Equipped for Every Good Work

Imagine setting out on an important journey with no map, no compass, and no sense of direction. You may have good intentions, but the odds of stumbling or getting hopelessly lost are high. This vivid imagery serves as a powerful reminder of our spiritual journey, where the Word of God assumes the role of our reliable compass. In this recent sermon at Knox Church, the speaker illuminated the essential truths found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, showing how scripture prepares us for the challenges of life and leads us toward God’s will.

The speaker began by emphasizing the divine nature of scripture: “All scripture is breathed out by God.” This profound statement reassures us that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings, but the very voice of God, spoken through chosen authors. Second Peter reinforces this truth, saying that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” When we engage with scripture, we are not just reading words; we’re receiving God’s instruction for our lives.

When traversing dense and confusing terrain, soldiers rely on a properly calibrated compass to guide their path. Similarly, if we allow cultural influences or personal feelings to distort the teachings of the Bible, we risk straying from our intended path. The speaker wisely noted, “If we doubt scripture, we lose direction in life.” It is this divine reliability that assures us we can trust the scripture to keep us aligned with our true north: Jesus Christ.

As we explore the practicality of scripture, we encounter its four key purposes: teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Through teaching, God guides us in making wise decisions, instilling in us the principles that honor Him. Psalm 119:105 states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” illustrating how scripture illuminates our way in life’s complexities.

Additionally, scripture acts as a tool for reproof, exposing areas where we may have erred, allowing us to recognize our faults and redirect our actions. The speaker shared a personal reflection on how the Word helps him recognize missteps in his family relationships. This self-awareness cultivates humility and encourages growth, a theme underscored in Psalm 119, which speaks to living according to God’s word to maintain purity.

Equipping us for “every good work,” the speaker explained that scripture prepares us for service and fulfills His will through three essential actions: recognizing God’s grace, obeying His commands, and conducting ourselves for His glory. “We need to give God credit at work and in all aspects of life,” the speaker reminded us, highlighting that our talents and opportunities arise from His grace (1 Corinthians 15:10).

The speaker’s compelling illustration of a community organization in Kingston, Ontario, shedding light on the importance of relationships, encapsulated how acknowledging God’s grace prompts us to fulfill His will. Volunteers reached out to individuals suffering from relational poverty, forming bonds that demonstrated God’s love in action. This beautiful example challenges each of us to recognize how we can serve others and reflect God’s grace in our daily lives.

As we conclude, the speaker invited us to reflect deeply on our engagement with scripture. Are we letting it guide us, or are we leaving our compass buried beneath the dust? Regular interaction with God’s Word can provide clarity, direct our steps, and equip us to face the challenges that come our way.

If you feel prompted to deepen your understanding of God’s Word, consider visiting Knox Church in Old Strathcona, just north of Whyte Avenue in Edmonton. Join in the fellowship, explore the Knox Event Calendar for up-to-date news on gatherings and worship opportunities, and experience the transformative power of community as we all strive to seek God together. Let us commit to reading, reflecting, and living out the teachings of scripture, guiding our lives toward His glory.