PM Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4.12-16

This Evening’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

MORE THAN A GLANCE

(“Give Attention To Reading” )

1 Timothy 4.13

Introduction:

1. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the only revelation of God’s specific will and plan for humanity; it alone is “profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3.16; cf., 2 Pet. 1.3; Jude 3; 1 Tim. 4.13).
   1. It can make us “wise unto salvation” (2 Tim. 3.15).
   2. It is “able to save our souls” (James 1.21).
2. Who needs to read the Bible? Everybody!
   1. Kings (Deut. 17.19; cf., 1 Tim. 2.1-3)
   2. Families (Deut. 6.4-9; cf., Eph. 6.4)
   3. God’s people (Exod. 24.7; cf., 1 Pet. 2.2-3)
3. Here are ten guidelines for reading God’s Sacred Word.
   1. Read the Bible Regularly – even “daily” (Acts 17.11).
   2. Read the Bible Persistently – yes, “day and night” (Psa. 1.2).
   3. Read the Bible Contextually – to “rightly divide it” (2 Tim. 2.15).
   4. Read the Bible Systematically – the “big picture!” (Luke 24.27).
   5. Read the Bible Completely – “all Scripture” (2 Tim. 3.16).
   6. Read the Bible Reverently – “Amen, Amen!” (Neh. 8.1-6).
   7. Read the Bible Expectantly – “every good work” (2 Tim. 3.17).
   8. Read the Bible Fervently – “search the Scriptures” (John 5.39).
   9. Read the Bible Joyfully – “Again, I say rejoice!” (Phil. 4.4-5).
   10. Read the Bible Collectively – “and stood up to read” (Luke 4.16).

Conclusion: Our Bibles deserve more than an occasional glance!