The Word

Sermon Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: FWPSM

2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)
10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Sermon Outline
The wisdom we need is found in the Bible (v15)

1. Life Giving Word

  • v16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God”

2.  Life Shaping Word

  • v10 “You… have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life…”, v14 “knowing from whom you learned it”

  • v13 “will go on from bad to worse”

  • v16 “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”

3. Life Penetrating Word

  • v12 “godly life in Christ”

  • v15 “salvation through faith in Christ”

Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, who by your word called into existence all things, we need the life you alone can give. We have been fools. We have not given attention to what you have said. We have neglected your Word. We have not believed what you have revealed. We have been quick to speak and slow to listen. Filled with misunderstanding, we have acted dishonorably. Forgive our many sins. Grant us the salvation offered in Jesus Christ, as proclaimed in the good news to which your Word bears witness. Make us alive in Christ. Teach us so that we gain hearts of wisdom. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

  1. What are your favorite parts of the Bible?  What parts are least interesting or helpful to you?  Why?

  2. How can the Bible make you wise?

  3. What are some implications of the Bible being “breathed out by God”?  Why is the Bible different from other books?  How do we interact with it differently from other books?

  4. How can the gospel message be life giving? 

  5. Who have you met, know, or have you had exposure to (read about, seen interviews, etc.) who has demonstrated mature Christian character?  What struck you?  What are the attributes of someone who has rightly been shaped by God’s Word?

  6. What are some principles for applying the Bible to your situation?  The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what to do in all of the particulars of our lives, so how can it make us wise so that we understand and act in a godly way?

  7. How is Jesus the focal point of the Bible?  Why do we need to understand him to understand the Bible?  Why do we need to understand him to understand everything else?

  8. How can you improve your Bible reading?  What changes can you make to gain more from the Bible?