THE STIRRING & SETTLING OF SCRIPTURE

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0><script type="text/javascript" src="http://hb.lycos.com/hb.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://ratings.lycos.com/ratings/lycosRating.js.php"></script> <script type="text/javascript"><![CDATA[//><!]]></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://scripts.lycos.com/catman/init.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-start.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-middle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/ad/code-end.js"></script> <noscript> <img src="http://members.tripod.com/adm/img/common/ot_noscript.gif?rand=298612" alt="" width="1" height="1" />  <iframe frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" width="728" height="90" src="http://ad.yieldmanager.com/st?ad_type=iframe&ad_size=728x90&section=209094"></iframe>  </noscript> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=95 BGCOLOR="#330066" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="048005f0dkblkv.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Preach The Word</b></FONT><B>     </b><B>|    </b><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B> </b><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Preach The Word"><U><B>home</b></U></A></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="2 Timothy"><U><B>2 Timothy</b></U></A><B>   l   </b><A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="DANIEL"><U><B>Daniel</b></U></A><B>   l  </b><A HREF="id69.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ZECHARIAH: "><U><B> Zechariah</b></U></A><B>   l   </b><A HREF="id70.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="MARK"><U><B>Mark</b></U></A><B>    I   </b><A HREF="id136.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="TOPICAL STUDIES"><U><B>Topical Studies</b></U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=385 BGCOLOR="#DDDDDD" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>THE STIRRING & SETTLING OF SCRIPTURE</b></div> <div> 2 Timothy 3:16-17</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >2 Timothy 3:16</FONT> a definite climax to this whole letter.  It's definitely the key verse of <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >chapter 3</FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> I've entitled this chapter, "Endurance in spite of great apostasy" because the first 9 verses speak of the Dark Apostasy of these Last Days and the rest of the chapter gives us what we need in order to endure through them.</div> <bR> <div> And it all boils down to this: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#660000" FACE="Arial" >Get planted in God's never-changing Word and Obey it.</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Now, last time, we studied the first part of <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >verse 16</FONT>.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Our Faith Stands On the Scriptures.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Scriptures Are Timeless (from God).</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The Scriptures Are Sufficient (for man).</div> <bR> <div> That's what he's saying when he writes,  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful…"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> This morning we're going to look at the rest of this verse and chapter and see "The Stirring And Settling of Scripture."</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>1. SCRIPTURE REVEALS SOUND DOCTRINE.</b></div> <bR> <div> "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…"</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Teaching"</FONT> is <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"didaskalia"</FONT> and is a noun rather than a verb.  That's why in some versions <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"didaskalia" </FONT>is translated <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"doctrine"</FONT>.  The idea is that <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Scripture is useful for instruction, doctrine or imparting God's truth."</FONT></div> <bR> <div> In other words, "Where does a believer learn sound doctrine and divine truth?" In Scripture.  In God's Holy Word.  Not through visions.  Not through dreams.  Not through some audible voice in the night.  But through God's word.  Why? Because it's God-breathed.  It's the written record that God has given to His people in order for us to have no doubt about what is true and what is false. </div> <bR> <div> "God-breathed Scripture provides for us the comprehensive and complete body of divine truth necessary to live as our heavenly Father desires for us to live.  The wisdom and guidance for fulfilling everything he commands us to believe, think, say, and do is found in his inerrant, authoritative, comprehensive, and completed word."  <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >MacArthur, 2 Timothy, p. 154-55</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Where can a person find out how to get saved?  In the Bible.  Where can a believer find out what God's will is for his life? In the Scripture.  Where can a discouraged believer find comfort and encouragement for his sad soul?  In the Scripture.  Where can a confused Christian find the answers to his psychological problems? In the Bible. </div> <bR> <div> You see, "That's" why Jesus said, </div> <bR> <div> "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."  Mt.4:4</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Peter</U></b></div> <bR> <div> "Like newborn babes, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:2-3</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Hebrews</U></b></div> <bR> <div> "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.  In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!"  