A Student of God’s Word

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:12-17

I. Why the exhortation to study God’s word?

A. Makes one wise for salvation, 2 Timothy 3:15

B. Defense against false teaching, 2 Timothy 3:13-14

C. Instruction and encouragement for living in Christ, Ephesians 4:20-24

D. Preparation for Judgment, 2 Timothy 2:15

II. Use of scripture (2 Timothy 3:16)

A. Doctrine

B. Divine teaching by which one will be judged

C. Includes the gospel, 1 Timothy 1:10-11 We must obey it, Romans 6:17 We must abide in it, 2 John 9, Acts 2:42

D. The Bible is the only source of God’s instructions for man

E. It contains all things that pertain to life and godliness, 2 Peter 2:1-4 It was delivered one for all time, Jude 3 We will be judged by God’s word, Revelation 20:12 Therefore, we must be familiar with the doctrine of Christ

F. Reproof

G. Using the truth of scripture to argue against false doctrine and for truth

H. A defense of what is true to persuade men to serve God and combat error

I. The Bible gives proof that Jesus is the Son of God which leads some to follow Him and is a rebuke to those who would deny His divinity. The Bible is the basis of all we teach for it argues the holiness of God, His divine plan of salvation, our hopeless sinful situation, and eternal salvation though repentance and obedience to God’s will.

J. Correction

K. Correcting errors in one’s life so he can become more like Jesus. Perfect law of liberty manifests what must be changed, James 1:21-25 Just as a pilot may use date from the instruments in the airplane cockpit to know where he is going and make course corrections, so also God’s word allows us to know where we stand before God and what course corrections we need to make.

L. Instruction in righteousness

M. Not only does Scripture show us what to avoid and what must be changed, it also instructs us in what we need to do. We do not please God by only avoiding what He does not want us to do; we must do the work He wants us to accomplish.

N. Some people use their own judgment and feelings to decide what they think they should do to please God.

O. This is foolish for “our ways are not God’s ways” and “there is a way that seems right to man but it leads to death.” God has revealed His will for us; we must obey it.

III. Method of study (1 Timothy 4:13)

A. Reading

B. We must spend time reading God’s word and familiarizing ourselves with the stories, the chain of events in salvation’s plan, Biblical characters, and where things are in the Bible. Rereading short passages allows one to make a passage part of his life and will often reveal things missed on a casual perusal of the section. One can choose to read the Bible in a year, focus on the gospels, the epistles, the wisdom literature or any other grouping that is needful. Reading provides the foundation upon which more knowledge is built.

C. Exhortation

D. Exhortation is reading for encouragement and motivation.

E. We can read sections of scripture that encourage us…

F. To remain faithful (“In My Father’s house are many mansions…”) To do good works (“Do not grow weary in well doing…”) To endure persecution (“All who desire to live godly will endure…”) We would do well to commit to memory passages that encourage us so we may draw upon them anytime we need them.

G. Doctrine

H. We must also give time to study why we practice the things we practice and do not engage in other practices. Knowing sound doctrine allows us to know false doctrine and avoid it, 4:3. As we study doctrine, we take possession of our beliefs for we know why we act in a certain way and can teach and defend it.

I. Seek opportunities to be taught, Ephesians 4:11-13

J. God has blessed the church with individuals devoted to the study of God’s word to teach others, equipping them for God’s service. When we neglect opportunities for Bible study, we miss opportunities to be stronger in our faith and to learn things that it might take us a long time to learn on our own. Part of our reason for assembling is to learn the knowledge of God and equipping ourselves for using it in our lives. We must eat spiritual food if we want to grow.

K. Pray for wisdom

L. James 1:5 – Exhortation to pray for wisdom As you accumulate this knowledge, ask God to help you learn how to make decisions, separate truth and error, and fully understand and appreciate His divine will.

M. Practical suggestions

N. Schedule some time every day (you will not find time but must make time) Find a major translation of the Bible that is readable (parents, check your child’s Bible…does it need to be updated?) Take notes on your reading and the preaching. Do your Bible lessons and attend class.