Northpoint Church
Biblical Worship of God
Welcome to Northpoint! We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us today.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV
Equipped for Every Good Work
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Pastor Tony Chute
Overview: As Paul continues to encourage Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, he centers on the most important aspect of the ministry— commitment to God’s Holy Word. Paul describes Scripture as God-breathed, thereby affirming that God has spoken accurately through its many authors and has revealed Himself personally to its many readers. He also informs Timothy of four purposes of God’s Word—to teach truth while refuting error; and to promote righteous living while reproving bad behavior. By remaining focused and committed to God’s Word, Timothy will not only be fully equipped for every good work, he will also be able to equip God’s people for every good work as well.
01. God has spoken in His Word; therefore, let us read the Word daily; hear the Word weekly; study the Word carefully; apply the Word regularly; and pray the Word thoughtfully.
02. God has purposed in His Word; therefore, let us believe the Word above all other words; submit to the Word and not to the world; and raise up people in the Word for every good work.
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
1. What does Paul mean by “all Scripture” in verse 16? Does it refer to the Old Testament only, or does it include the New Testament as well? See how Paul’s letters/words were used in the following passages for further insight: 2 Corinthians 2:17; Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
2. What does Paul mean by Scripture being “God-breathed”? What was the role of the human authors in writing Scripture? In what ways are the distinct personalities of the authors evident through various genres of Scripture? In what ways does this understanding of inspiration guarantee the truthfulness of all Scripture?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
3. Locate examples from the Bible of God speaking things into existence. See, for example, Genesis 1 and Ezekiel 37, John 11:43-44. What do these and other passages teach us about the power of God’s Word spoken? What do these passages imply about God’s Word preached? Are you praying that God will awaken people through the reading and preaching of His Word?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
4. What functions of Scripture does Paul list in verse 16? In what ways do you find these functions operative in your life? How does your small group contribute to these functions becoming a reality in your life?
Questions for Discussion and Discovery:
5. Given what we have learned from this passage, why do you think churches tolerate deviation from Scripture? How important is the role of the congregation in ensuring that God’s Word is honored in the church? In what ways is Northpoint contributing to raising up people in the Word so they can equip others for every good work?
Further Reading:
For Further Reading: D. A. Carson, ed. The Enduring Authority of the Christian Scriptures (Eerdmans, 2016)