(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

The Bible is under attack in our society today? More and more people are viewing it as a book that is nothing more than a product that comes from the mind of men. Are they right? Is the Bible is work of fiction? Or, does it actually come from the mind of God?

Beginning today (and continuing over the next three Sundays), we want to explore the evidence God has given us to have confidence in His word.

As we begin this series, we need to first consider what the Bible claims about itself.

The Bible claims to come from God (2 Timothy 3:16)

  • The scriptures are “God breathed.” The men who penned the words of the Bible were writing the very thoughts and will of God. This claim is made in the Bible nearly 4,000 times!
  • This claim is made several times in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 1:1-2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1; Micah 1:1).
  • This claim is also made several times in the New Testament (2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:14-16; 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; also see Luke 10:7).
  • Since the Bible makes this claim, that means that it can’t just be a “good book.” Either it is the word of God and it needs to be taken seriously. Or, it is a book of lies that needs to be complexly rejected!

The Bible is profitable (2 Timothy 3:13)

  • “For Teaching”
    • It alone is fully sufficient. It doesn’t need man-made creed books to go along with it (Titus 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:2; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 3:15; John 17:17).
    • It is where Jesus commands us to teach His word to a spiritually dying world (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16).
  • “For Reproof”
    • This carries the idea of rebuking or exposing the false teaching of others.
    • Elders have this responsibility (Titus 1:10-11).
    • Preachers have this responsibility (2 Timothy 4:2).
    • Every child of God has this responsibility (Jude 3).
  • “For Correction”
    • God’s word can help someone teaching error get on the right track (Acts 18:24-28).
    • It can also expose and help correct any sins we may be harboring in our lives.
    • “For training in righteousness.” When we live by the scriptures, we are equipped to be everything that God wants us to be. Also see 2 Timothy 3:17.

How should we respond to these truths?

  • We need to ____________ the Bible daily (Psalm 119:97).
  • We need to ____________ the Bible (Proverbs 3:5).
  • We need to ____________ what the Bible says (James 1:22; Matthew 7:24-27).

Conclusion: It is not enough to just believe in the Bible. We also must obey it! See James 1:22.