Know the Faith Doctrine's Source 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As We Embark On

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Know the Faith Doctrine's Source 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As We Embark On Know the Faith Doctrine’s Source 2 Timothy 3:16-17 As we embark on this section of our rotation of Getting into the Word in 2018, we acknowledge that as disciples of Jesus, we must Know the Faith. If we're serious about being a Christian community, what the Bible calls ‘the church’, we're going to have to deal with the major truths of biblical faith—what we believe and what we are to do. In other words, "What marks us as Christians? What marks us as a community of faith?" If we don't know the faith, then we're just another social organization. I love what John Piper said about these doctrines of faith, Biblical doctrines, that they are “wildly untamable, explosively uncontainable, and electrically future-creating.” They set us on a course that makes a difference in life. Today we are providing copies of What we Believe, our statement of doctrinal beliefs to all present. This continues a long tradition of seeking to derive our basic tenants of faith from the Word of God. You will notice that it is divided into different doctrinal sections and that each section includes scripture references which are the basis upon which those doctrines are founded. In each message of this series, we will seek to rather quickly introduce one doctrine and allow you to ask questions about what we believe regarding that doctrine or for clarification regarding a doctrine. When we speak of Doctrines of the Christian Faith - the Old Testament word used for doctrine means ‘what is received’ and is often represented by the word ‘law’. In the New Testament didaskalia or much more common didache and can mean both the content and the act of teaching. The didache gradually became that body of teaching which followers of Christ sought to learn after they responded to the kerygma Gospel (Acts 2:42). There are four words that we use somewhat interchangeably as names for this divine written communication from which Christian doctrine, the Christian Faith comes: Bible – from biblus or papyrus reed upon which words were written. Translated “book” and ultimately “sacred books” – see Matthew 1:1, Luke 4:17. Testament(s) – means covenant, the term God used to designate the relation that existed between Himself and His people. First it meant the relationship then the record of same. As Christ came, He was the New Covenant, so that by third century Origen wrote of the divine Scriptures, the Old and New Covenants – see 2 Corinthians 3:6, 14, Hebrews 12:24 Scripture(s) – As in English ‘script’, means writings, and became the most common designation for the whole Bible. See 2 Tim. 3:15-16, Matthew 22:29 “not understanding the Scriptures, or the power of God.” Finally, Word of God – Hebrews 4:12; gathers up all these words and views them humbly as utterances of divine wisdom and love – of God speaking to man. So today, we look at Doctrine’s Source, what we believe to be the source of all true doctrine, both teaching about and teaching from God, the divinely inspired Scriptures, the Bible, the Old and New Testaments, the Word of God. As we conclude today, we will invite you to ask questions about our doctrine. In contemporary culture there are many opinions about the Bible, its value or lack thereof, and how it came to be. So as we progress, make notes to ask of : Questions you have about the Bible and our understanding of it? Of what you hear people say about the Bible that causes you to wish you knew how to respond in ways that might lead them to change their views? Someone has said, ‘If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.’ But God has a definite destination in mind and purpose for our life, and He has given everything needed for the accomplishing of that goal. Let’s look at our text for today, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Inspiration – referring to the OT in 2 Tim 3:16 Paul said they were inspired, literally God-breathed; they are the result of certain influence exerted by God upon their authors. The word used is not that of a gentle breathe of God, but of forcible respiration (bag valve mask or CPR) and not unconscious breathing but conscious. So inspiration is the strong, conscious inbreathing of God into men, enabling them to give utterance to the truth, to record accurately the record of God’s dealings with men. That inspiration was borne by the Holy Spirit, the breath of God and 2 Peter 1:21 tells us that those who recorded God’s words did so as the Holy Spirit moved them to write. We need to understand the difference between inspiration and revelation. Revelation and Inspiration are not the same – Read scripture and it is easy to see that there are some parts that can only have been revealed by God, because no one else was there to observe (creation account) while others recount what happened when the writer was present (Moses account of the Exodus). One never