warm-up

Describe a good book or movie you enjoyed. Why would you describe it as “good”?

Tell us about someone you look up to. Why did you pick him or her?

What is a rule you have (or had) a hard time following in school? Why?

word

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14,15

(Read also Luke 24:27,44,45.)

The word “canon” means “rule” or “measuring rod.” It is a standard everything else is measured by. Paul reminded and encouraged Timothy to continue in what he had learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. These, the teachings of Scripture, were carefully thought about in light of what they said and who taught them. They needed to be held up to a standard of the Law and the Prophets (our Old Testament), and the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, so the Christians could see if they were true or not (Luke 24:27,44). In the same way, the way by which we live our lives should be held up to the standard of the Word. It is only by reading and meditating on Scripture that we are equipped to live a righteous life. Here, we will see why and how Scripture is canon for us.

1
Scripture is the Word of God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God . . . 2 Timothy 3:16

Paul encouraged Timothy to remember the sacred writings he had been taught as a child, and not to be like the evil people and impostors deceiving and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). The standard Paul gave Timothy was the Scripture, breathed out by God. Because Scripture is the Word of God, it is the standard of living for all who follow Him. What does 2 Timothy 3:15 say about what the Word of God makes us?

2
Scripture has been established by God.

And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27

The books of the Bible we have today were not randomly picked and placed in a book. Jesus used Moses and all the Prophets to explain to His disciples how the law, history, and all the prophecies pointed to His great story of salvation. This is now known as the Old Testament. The rest of Scripture, the New Testament, was established—identified and set—through Jesus’ life and teachings, and the teachings of His apostles. What does Psalm 119:89 say about God’s Word?

3
Scripture is the standard of truth and righteousness.

16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17

(Read also Psalm 119:160.)

All Scripture was breathed out by God and established by Him. Paul describes Scripture as profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness. It is the standard we follow for a life of righteousness. As we read, meditate on, and obey the Word of God, we become equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Why does Paul call Scripture profitable? Why should we apply it in our own lives?

application

Have you experienced the Word of God as His salvation story for us? Find someone who can help you understand how the Word of God shows His great plan of salvation for us.

Do you immediately go to the Word of God as the standard of righteous living in whatever situation you face? How can you make this a habit starting this week?

Do you have family members and friends who ask you about living according to the Word of God? How can you invite them to read and study the Word this week?

prayer

Thank God for His Scripture that sets a standard for us to live in righteousness as we read, obey, and meditate on it. Pray that you will hear His voice clearer through His Word.

Ask God to reveal more of Himself to you through the Scripture. Pray that you will understand His Word in a deeper way as you continue to read it.

Pray that as you live according to God’s Word, doors will be opened for you to share His Word with your family and friends.

© 2018 by VICTORY®
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Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), Copyright © 2001
by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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