The A.U.G. Degree – Commandment 9: Master the Word of God.    2 Timothy 3:14 – 17

 

2 Timothy 3:14-17  “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.  You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.  It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.”  (NLT)

 

We can all pursue the “A.U.G.” degree  (Approved Unto God)  Paul gives a plan to master the Word of God

 

  1. Trust it.  Although he did not worship the Bible, he considered it to be:
    1. Inspired by God (3:16)
    2. Infallible in application (2 Timothy 3:15)  Holy Scripture will not lead us away from God.
    3. Inerrant in substance (2 Tim 2:15)  The Apostle calls the scriptures “TRUTH”.  A truth is only true if it is entirely true and has no measure of error
  2. Discern it (2 Timothy 2:14-15)
    1. Read it diligently
    2. Rightly divide it

                                                              i.      It enlightens us (3:15, wisdom to receive the salvation)

                                                            ii.      It edifies us (3:16, useful to teach us)

                                                          iii.      It equips us (3:17, prepares us in every way”

  1. Obey it.  Second Timothy 2:15 – “Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”  (NLT)
    1. We read it in order to produce acceptable works
    2. It equips us for every good work (3:17)

 

(Outline from Jerry Gifford Jr., Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky)

 

My sermon notes (I am thankful for the Word of God)

 

  1. Thankful because the Word gives wisdom
  2. Thankful because the Word Shows us Salvation’s Pathway
  3. Thankful because the Word leads me to faith in God through Jesus
  4. Thankful because God wrote His Word
  5. Thankful because the Word shows me what is True
  6. Thankful because the Word shows me what is wrong in my life
  7. Thankful because the Word “straightens me out”
  8. Thankful because the Word teaches me to do what is right
  9. Thankful because it is God’s way of FULLY equipping me for every GOOD thing He wants for me to do