known before – the other known to those who observed. Revelation is technically the record of those things that cannot have been known unless God revealed them because no one else was there to observe them. But all that is in the Bible has not been “directly revealed” as having never been known before. It records history, the acts of men both righteous and unrighteous, it records things not sanctioned or approved by God (Job for instance records the words of Satan, of Job’s three friends, and of Job himself) all under the inspiration of God, which means that none of them is misrepresented, that each reveals the sentiments attributed to that speaker in Scripture. Inspiration vouches the accuracy of the whole record. Illumination is the work of the Holy Spirit enabling men to understand the spiritual truths recorded in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:14); “flesh and blood cannot reveal God to men” (Matthew 16:17). It is critical however, that we understand inspiration of the Bible to be more than simply God illumining men to understand His actions. There are instances in which God made revelations of Himself and His purposes to men who were not concerned with reflecting or meditating on the words of God: John 11:49-52 Caiaphas. God inspired more than just the concepts that are included in the Word. But the writers were not passive instruments receiving words from God, as this would not account for the differences in style among various writers. We do not believe simply that the Bible contains the Words of God, for that implies inclusion of that which is not the Word of God. We affirm that all Scripture is believed to be equally inspired though it is includes content that does not reflect the righteous thought or holiness of God. We must be careful that we do not come to view doctrine as simply what we believe, because it is also that upon which we act. Culture is value driven behavior. We live what we believe. Marvin Vincent reminds us: “The contents of this sound teaching which is according to godliness are not theoretical or dogmatic truth, but Christian ethics, with faith and love.” Further, we have an innate tendency to “objectify faith, regarding it as something believed rather than as the act of believing. “ Doctrine reflects and reveals Jesus Christ. He is what the whole book is about: John 5:39! Doctrine is given that we might come into the relationship that God desires with us a objects of His love. They teach us His character that He wants to instill within us as His Spirit resides within us. So, doctrine is not just information, it is application in us that transforms to new life in Christ. We know that we believe Christian doctrine when we live it out in our daily lives; when we live what we say we believe. The purpose behind all doctrine us to secure moral action. A.W. Tozer If we do not make clear…Francis Schaeffer quote In contemporary culture there are many opinions about the Bible, its value or lack thereof, and how it came to be. What questions (Q&A) do you have about the Bible and our understanding of it? What do you hear people say about the Bible that causes you to wish you knew how to respond in ways that might lead them to change their views? .
Recommended publications
  • 2 Timothy Companion Guide Table of Contents
    2 TIMOTHY COMPANION GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome Letter 2 How to Prepare For This Study 3 Schedule and Reading Plan 4 Bible Study Tools 5 Context Questions 9 Response Questions 10 Attributes of God 17 Double-Spaced Text of 2 Timothy 18 Resources 26 Next Steps 48 1 D EAR SISTER, We are so excited and thankful for the joy and privilege of studying 2 Timothy with you this summer! We have been praying for you! Thank you for choosing to join Dayton Women in the Word in either a small group or individual study. We hope this summer will encourage and equip you to dig deeply into God’s Word. This companion guide will serve as a helpful resource throughout our summer together. In it, you will find an overview of the Bible study tools and resources we use in our network. If you are new to studying the Bible, these will be helpful tools to learn. There is also a reading and study plan to guide you through each week of study. Feel free to use as little or as much of this guide as you like. We hope it will encourage you. Our prayer for you as you study is this: that God would soften your heart and open your eyes as ​ you consider the beautiful and challenging truths found in 2 Timothy. We pray God gives you ​ fresh awe and wonder, that He meets you in the text, and that He shows you Jesus here. We are looking forward to spending this summer in His Word with you! - The Dayton Women in the Word Team CONTACT INFORMATION Website: www.daytonwomenintheword.com ​ Email: [email protected] ​ FB: Dayton Women in the Word ​ Instagram: @daytonwomenintheword ​ Summer Study Hashtag: #dwitw2timothy 2 HOW TO PREPARE FOR THIS STUDY PRAY This is our first and most valued step in preparing to study God’s Word! Ask Him boldly to bless your study of the Scriptures.
