The burden that drove Paul to write First Timothy was the distractions that could steer the church away from God’s purpose for her, namely, the administration of God which is by faith, the love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Paul opens his letter with a strong appeal to his authority to ensure that Timothy understood the gravity of the issues at hand and that the church would receive Timothy’s leadership in this matter. In this passage, we find four strong encouragements to guide us away from the thousand termites that can eat away at our own walk with the Lord and the maturation of God’s church: 1) avoid speculative ideas, 2) understand our stewardship, 3) pursue godliness, and 4) exude holy love.
Deut. 30:11-14, Bibliology: The Clarity of Scripture
As one preacher once put it: “The main things in Scripture are the plain things, and the plain things in Scripture are the main things.” This is indeed Scripture’s claim about itself, that the word of God is understandable in its gospel call to the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ and repentance from sin. But this is a very nuanced doctrine. Four such nuances are explored here: progress, study, Spirit, and limitation. May we all continually grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).
2 Tim. 3:14-4:5, Bibliology: The Sufficiency of Scripture
Scripture is sufficient for all the matters about which it speaks. This means the Bible is all we need to do all that God desires for us to do, i.e., what we must believe and how we are to live before God. No other source of special revelation for faith and life is needed in addition to the Bible. Whether it is for salvation, personal godliness, or the life and ministry of the church, Scripture is what God has chosen to give us and it is enough. Were we to ask what books make up these sufficient Scriptures, we heartily answer, the Old Testament Jesus affirmed and the New Testament Jesus authorized, these 39 and 27 books of the two testaments are the word of God, and no more.
1 Cor. 15:20-26, 50-57, Our Victory in Christ
No man is a match for death and its sting, because we all descend from Adam. But God has provided another man, “the last Adam” who unlike the first gives life (v45), not takes away life. Indeed, all who are “Christ’s” will like Him be raised from the dead when He comes (v23). Christ is the firstfruits, and we the harvest after Him (v20). All who are one with Christ by faith share in His victory over death. This victory culminates when death itself is destroyed and the imperishable kingdom of God commences. It is for that eternal dwelling place that the Lord will fit us at glorification.
Psalm 119:160, Bibliology: The Inerrancy of Scripture
The Bible is inerrant. This has always been the conviction of believers throughout the ages until the 18th century Enlightenment when audacious attacks were mounted against Scripture. In this study of the doctrine of inerrancy, we examine the biblical basis for inerrancy, its history that culminated with the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, its clarification given by that statement, and the dangers of holding to an errantist view of Scripture.
1 Thess. 2:9-12, The Call of the Kingdom
Matt. 28:18-20, Bibliology: The Authority of Scripture
“When the Bible speaks, God speaks.” This is divine authority with which Scripture speaks is the logical and natural implication of the doctrine of inspiration. If the Bible is breathed out by God, then it stands to reason that it speaks with His authority. Scripture confirms this to be so. The word of God comes like a thunder and a roar and all who believe tremble at His word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, Bibliology: The Inspiration of Scripture
God revealed Himself through HIs word and it is in His word that God gave us the doctrine of Scripture. Bibliology is the lens by which we see God. If our lens is tinted, blurred, or otherwise skewed, all that we see is distorted and out of focus. But if our lens is clear and prestine, we can see crystal clear what God has revealed about Himself and our souls are richly blessed by believing, honoring, and obeying all that He has said. In this first study of Bibliology, we focus on the doctrine of inspiration. May the Spirit of God grant us both the mind and heart to receive His word for our good and for the glory of God.