Training from the Scriptures
Victory Life Church, Disciple School — April 9, 2025
Romans 8:29 (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
1 Timothy 4:7b–8 (ESV) Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Our transformation requires training.
2 Timothy 3:12–17 (ESV)12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and 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. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
The “God-breathed” Scriptures have a telos (an end goal) in mind for humans: to be “complete.” The goal is for humans to have everything we need (“equipped”) to fulfill the good work God has for us. You have a God-given purpose in this life, and you need maturity and equipping to fulfill it for God’s glory. God has made you righteous and truly holy in your spirit man, but the rest of your life needs to conform to the character of Christ to fulfill what God has for you to contribute to this world.
“Complete” – artios – ἄρτιος: furnished or equipped with every necessary component (for a task or purpose)
2 Timothy 3:17 (KJV)17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Timothy 3:17 (NLT)17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:17 (NIV)17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV) and 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.
Wisdom: How to live well in God’s good world.
John 5:39–40 (ESV) You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
The Scriptures reveal “the good life” that we attain by recognizing our limitations and weaknesses and by trusting in Jesus’ strength and power made available to us.
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
These Scriptures teach you—they tell you things you didn’t know. They reprove (or rebuke) you—they get in your face about things you know but do not live consistently with. They point out to you things that are wrong with you and the world in order that you can be trained in the way that is right.
2 Timothy 3:16 (MSG)16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way.
The primary goal of Scripture is not to indoctrinate our brains but to shape our character.
The Scriptures should produce new and different kinds of humans.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.