The Scripture: Origin, Uses, Purpose

2 Timothy 3:16-17
Introduction
Natural Revelation is what God reveals about Himself through nature, the creation. E.g.
Ps191-4 sys – th heavens declare th glory of God…their words to th end of th wrld
Ps 139:14 says – I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
Special Revelation is what God says in the Bible, the Scripture, specific words concerning salvation, faith in JS
Last week 2 Ti3:14,15 urge Timothy to continue in the things learned, namely from the Scripture as taught to him
Today look at, what many might say is, the single most important passage on the Scriptures: 2Timothy 3:16,17
Observations On The Text
Origin - 16a πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος [all Scripture God-breath]
Uses – 16bκαὶ ὠφέλιμος [and profitable]
πρὸς διδασκαλίαν, [for teaching]
πρὸς ἐλεγμόν, [for reproof]
πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν, [for correction]
πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, [for
instruction in righteousness] Purpose - 17 ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ ὁ τοῦ θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος, πρὸς πᾶν
ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος.
[that (purpos) which complete of God man, for all gd completely outfitted]
No verbs in either verse. Verbs are supplied. Verbal expression in v17 is a participle
I. The Origin of The Scripture 16a
A. Extent – all Scripture, not human truth, human wisdom but God’s revealed truth
This is used 2refer2 the OT Scriptures –
most uses of word ‘Scripture’ refer to OT Mt 21:42, J 5:39; Lk24:27
Jesus in many places Mt 5:17,18; Lk16:17
But as used here, also refers to NT Scriptures
Ga 3:22; 1 Ti5:18 which calls both Dt25:4 and Mt 10:10 ‘Scripture’
God speaking Hb 11,2; 1Co213-16; 2Co217; 2Pt315,16; 1Th213;Rv11,2
All Scripture applies 2th entir Bible, incld any NT bks nt yt writtn whn Pwrot 2Ti
C. Origin – God-breath, inspired, God inspired the Scripture not the authors
2 Pt1:20,21 Jesus J10:35
BB Warfield wrote Inspiration and Authority ~1910 the creative breath of God
NOT that Scriptures breathes God BUT God breathed Scripture
As God’s inspired word it is also inerrant and it is authoritative for us
Application – How shld the divine origin of the Scripture affect U? Is it authoritative 4U
II. The Uses of The Scripture 16b
A. Profitable – word has nothing to do with monetary profit,FYI last word in Greek dict
Useful, beneficial, advantageous for someone or something see Titus 3:8 1Ti4:8
Ps19:7-13 Since the origin of Scripture is God it has several uses…
B. For Doctrine – one book: Romans
Teaching, the content, facts, truth, sound words, instruction1Ti1:10
OT - Jos 1:6-8 JS – Mt 24:3ff Paul – Romans, the gospel
C. For Reproof - one book: 1 Corinthians, Galatians
Proving, convicting, refuting error and rebuking sin
OT- Is8:19,20; Dt28:15ff JS – Mt 19:16-22 Paul - 1Co4:14
D. For Correction - one book: 2 Corinthians
Setting right, setting up straight,setting up on ones feet,restoration to original cndn
OT - Dt 30:2 JS – J20:24-29 Paul 2Ti2:25
E. For Training In Righteousness - one book: 1 Timothy
discipline, th imprting of skills, how 2’s, wht 2’s, condct where rghtsnss is rlized
OT – 1Co10:6 JS – Mt6:5-14 Paul – 1 Ti 4:6-14
Application – are U regularly reading the Scripture? U shld see at least 1 of 4 uses, do U?
III. The Purpose of The Scripture 17
A. 1st to complete the man of God – mature, a man growed up 1Ti611
B. to equip the man of God – possessing the skills and tools for all good work
Applications – Are U doing your part with the Scripture to mature as a Christian and to acquire
skills that you need? If someone asks you how to become a Christian can you help them?