Read Faithfully - A Deeper Dive
Part 2 of Wesleyan Rooted
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 | John 1: 43-51
Message Summary
This week, we continue the five-part sermon series Wesleyan Rooted. Part 2 is about the importance of reading scripture. As God's inspired word, the Bible can transform lives by communicating God's love through Jesus Christ. Scripture declares that God knows and loves all people, regardless of their circumstances or background. We are encouraged to read the Bible faithfully to allow God's love to breathe into our lives and change our perspective on ourselves and others.
Our Wesleyan roots give us the best way to read and apply the Bible faithfully, allowing the Spirit to speak to us rather than imposing our own agendas. Many terms, like inerrancy and infallibility, are thrown around today when discussing the Bible and its meaning. In the Methodist Church, we don’t use those terms. We allow Scripture to teach us about what Scripture is in our lives. We believe the Bible becomes the living Word as we engage it under the guidance of the Spirit.
You can find a link to the full video of this week’s message below. Here are some of the key points:
Language and communication are gifts from God - We find ways to communicate with each other even when we don’t speak the same language. Words connect us. Communication is really a miraculous thing, and the Bible is a means of communicating with one another. It conveys God’s transformative love.
Accessibility - The Bible has not always been as accessible as it is today. During early Christian history, most people were unable to read. They depended on priests to tell them what Scripture said and what it meant. With the invention of the printing press, the Bible became accessible to everyone, and language was no longer a barrier.
Relevance - Some claim the Bible just isn’t relevant anymore. They point to how the context has changed. There are cultural differences; there is location and historical context. And Scripture can be hard to understand. Despite these challenges, the United Methodist Church takes the Bible seriously as the inspired word of God, containing everything necessary for understanding God's love.
The transformative power of Scripture - God's love sees and embraces everyone regardless of their circumstances. The Bible can transform lives by communicating God's love and changing perspectives.
The message of God’s love - We are bombarded daily by negative messages about our worth and belonging. We are told we’re not good enough and cannot meet certain expectations. But the message of the Bible declares that all people are made in God's image and are known and loved by God. Faithfully reading the Bible allows God’s love to breathe into our lives and change how we see ourselves and others.
Misusing the sword
Most of us are probably familiar with Paul’s description of the Armor of God found in his letter to the Ephesians. His description includes “...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” The imagery of a sword helps us appreciate the piercing power of Scripture in our spiritual battles. But, as with any weapon, the sword of Scripture can be misused. In today’s polarized world, we see cases where Scripture is used as a weapon rather than a tool to extend God’s love.
This week’s passage from 2 Timothy is a guide for the proper usage of Scripture:
Use the sword to teach - Biblical teaching is imperative to spiritual growth. However, teachers have a great responsibility to “correctly handle the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Use the sword to rebuke - If we see sin in a believer’s life, we “should restore that person gently” (Galatians 6:1). Humbly and prayerfully pointing to Scripture during such a rebuke, if done correctly, is a godly way to use the sword.
Use the sword to correct - Paul demonstrates correction in Galatians 5 and in other instances where he warns against false doctrine. Scripture helps to redirect a wayward or mistaken believer back to a path of holiness and sound doctrine.
Use the sword to train in righteousness - God’s Word is the roadmap for right living. Using the Word to train in righteousness is necessary and good, when done in the context of the whole and in an attitude of love.
The Bible is a love story. It reveals to us the nature of God. Using Scripture out of context to hurt, condemn, or humiliate runs contrary to its intended purpose.