2 Timothy 4:1-5
Worship Pastor Justin Taylor
In the 21st century, whenever we say the phrase "word of God", our default thought is the Bible. This is a true statement, but Pastor Justin brought to light some deeper Truths about what Paul meant in this passage.
Justin used the illustration of bifocals to help us understand the deeper meanings of this text.
Bifocals OFF
Bifocals ON: ZOOMING IN
Spoken Word:
In the biblical mindset, hearing was an active response
Written Word:
The Word of God is a larger category
than just those elements
that were commended to writing.
(John 21:25; John 20:31)
Bifocals ON: ZOOMING OUT
The Scriptures are not the subject of Paul's message. The Bible is the messenger! The gospel is the message, and Jesus is the center of that message. (Heb 1:1-3)
Our definition of the gospel: "The gospel is the Good News of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and that through faith in Him we can be forgiven and reconciled to God." This message is all through the Bible:
The rule of Jesus is good news for the world! His Kingdom and rule have already begun. He has already celebrated His inaugural banquet in the upper room, already had His coronation with the crown of thorns and purple robe, and the price has already been paid. The decisive battle has already been won, and His Kingdom is spreading!
Finally, our lives should be the "work of an evangelist". This doesn't mean we are all Billy Graham. Instead, it means that we are all to live our lives in a way that the world knows there is a God who loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. Too often, we want people to know what the Bible says instead of loving people with who the Bible is pointing them towards.
We must: