November 2008

11.20.2008

“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness...” II Timothy 3:16

Isn’t that a great scripture? From the education ministry point of view, it’s great because it reminds me that all scripture is to be taught to every believer. This is why preaching verse by verse - the big fancy name for that is “expository preaching” - is better than topical preaching. Topical preaching focuses on felt needs, whereas expository preaching is about teaching the whole Word of God in context of how God authored it. Think of it this way: Verse by verse preaching will eventually cover every topic anyway - but on God’s timing, not on yours, mine, or even the preacher’s.

Here is another reason why expository teaching/preaching is preferable: “All scripture is inspired by God.” That little word “inspired” in the original Greek is Theospneustos. This word is made up of two other Greek words, Theos, meaning God, and pneustos, which is where we get words such as pneumonia and pneumatic, both of which have to do with air or breathing air. When we put the two Greek words together, we get “God-breathed”, as in “all scripture is God-breathed.” That is an awesome word picture.

Can you think of another verse where God breathed and something happened? How about Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” (emphasis added)

Wow! God breathed life into us! Here is a great parallel...God breathed into His creation and life began for mankind. In the New Testament we are told that God breathed again and we got His Word, which brings a new spiritual life for those who believe in Jesus Christ! When God breathes, you can expect great things to happen!

It’s no wonder the Apostle Paul tells us that all this scripture is to be used to teach, reprove and correct, and to train everyone in righteousness—because it gives life the way God intended life to be.

Until next month,
Danny Joe

Posted by arbc at 10:37 PM