    [Show full text]
  • Sermon Discussion Guide from May 10, 2020 Raising
    SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE FROM MAY 10, 2020 RAISING TIMOTHY // Acts 16:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:5 What kind of child will this be? For the spiritual success of our children we must pursue God’s best, striving to make his desires our desires and our child’s desires. How does a mother raise a Timothy? 1. She places herself in a positive Christian context. “Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra.” Acts 16:1a Lois and Eunice came to saving faith in midlife. Paul came to them, but we can also “pursue Paul” by actively looking for a positive Christian environment, a community that will shape and encourage our spiritual development. 2. She submits herself under the lordship of Jesus Christ. “a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.” Acts 16:1b Timothy’s mother became a Christian. She is now caught up in what God is doing in her life and her children cannot escape the hand of God. The answer to the question, “Who is in charge of my home?” begins to shift—Christ is now king. 3. She gives herself to making disciples in the home. “A disciple was there, named Timothy” Acts 16:1c The text indicates that Paul is meeting Timothy for the first time and finds him already a Christian. How did Timothy become a Christ-follower? Most likely: because his mother led him to Christ. “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings” 2 Timothy 3:15a Biblical Goals for Every Mother: 1.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Timothy Benjamin W
    2 Timothy Benjamin W. Brodie 2008 Translation ............................................... 1 Introduction ............................................. 10 CHAPTER 1 ................................................ 12 CHAPTER 2 ................................................ 45 CHAPTER 3 ................................................ 93 CHAPTER 4 ............................................... 123 Resources ............................................... 159 Translation 2 Tim. 1:1 Paul, an apostle [admiral of the navy] of Christ Jesus, by the sovereign will of God, according to the promise of life [both experiential and eternal] which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 1:2 To Timothy, beloved student [under the authority and discipline of his teacher]: Grace [spiritual self-esteem], mercy [spiritual autonomy], prosperity [spiritual maturity], from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Tim. 1:3 I continue having grace [capacity for life instead of boredom] because of God, Whom I am serving [even while in this dungeon] with respect to my ancestors [Israel] with a clear conscience [no ulterior motives], just as they did [Christianity as a sequel of Judaism], constantly holding a memory concerning you [Timothy was a favorite student of Paul’s] in my prayers, night and day, 2 Tim. 1:4 Having a great desire [category 3 friendship] to see you [before I die], because I remember your tears [Timothy was crushed by Paul’s first letter], in order that I may be filled to the point of overflowing with inner happiness [part of Paul’s ultra-supergrace package], 2 Tim. 1:5 When I recall the genuine doctrine which was resident in you [Timothy’s soul], which first resided in your grandmother, Lois, and your mother, Eunice [doctrinal teaching transmitted by spiritual heritage]. Moreover, I was confident in the past and I am still confident that it [doctrine] continues to reside in you.
    [Show full text]
  • The Bible, God's Profitable Effective and Sufficient Word – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
    The Bible, God's Profitable Effective and Sufficient Word “16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NASB These two verses communicate four significant truths to Christians. 1. All Scripture is Inspired (God-breathed) 2. All Scripture is Profitable 3. All Scripture is Effective 4. All Scripture is Sufficient 1. All Scripture is Inspired The phrase inspired by God translates the Gk. word theopneustos. It is a compound Greek word formed by combining Theos (God) and pneo (to breathe). A literal translation of the word could be either God-breathed (YLT, NIV) or breathed out by God (ESV). Today, our English word inspired is usually understood as a word referring to motivation such as someone being inspired or motivated in a particular work or by a work. However, this has not always been the case. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary an archaic meaning of inspire is to breathe or blow into or upon. This meaning, archaic though it may be, is more closely related to the Latin word inspirare (in- + spirare) which is to breathe. From this archaic definition we can see why the word inspired is used to translate the Greek word theopneustos-God breathed. That Scripture is God-breathed (inspired by God) coveys at least three obvious and fundamental truths to the believer regarding Scripture: a) Scripture’s Origin In that Scripture is God-breathed it is from God.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Timothy Inductive Study Andrew Hancock
