Connect Romans 3:2 with the role of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3:16. The Treasure Entrusted: Romans 3:2 “Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.” • Paul highlights Israel’s unique privilege: custody of “the very words of God.” • “Entrusted” implies responsibility to guard, preserve, and pass on the Scriptures exactly as given. • The phrase underscores the words’ divine origin; they are not human commentary but God’s own oracles. The Breath of God and Its Purpose: 2 Timothy 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” • “God-breathed” (theopneustos) reveals Scripture’s source—directly from God’s mouth, matching Romans 3:2’s “very words of God.” • Fourfold usefulness shows Scripture’s active role: – Instruction: teaching truth – Conviction: exposing error – Correction: setting right – Training: shaping character for righteous living Connecting the Two Passages • Romans 3:2 declares Scripture’s authenticity; 2 Timothy 3:16 declares its sufficiency. • What Israel safeguarded, the church now employs for growth. • Divine origin (Romans) guarantees divine effectiveness (Timothy). Because the words come from God, they carry His authority and transforming power. Additional Witnesses from Scripture • Psalm 19:7 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.” • Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers…the word of our God stands forever.” • 2 Peter 1:20-21 – Prophecy never had its origin in human will; men spoke from God as carried along by the Holy Spirit. • Hebrews 4:12 – The word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – The word “is at work in you who believe.” Implications for Daily Life • Confidence: We can trust every verse, knowing it is “God-breathed” and perfectly preserved. • Responsibility: Like Israel, believers today steward Scripture—reading, obeying, and sharing it accurately. • Transformation: Regular exposure to the Word instructs, convicts, corrects, and trains us, shaping Christlike character. • Mission: Entrusted with the oracles, we pass them on to the next generation, confident of their power to save and sanctify (James 1:21; John 17:17). Conclusion What God entrusted in Romans 3:2 He empowered in 2 Timothy 3:16. The same inspired Word that Israel preserved now equips every believer, carrying the full authority and life-changing breath of God from the scrolls of the past into the hearts of His people today. |
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