Hebrews 5:11-12</div> <bR> <div> "(The words of the Lord) are sweeter than honey, then honey from the comb." Ps.19:10</div> <bR> <div> The Scripture contains all the spiritual ingredients needed in order for the Christian's soul to feed upon and grow towards spiritual maturity and adulthood. </div> <bR> <div> But how does this spiritual growth happen? Most believers don't have a problem with what I've just said.  We agree that in order to grow we need the Word.  But here's the all-important question: "If most Christians agree that we grow through the taking in of God's Word, why are most Christians not growing? Why are Church's everywhere filled with immature believers?</div> <bR> <div> Here's the answer: "Because most believers don't like to be stirred by the Word." And this is what Paul calls our attention to next.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>2. SCRIPTURE REBUKES ERROR</b></div> <bR> <div> "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for… rebuking."</div> <bR> <div> Some versions say, <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"reproof"</FONT> here.  The Greek word is <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"Elegmos"</FONT>. And means to rebuke in order to convict of misbehavior or false doctrine.  To reprove means to point out a fault.  When someone reproves or rebukes you that person is pointing out something you believe, or are doing that is wrong.  And Paul is saying here that this is one of the ways that God's word stirs us.  The Scripture rebukes us. It shows us if we're in error.  It points out our erroneous beliefs.  It tells us point blank when we're in sin.  It acts like a referee and says, "You're wrong! You've crossed the boundaries!  You've broken the rules!  You're in error! Take notice!"</div> <bR> <div> And that's where you're reaction will determine if you're determined to grow as a believer or not.  You see God won't condemn you for sins of ignorance.  But He will rebuke you in order to show you your sin so that you can confess it and turn away from it, right?</div> <bR> <div> Turn to: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Romans 7:7</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Other Scriptures highlight this same truth;</div> <bR> <div> "Through the law we become conscious of sin" Roman 3:20</div> <bR> <div> "Where there is no law there is no transgression" 4:15</div> <bR> <div> "Sin is not taken into account when there is no law." 5:13</div> <bR> <div> "Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness."  1 John 3:4</div> <bR> <div> So now you know why an unbeliever or a sinning Christian doesn't find much pleasure in reading the bible.  Because Scripture only has one answer for voluntary and continual sin: Punishment.  Chastisement.  Discipline.</div> <bR> <div> Most people don't like to be proven wrong. Our human, sinful nature does not take pleasure in being told that it's in the wrong and needs to change.  A survey was recently taken in one major city with the purpose of asking people if they considered themselves bad, pretty good or very good drivers.  Guess what the overwhelming majority said on the survey: "I consider myself an excellent driver."  One man called a Talk show on the Radio recently to report a huge traffic jam on Deerfoot trail.  It was a several car pile-up.  The Radio announcer asked him what the problem was.  He answer, "Oh, it's very simple. People in Calgary don't know how to drive!" Bottom line: Nobody likes to admit or to be told that he's the one in the wrong.</div> <bR> <div> I know this might not sound like a great new revelation to you.  But what I'd like to point out here is this: If the vast majority of us won't accept or listen to someone else's rebuke when we're in the wrong. How many of us are actually going to change for the better?  </div> <div> And if people refuse to acknowledge their problems, what hope do we have in bettering hour homes?  Our community? Or our City? Not much.</div> <bR> <div> And when we refuse to acknowledge our problems we usually do it with an attitude.  And it's usually and attitude of pride, self-righteousness, "I'm not worse than the next guy?" type of thing.</div> <bR> <div> But let's look at what God thinks of a person who turns a deaf ear to His rebukes;</div> <bR> <div> Turn to: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Proverbs 1:23 / 9:8 / 29:1</FONT></div> <bR> <div> But look at what God says to the one who heeds to and accepts His rebuke: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Proverbs 15:31 / 19:25 / 25:12</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Well, let me leave you with this.  Nobody can force you to listen to and accept the Lord's rebuke.  You're free to "be who you is" and "stay as you are". But remember this: If you are a Christian who doesn't like to be rebuked of the Lord don't kid yourself or anyone else and have us believe that you are a spiritual Christian.  And you're certainly doing nobody a favor.  You're actually stunting your own spiritual growth, as well as those who could grow through your ministry.</div> <bR> <div> You want to know what a spiritual Christian's attitude is when it comes to the Lord's rebuke? Turn to: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Psalm 139:23-24</FONT></div> <bR> <div> The Spiritual Christian knows he'll never grow if he stays in error.  So he wants to be notified if he is so he can deal with the excess baggage and move on. </div> <bR> <div> But Paul goes on to say that Scripture doesn't just rebuke us and than leave us there.  Scripture first rebuke us, than corrects the error.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>3. SCRIPTURE CORRECTS ERROR</b></div> <bR> <div>  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for…correcting"</FONT></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Rebuking"</FONT> is the negative.