    2 Timothy Inductive Study Andrew Hancock Introductory Articles Author, Date and Setting After Paul's release from prison in Rome in A.D. 62/63 (Ac 28) and after his fourth missionary journey, during which he wrote 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul was again imprisoned under Emperor Nero c. 66-67. It was during this time that he wrote 2 Timothy. In contrast to his first imprisonment, when he lived in a rented house (Ac 28:30), he now languished in a cold dungeon (4:13), chained like a common criminal (1:16; 2:9). His friends even had a hard time finding out where he was being kept (1:17). Paul knew that his work was done and his life was nearly at an end (4:6-8). Reasons for Writing Paul had three reasons for writing to Timothy at this time: 1. He was lonely. Phygelus and Hermogenes, "everyone in the province of Asia" (1:15), and Demas (4:10) had deserted him. Crescens, Titus and Tychicus were away (4:10-12), and only Luke was with him (4:11). Paul wanted very much for Timothy to join him also. Timothy was his "fellow worker" (Ro 16:21), who "as a son with his father" had served closely with Paul (Php 2:22; see 1Co 4:17). Of him Paul could say, "I have no one else like him" (Php 2:20). Paul longed for Timothy (1:4) and twice asked him to come soon (4:9, 21). For more information on Timothy see Introduction to 1 Timothy: Recipient.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Difficult Times
    2 TIMOTHY 3:1-9 DIFFICULT TIMES “Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.”1 ou may be certain that difficult days lie ahead. When the Apostle wrote, “Understand this,” he was stressing that which was definite. Timothy, and thus all Christians, needs to learn Ythat challenging times are coming. It is the responsibility of the pastor to warn of what is coming; and those who hear are responsible to heed that warning. Paul doesn’t merely sound out some vague warning, he is quite specific about the future of the Faith. In order to have a thorough grasp of Paul’s prophecy concerning the last days, we will benefit from review of other instance of similar warnings from the Word.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul's Second Letter to Timothy
    2 Timothy 1:1 1 2 Timothy 1:12 Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ* through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, in you also. 6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 8 Therefore don’t be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Timothy-Intro
    1 The Book of 2 Timothy Prescription for a Healthy Church Introduction We have no details of Paul’s travels after his release from his first Roman imprisonment. Titus 3:12 indicates that he visited Nicopolis. He must have departed from there and gone to Troas, where, in a “quick exit,” he had left his cloak, books, and parchments with his host, Carpus. How or where he was arrested again, we do not know. We do know that Nero had unleashed a terrible persecution against the Christians, and that Paul’s second imprisonment was far different from his first. He was now a hated prisoner in a Roman prison. As we read this final letter from Paul’s heart, we can sense his loneliness and heartache as he faced his trial and certain persecution. “Only Luke is with me,” he writes, as he begs his son in the faith, Timothy, to come to him as quickly as possible. Timothy was no longer the leader at Ephesus; Tychicus had been sent to take his place. Apparently Timothy was doing work as a traveling minister and evangelist in the area around Ephesus. Paul expected Timothy to come to Rome because he knew that Timothy would be in Troas and Ephesus. These cities were on the road to Rome. This letter is very personal. Paul is alone at Rome, awaiting trial and certain death. He longs to see his son Timothy and to encourage him to take his place in the ministry of the Gospel. The churches were turning from the faith, and Paul urged young Timothy to be true to his calling and fulfill his ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Enduring Believers Must Remain Faithful to God’S Truth Even When Facing Persecution
    Session 10 Enduring Believers must remain faithful to God’s truth even when facing persecution. 2 TIMOTHY 3:12-17; 4:1-8 MEMORY VERSE: 2 TIMOTHY 4:7 READ 2 Timothy 3:1–4:22, First Thoughts (p . 104), and Understand the Context (pp . 104–105) . As you read, underline the commands given by Paul . Make notes as to why Paul was so urgent in giving these commands . STUDY 2 Timothy 3:12-17; 4:1-8, using Explore the Text on pages 105–109 . Identify ways to focus on finishing well in the race for Christ . What truths would you share with a friend facing challenges for his or her faith in Christ? PLAN the group time using ideas under Lead Group Bible Study (pp . 110–111) and More Ideas (p . 112) . Consult QuickSource (available from LifeWay .com) or Blog .LifeWay .com/ExploretheBible for additional ideas . GROW with other group leaders at the Groups Ministry blog (LifeWay c. om/GroupMinistry) . GATHER the following items: Personal Study Guides; and For More Ideas (p . 112): Pens and paper for each group member; A copy of Nik Ripken’s The Insanity of Obedience . Prepare to display the following Pack Item: PACK ITEM 5 (Poster: First-Century Heresies) . Make copies for the group of: PACK ITEM 7 (Handout: 1,2 Timothy; Titus Time Line); PACK ITEM 12 (Handout: Paul’s Letters); and PACK ITEM 13 (Handout: First-Century Heresies) . Date of My Bible Study:_________ 103 © LifeWay 2018 FIRST THOUGHTS KEY DOCTRINE Humans can endure a great deal when they believe in their cause.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesson 20: 2 Timothy Key Verse: “For God Did Not Give Us a Spirit Of
