of all knowledge and guidance is found in the Word of God.

I. ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED
Scripture originated in the mind of God, not man. It is God-breathed. He inspired the writers to use their own personalities and writing styles to record what He wanted us to know. Because the Bible is God breathed, and because God cannot lie, Scripture is infallible. What was the Lord Jesus’ view of Scripture? Our view of Scripture must conform to His.

II. BY KNOWING GOD’S WORD, WE KNOW GOD’S SON
To know how to live the Christian life, how to be a Christian, how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, read the Bible. It is our chief way of knowing Him.

III. GOD EQUIPS HIS PEOPLE THROUGH HIS WORD
“Man of God” is an Old Testament designation for a prophet. If the Apostles and Prophets are dead, how does the Word of God go forth? Through equipped preachers, Paul says in Romans 10. The person equipped with the Word of God can impact countless numbers of people. The Scriptures are sufficient to make us mature in Christ. The Word of God equips us to face life square on and gives us strength for the task. It completes that good work God has begun in believers. “Work out your salvation in fear and trembling” is accomplished through our reading and study of the Word of God. There is nothing that can help us like the Word of God. It scrutinizes our lives, challenges our hearts, encourages us to believe its Truth. St. Paul loves God’s Word. Timothy loves God’s Word. The writer of Psalm One loves God’s Word. If we love the Lord, we will love His Word. Psalm 119.97. To mature into Christ, we must read the Word as God’s Love Letter to each of us.