In the “Let’s Be Clear” series, we are teaching what the Bible clearly says on controversial topics regarding the Church today. The big idea for this series is this: Clarity is the answer to confusion.
In week five we talked about how we know what is true in the world and who decides what is true, unveiling the big idea that the Bible is God’s word, and it has the power to change us.
Sermon Recap: God gave us His word.
Our text for this week is 2 Timothy 3:14-17:
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which can make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.”
In today’s culture, we live in a sea of confusion when it comes to truth. There are so many different “truths” being talked about and thrown at us that it can feel overwhelming and frustrating when you are trying to decide what is true in the world. For the most part, our culture does not want to answer the question around truth clearly. However, the Bible is abundantly clear, and it is so refreshing!
The Bible claims that all scripture is breathed out by God. The Bible doesn’t defend this statement. The Bible doesn’t appeal to its historicity or logic to make the point. The Bible simply states that it is the word of God. All of it! This goes against our modern sensibilities, doesn’t it? We need logic to prove something is true. Are we just supposed to believe that the Bible is God’s word simply because it says so? The answer is emphatically, ‘yes!’
People have many objections against the Bible trying to prove that it is not true or accurate. If the Bible were ultimate, like it claims that it is, then it certainly could be used to demonstrate its truthfulness. Throughout history, we have seen different cultural truths change. Science claims have even changed throughout history, but the Bible has had the same claims for 3,000 years. Jesus himself quoted the Bible as truth. In John 17:17 Jesus says, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Another objection people can have against the Bible is its reliability. We have proof that the names, language, and locations are accurate. The Bible is a reliable book, and in terms of history and manuscripts, the Bible is the most reliable ancient book that has ever been written. There is not a close second. The Bible claims that it is the very word of God. I believe that we cannot hide behind this idea of “reliability” as to why we do not believe the Bible.
People choose to not believe the Bible because they don’t want God to have a say in their life. They want to be god in their own life! We want to make the rules in our lives and not have someone else make them for us. This is a problem all of us have. This goes back to the very beginning of the Bible in Genesis 3 when we see Adam and Eve in the garden questioning what God had put in place. If we choose not to believe in the Bible, we can stay in control of the story. If we choose to believe the Bible, then God is in control of our story.
Have you given the Bible authority over your life? Here are a couple of questions you can ask if you’re not sure if you have: Who wins when you and the Bible disagree? Do you believe and obey the Bible when believing the Bible is hard? It is hard to give over control of anything, especially with our own lives because we believe that we are in control. But we are not! God is in control, and it is such a wonderful thing when we allow Him to be in control over each of our lives. The Bible is profitable for our lives, and through the gospel, we have salvation in Jesus Christ! This is the most profitable gift we could ever receive!
Application: Immerse yourself in the power of God’s word.
The power in God’s word is unmatched. When we take time to read, listen to, and study God’s word, we will be changed. The Bible promises that! The Bible, if you let it, will coach, mentor, and teach you in so many ways.
It can be daunting to read the Bible, especially if you’ve never read it before. There are many great resources like Bible studies and commentaries to help you read the Bible. A great place to start is in the Proverbs. There are 31 chapters, you could read one each day! When reading the Bible feels overwhelming, ask God to help you have the desire and the discernment to read it.
Another great place to learn God’s word is in community group! Each week our groups dive into the sermon and study God’s word together. There are so many stories of people growing in their faith because they read the Bible with friends or a group and had a place to talk about it. I would encourage you to get into a group if you’re not!
I pray this week that you will give the Bible authority over your life. There is so much richness and abundance when we trust and read the word of God. He gave it to us for a purpose, and I hope that you will see the goodness of it as you read it. God desires to change and grow you through His word if you allow Him to!
-Bobby Herrington (Lead Pastor of Ministries & Operations)
Watch the full sermon from week five here!
Additional Resources:
The Big Picture Story Bible
A simple picture Bible for kids ages 2-6 to help them see the one, unifying storyline of Scripture.
The Action Bible
Presents the biblical story in a comic-book style layout to engage young readers 6-13 years old.
The Bible Recap
A tool to help you stay engaged with your daily Bible reading.
“How To Read the Bible” (Bible Project)
A great video series to equip those who want to understand how to interpret the meaning of the Bible.
Hear Believe Become Do (Journal) by Neeko Williams
A tool to help you apply the preached Word to your daily life.
