The Primary Means of Grace

The Primary Means of Grace (2Tim 3:16-4:4)
Intro: What makes us grow?
God's given us things to 'grow in grace & knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' (2Pe 3:18)

'Desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby' (1 Pe 2:2, vs. Dan 1:15)

1. The Inspiration of the Word (3:16a)
   See 1Th 2:13

2. The Profit of the Word (3:16b-18)
   a. Doctrine: We're transformed by the renewing of our minds, Rom 12:2.
   b. Reproof: Showing our need for repentance, forgiveness, and change.
   c. Correction: Used of mending a broken bone, or repairing broken walls.
   d. Instruction [or training] in righteousness: To teach & train us to live for Christ.

3. The preaching of the Word (4:1-2)
   See Eph 4:11-14.

'The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching, of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort, through faith, unto salvation' (WSC 89)

See Jer 23:1, Acts 20:29-31, 1Tim 4:6, Titus 1:9-11, Ezek 34:8-10...

4. The hearing of the Word (4:3-4)

Conclusion
We need to be ready to preach - and hear - in season and out of season. 'The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are like' (Jn 6:63). May God therefore give us grace to 'receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save [our] souls' (James 1:21).