    Lesson 20: 2 Timothy Key Verse: “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND We know that Paul was imprisoned in Rome and released from house arrest in A.D. 62. Following his release, Paul resumed his itinerant ministry in the Mediterranean world. Writing to Titus from somewhere in Macedonia, probably between A.D. 62 and 66, he said that he planned to visit Nicapolis (Titus 3:12). It is not known if he did get to visit there. We know he visited Troas from 2 Timothy 4:13 and that he eventually ended in prison in Rome for the second time (2 Timothy 2:9) most likely in a dungeon this time. He had already had his initial hearing and was awaiting trial when he wrote this epistle(2 Timothy 4:16). He believed that the Roman authorities would execute him soon (2 Timothy 4:6). There are 2 reasons to believe that Paul wrote 2 Timothy in the fall of A.D.67. 1st Paul suffered execution shortly before Nero committed suicide in June of AD 68. 2nd, Paul wrote his last epistle fairly near the time of his execution but before the winter of AD 67-68; we learn from 4:21 Paul asked them to get to Rome before winter. 2 Timothy is unlike either 1 Timothy or Titus. It is an intensely personal letter written to encourage Timothy in his difficult task and to ask him to come to Rome.
    [Show full text]
  • Notes on 2 Timothy 202 1 Edition Dr
    Notes on 2 Timothy 202 1 Edition Dr. Thomas L. Constable HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Following his release from house arrest in Rome in A.D. 62, Paul resumed his itinerant ministry in the Mediterranean world. Writing to Titus from somewhere in Macedonia, probably between A.D. 62 and 66, he said that he planned to visit Nicapolis (Titus 3:12). Assuming that he did visit Nicapolis, Paul went from there to Rome, evidently indirectly. His visit to Troas (2 Tim. 4:13) probably took place shortly before he wrote 2 Timothy. It may be that Paul's arrest required his leaving his cloak, books, and parchments there, but that is only speculation. In any case, Paul ended up in Rome as a prisoner again (2:9). He had already had his initial hearing and was awaiting trial when he wrote this epistle (4:16). He believed that the Roman authorities would execute him soon (4:6). Copyright Ó 2021 by Thomas L. Constable www.soniclight.com 2 Dr. Constable's Notes on 2 Timothy 2021 Edition "According to tradition which goes back at least to the fifth century, the Mamertine prison is the place where both Paul and Peter were confined before their execution under Nero."1 Paul's Roman Imprisonments Contrasted2 First Last He had freedom in his house. He was in chains as a criminal. Acts 28:30 2 Tim. 2:9 He could entertain many visitors. It was dangerous to visit him. Acts 28:30-31 2 Tim. 1:16-17 Many believers were with him. He was completely alone.
    [Show full text]
  • Sola Scriptura 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 1. Introduction A. on October 31 St 1517, an Augustinian Monk, Named Martin Luther, Walked Up
    Sola scriptura 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 1. Introduction a. On October 31st 1517, an Augustinian monk, named Martin Luther, walked up to the large door of the castle church in Wittenberg Germany. b. He grabbed some nails and a hammer and nailed a sheet of paper containing 95 theses to the door. c. When Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the castle church door he had no idea what he was about to unleash. d. His 95 theses were 95 complaints against the Roman Catholic churches life and doctrine. Posting stuff like this to the castle church door was normal. It was simply a way of calling for a formal debate among theologians. e. So, what happened? Why all the fuss? Why the revolution? These 95 theses were quickly taken down by Luther’s students, copied, thanks to the recent invention of the printing press, and distributed throughout Germany and eventually the rest of Europe. f. His act of posting the 95 theses started a revolution known now as the Protestant Reformation which forever altered the face of western civilization and therefore the world. g. This revolution affected the arts, politics, economics, education, music, theology, marriage and family, church and state, and a thousand other things. h. But most importantly this revolution transformed the lives of millions of people, giving them hope, purpose, and the assurance of heaven. i. What caused such monumental change? In other words, what drove this revolution? j. The answer is doctrine, specifically, five doctrines. These doctrines are called the five solas of the reformation and they summarize the teaching of the protestant reformers.
    [Show full text]