Handling God’s Word Accurately

1. Handling God’s Word Accurately

2. Handling God’s Word Accurately 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly andempty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 menwho have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

3. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY? • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE?

4. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

5. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth . . . Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 menwho have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.

6. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • Not just that we teach biblical content with sound interpretation & preaching skill . . .

7. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • . . . but that we maintain a certain focus & “center of gravity” in our teaching – the gospel:

8. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • . . . but that we maintain a certain focus & “center of gravity” in our teaching – the gospel: GOD’S RADICAL GRACE THRU JESUS

9. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • . . . but that we maintain a certain focus & “center of gravity” in our teaching – the gospel: GOD’S RADICAL GRACE THRU JESUS LIFESTYLE OF RADICAL LOVE OUR RADICAL SIN

10. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus

11. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus . . . and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:10-11)

12. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13,14)

13. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine . . . (Titus 2:1ff.)

14. Handling God’s Word Accurately 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life . . . • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus

15. Handling God’s Word Accurately 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life . . . • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus

16. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s emphasis on teaching “sound (healthy) doctrine” in 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:3-8)

17. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s exposition of the gospel in Romans:

18. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s exposition of the gospel in Romans: 1:7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints . . . 15 I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

19. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? • See Paul’s exposition of the gospel in Romans: • OUR RADICAL SIN (1:18-3:20) • GOD’S RADICAL GRACE (3:21-11:36) • OUR RESPONSE OF RADICAL LOVE (12:1-15:33)

20. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? “. . . this we have to fear as the greatest and nearest danger, lest Satan take from us the pure doctrine of faith (the gospel) . . . Wherefore it is very necessary, that this doctrine be kept in continual practice and public exercise both of reading and hearing. And although it be never so well known, never so exactly learned . . . this doctrine can never be taught, urged, and repeated enough . . .

21. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? “. . . If this doctrine is lost, then is also the whole knowledge of truth, life and salvation lost and gone. If this doctrine flourish, then all good things flourish . . . the true service of God, the glory of God, the right knowledge of all things and states of life.” (Martin Luther, A Commentary on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians)

22. Handling God’s Word Accurately • WHAT DOES IT MEAN? “A wave of authentic revival sweeps over the church when three things happen together: teaching the great truths of the gospel with clarity, applying those truths to people's lives with spiritual power, and extending that experience to large numbers of people. We evangelicals urgently need such an awakening today. We need to rediscover the gospel.” Raymond C. Ortlund, Afterward from Passion for God (Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1994).

23. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY?

24. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY? • If even Timothy was vulnerable, who among us is invulnerable?

25. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY?

26. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY? • A biblical tangent is any teaching emphasis that moves the center of gravity away from the gospel

27. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY? • GENEALOGIES • MYTHS • SUPERFICIAL MORALISM • PROSPERITY SPIRITUALITY • UGLY DISPUTES ABOUT NON-ESSENTIAL DOCTRINES

28. Handling God’s Word Accurately “What might our evangelicalism, without the evangel, look like? We would have to replace the centrality of the gospel with something else, naturally. So what might take the place of the gospel in our sermons and books and  . . . home Bible studies and, above all, in our hearts? A number of things, conceivably. An introspective absorption with recovery from past emotional traumas, for example. Or a passionate devotion to the pro-life cause. Or a confident manipulation of modern managerial techniques. Or a drive toward church growth and ‘success.’ Or a deep concern for the institution of the family… • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY?

29. “. . . Or a fascination with the more unusual gifts of the Spirit. Or a clever appeal to consumerism by offering a sort of cost-free Christianity Lite. Or a sympathetic, empathetic . . . cultivation of interpersonal relationships. Or a determination to take America back to its Christian roots through political power. Or a warm affirmation of self-esteem. The evangelical movement, stripped of the gospel, might fix upon any or several of such concerns to define itself and derive energy for its mission. In other words, evangelicals could marginalize or even lose the gospel and still potter on their way, perhaps even oblivious to their loss.” Raymond C. Ortlund, Afterward from Passion for God Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY?

30. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY?

31. Handling God’s Word Accurately • ARE WE VULNERABLE TO GOING ASTRAY? • Not feeding enough on God’s grace? • Not experiencing the joy of self-giving love? • Want acceptance/approval from those I teach &/or lead? • Taking my identity from expertise in some area of ministry? • Want to find theological justification for or diversion from my selfishness?

32. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE?

33. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel!

34. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! “Personally, to me, the gospel is something more than a matter of faith; it has so mingled with my being as to be a part of my consciousness, an integral part of my mind, never to be removed from me . . . Brothers, I beseech you, keep to the old gospel, and let your souls be filled with it, and then may you be set on fire with it! (C. H. Spurgeon)

35. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • “Am I increasing in my understanding& appreciation of God’s multi-faceted grace?”

36. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • “Am I increasing in my understanding& appreciation of God’s multi-faceted grace?” • “Am I gaining both deeper insight into my own depravity and deeper confidence in God’s love?”

37. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • “Am I increasing in my understanding& appreciation of God’s multi-faceted grace?” • “Am I gaining both deeper insight into my own depravity and deeper confidence in God’s love?” • “Am I thriving off of a lifestyle of freely serving others for Jesus’ sake?”

38. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • Give greater “air time” to those biblical books that expound the gospel

39. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • Give greater “air time” to those biblical books that expound the gospel • Always show how your passage &/or topic connects to the gospel

40. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep practical steps, methods, & structures connected to the gospel

41. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep practical steps, methods, & structures connected to the gospel METHODS & STRUCTURES MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES OTHER DOCTRINES & ETHICS GROUNDED IN THE GOSPEL

42. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep practical steps, methods, & structures connected to the gospel STRUCTURES & METHODS Parenting THE GOSPEL Financial Stewardship Evangelism

43. Handling God’s Word Accurately • HOW CAN WE PUT THIS INTO PRACTICE? • Keep growing personally in the gospel! • Give greater “air time” to those biblical books that expound the gospel • Always show how your passage &/or topic connects to the gospel • Keep practical steps, methods, & structures connected to the gospel

44. Handling God’s Word Accurately 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.