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Correcting"</FONT> is positive.</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Rebuking"</FONT> is pointing out what's wrong.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Correcting"</FONT> is showing how to make it right.</div> <bR> <div> Scripture is filled with examples of this.</div> <bR> <div> Turn to: <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Revelation 2:4-5 / 3:17-18</FONT></div> <bR> <div> Jesus and the woman caught in the act of adultery:</div> <div> "Go now and leave your life of sin."  John 8:11</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >2 Timothy 3</FONT> is an excellent example here. <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Verses 1-9</FONT> rebuke the sins of lawlessness and apostasy.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Verses 10-16</FONT> show how to stay away from these sins.</div> <bR> <div> I believe for every sin rebuked in the Bible God provides an instruction on how to correct it.</div> <bR> <div> Why is this process so important for Christ's followers?</div> <bR> <div> Because it's the only way for you and me to become less sinful and more holy in our daily lives.  It's what sanctification is all about:  Acknowledge error, turning away from error in order to walk in the truth. </div> <bR> <div> You see God has a purpose for you.  Paul gives it in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >Romans 8:29.</FONT> </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son."</FONT>  God is working on you and one day you're going to reflect the perfect image of His son.  If you're honest you know He's got quite a task in front of Him, doesn't He.  But He knows what he's doing.  And things will go much better if we work with Him.  And the way we work with Him is by meditating on and studying His word so He can rebuke our weakness and show us how to correct them. </div> <bR> <div> "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." Jn 17:17</div> <bR> <div> It's the only way to go.  It's the only way to grow.</div> <bR> <div> Than Paul tells us what this constant rebuking and correcting does in our lives.  It trains us so we can become faithful Disciples of Christ.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>4. SCRIPTURE TRAINS IN RIGHTEOUSNESS</b></div> <bR> <div> "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for… training in righteousness."</div> <bR> <div> The Greek word for <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"training"</FONT> here is <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000080" FACE="Arial" >"paideia"</FONT> which refers to the bringing up or training up of a child.</div> <bR> <div> Are you starting to see the picture that's developing here? If you're parent you probably are.  Isn't this what a parent does at home with his kids?  A good parent who loves his child and wants him to grow up into a responsible, civilized and honorable adult spends his life doing the same things.  He rebukes wrong behavior. Than he corrects the child by showing him the right way.  And this process results in training up his child to become a mature adult.</div> <bR> <div> So the picture here in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >2 Timothy 3:16</FONT> is one of God and his children.  His goal is to bring us up to be like His son, Jesus-Christ.  And the process is done by teaching us truth, rebuking falsehood, correcting falsehood which results in training us in righteousness.  <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Righteousness"</FONT> is what's "right" in the eyes of God.</div> <bR> <div> So as you place your mind and heart under the penetrating light of Scripture, God's Word will stir you.  It'll teach you what's right.  This in turn will show you what you're doing wrong. Than it'll show you how to make it right.  And as you respond in loving and humble obedience, God will train you so you'll become what He created you to be.  Beautiful! Isn't it?</div> <bR> <div> Than Paul finishes by giving us God's ultimate goal through all of this.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>5. SCRIPTURE RENDERS US CAPABLE TO MINISTER</b></div> <bR> <div> "So that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." V.17</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >"Thoroughly"</FONT> means totally and completely.  This is a phenomenal truth!  This means that the Bible contains absolutely everything you need in order to fulfill what God has called you to do.  What a concept!  And what a book!  If only we'd get into it, receive its rebuke, follow it's correction and give ourselves to be trained by it!</div> <bR> <div> By the way, is your Pastor or Sunday School teacher preaching or teaching The Word?  Do you want a good barometer in order to find out?  Here you have it, right here in <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >2 Timothy 3:16</FONT>.  Next time you listen to a preacher or Christian teacher ask yourself these questions:</div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does his preaching teach about God and His word?</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does his preaching rebuke me?</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does his preaching correct me?</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Does his preaching train me up in righteousness?</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b7011800000000.gif" HEIGHT="19" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Since I've been listening to him have I been equipped for personal ministry?</div> <bR> <bR> <div> "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."  Psalm 19:14</div> <bR> <div> Amen and God Bless You All.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>