Sermon Title: Inspired Self-Authentication
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV), Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

Contributed by Nancy Buschart

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” —2 Timothy 3:16-17

The apostle Paul begins 2 Timothy 3 telling of “terrible times” that are coming in the “last days” (3:1). “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, …” and more (3:2-3). Frightening predictions of the future, but also a sobering description of the present. Paul tells Timothy and the Ephesian church to “have nothing to do with such people” (3:5).

I don’t want to be like them; I want to be among the “good” people! But when I read this description, I know that I am like Isaiah who witnessed the Holy of Holies and confessed, “Woe to me! … I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips…” (Isaiah 6:5). I am a sinner saved by grace. And I am a sinner in need of a Savior.

In verse 16, Paul pens the oft-cited, familiar words that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” After walking with Jesus by the Spirit for more than four decades, I have countless stories to tell of how God the Spirit through the Word has taught me, rebuked me, corrected and trained me. I know that you also, the readers of this short devo, have many stories of your own. Here is a story of mine.

During a time of loss and suffering and confusion, I lost my way. Intimacy with Jesus was only a memory. The Psalms were my lifeline in those days. Psalm 27:8 reconnected me to myself: “My heart says, ‘Seek his face!” My mind rallied and replied, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek.” Happy, hardworking Christian was an identity of the past and I needed new language to describe my life. “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night…” (Psalm 42:1-2). I felt alone, afraid and full of angst, and struggled to hope for better days. Psalm 42 both comforted and corrected me, saying, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5). As the losses became less suffocating and confusion began to recede, Psalm 139 led me into a right posture before God. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). I began to feel safe and seen and known as I prayed, “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…” (Psalm 17:8). Eventually I heard “a new song in my heart” (Psalm 40:3) and I knew life returning to my weary soul. I remembered the steadfast love and matchless mercy of my God and I worshiped with gratitude and awe.

Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His benefits—
He forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases,
He redeems your life from the Pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion,
He satisfies you with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. —Psalm 103:1-5

The sermon series is titled “Ten Reasons Christians Trust the Bible.” There is abundant, scholarly evidence for the trustworthiness and veracity of God’s inspired Word. Over the next five weeks, we will learn some of that evidence that is compelling for the Church. Remember also that the evidence of your own life with God through the Son, by the Spirit, is the story most compelling. Remember and testify of the mercy and grace of your God.

Consider—

╬ God promised the Israelites, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Deut. 31:5, 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). When have you wondered if God had abandoned you? What story can you tell of how God brought you back to Himself? Today, do you feel abandoned or forsaken or in need of clarity and hope? Tell God the Spirit that you are stuck. Ask Him to lead you into God’s truth.

╬ Do not despise God’s correcting Spirit. A radical openness to receive His Word will lead to life abundant and reconciliation with God and others. What scripture has the Lord used to teach, rebuke, correct or train you? When has your youth been renewed like the eagle’s by His steadfast love, faithfulness, and compassion? Tell stories of your encounter with the God of the Word.

╬ Father, Son, and Spirit, thank you for Your living Word. Write it deeply in our hearts and minds that we may be led into Your righteousness. Give us courage to seek your face. In Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.