Focal Passage: II Timothy 3:1-5; 13-17
Lifeway Research and Ligonier Ministries recently released their 2022 State of Theology report, and the findings are not good.
More than half of those surveyed do not believe Jesus is the only way of salvation; 73 percent believe Jesus was a created being and not eternal; 43 percent do not believe Jesus is God; 60 percent do not believe the Holy Spirit is a person; and, 57 percent do not believe that people are sinful by nature. And, more than half of those surveyed (53 percent) do not believe Scripture is literally true.
The criticism of God’s Word is not new. In fact, Satan’s initial ploy — “Did God really say …” (Genesis 3:1) — was to tempt us to question the veracity of God’s Word.
However, polling and surveys do not determine the inspiration and truth of God’s Word. We need God’s Word because it is inspired (from God), inerrant (without error), infallible (does not mislead), authoritative (over what we believe and how we are to live), sufficient (able to do all it commands), and clear (is understandable).
God’s Word and the anatomy of sin. We need God’s Word because it helps us decipher the nature and substance of sin. As we roll toward the last days, hard times will come when sin runs rampant. God’s Word helps us to understand what sin is and how sin functions, enabling us to avoid sin. The list of sins in II Timothy 3:1-5 is breathtaking. One of the consequences of sin is that people hold to a “form of godliness but denying its power” (v. 4).
We are commanded to “avoid these people” (v. 5). We do not avoid sinful people as if we’re better by degree or that we should not have personal friendships with such people. Rather, we are to avoid sinners in so far that we do not participate in their sinful behaviors. God’s Word enables us to understand the anatomy of sin so that we might avoid death that always accompanies it.
God’s Word and avoiding sin. Paul’s instruction to his young understudy Timothy is to avoid sin. The way one avoids sin is by knowing God’s Word. Things will not get better as noted in verse 13, “Evil people and imposters will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.” This is why Paul encourages Timothy to continue in knowing and understanding the Word of God (vv. 14-15).
The ultimate goal of the gospel revealed in the Word of God is “salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (v. 15). Because we are sinners by nature and by choice, we must be redeemed through the person and work of Jesus Christ. All of this is made plain in God’s Word.
God’s Word and the affirmation of authority. Paul leaves us no doubt as to what the authority is for the believer and the Church — it is God’s Word.
God’s Word is “inspired by God,” and “profitable” for (1) doctrine or teaching, (2) rebuking sin, (3) correcting our paths and (4) training or discipleship (v. 16). As a result, we can be completely and thoroughly “equipped for every good work” (v. 17). In the end, we need God’s Word to avoid sin, enjoy salvation and be equipped for every good and godly work God has planned for us. B&R