WHAT IS THE GOD-BREATHED LIFE? – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
2 Timothy 3:15-18
Points:
1. Formed by the WORD of God
2. Strengthened by the GOSPEL of Jesus
3. Active in Every Area of my LIFE
What is the God breathed life?
2 Timothy 3:15-18 – the scripture which birthed the God-breathed narrative of Linc Church.
Verse 15:
“And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Verse 16:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Context: Paul is writing to Timothy, who is leading a church in Ephesus. Ephesus is a growing city, a hub of activity (modern-day Turkey), a trade port, and a beautiful place with much activity and life. The church in Ephesus is moving forward, and Timothy is leading it. He’s been positioned as the pastor of that community, facing various challenges as Ephesus gains momentum.
One of the challenges is Gnosticism – a religion that suggests salvation is through secret knowledge. It suggests some people have the secret, and others don’t. Additionally, Gnosticism despises the material world, believing the body is inherently evil and a restriction to spiritual enlightenment. Paul writes to Timothy, who is surrounded by a society that embraces Gnosticism and godless chatter. He encourages Timothy to keep preaching what matters most, to build churches that gather ordinary people and raise them in supernatural faith in God.
Paul knew Timothy would be fatigued by societal conversations and might question his purpose. So, Paul wrote final encouragements to ensure Timothy stayed focused on what matters most. This encouragement is relevant today as we face similar societal challenges. Three Foundational Aspects of the God Breathed Life:
1. Formed by the WORD of God
The God breathed life is formed by the word and breath of God. In the beginning, God made man out of the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils. This personal moment signifies that we are formed by God’s breath and word, not by societal influences. All scripture is God breathed, meaning it is divinely inspired and not merely text on paper. This word continues to speak life into us, transforming every part of our lives.
Before scripture is an instruction, it is an invitation to understand God’s breath and rhythms. We are committed to breathing in the scriptures daily, believing they light up our world.
2. Strengthened by the GOSPEL of Jesus
Paul tells Timothy to remind the church that they are formed by God’s word and strengthened by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a society seeking the secret to life through various means, the church stands firm in the Gospel. The word provides teaching that creates an appetite for more; rebuking – that gives evidence of our beliefs, correcting – that aligns us with God’s purposes, and training in righteousness – that prepares us for life’s challenges.
This scripture teaches and reforms us, lifting us up and aligning us with God’s plans. It’s like training a child in the way they should go, instilling values that will benefit them in the future. The God-breathed life is a life shaped by God’s word and strengthened by Jesus’s Gospel, not by societal influences.
3. Active in Every Area of My LIFE
The God-breathed life is fashioned by God’s ways, not by the world. We are a people formed by God’s word and breath, strengthened by the Gospel, and committed to living according to His ways. This life is not a mixture of God’s teachings and societal trends; it is a life solely based on God’s word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul encourages Timothy to stay faithful to the church and the word preached there. This word gives us grace and guidance for our lives, strengthening us for the journey ahead. The God-breathed life is one where we live in God’s word, fashioning our lives according to His ways and finding strength in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let’s be a people committed to the god breathed life, allowing His breath to bring life to everything around us.
Discussion Questions
1. . Formed by the WORD of God:
– What does it mean for you personally that “all Scripture is God-breathed”?
– How has the word of God shaped your life and beliefs?
– In what ways can we commit to daily engaging with Scripture to let it form our lives?
2. Strengthened by the GOSPEL of Jesus:
– How does the Gospel strengthen us in our daily lives?
– Can you share an experience where the Gospel has provided you with strength or guidance during a challenging time?
– What are some practical ways we can remind ourselves and others of the Gospel’s power?
3. Active in Every Area of my LIFE:
– What does it look like to have the God-breathed life active in every area of our lives?
– How can we ensure that our actions and decisions align with God’s word and the Gospel, rather than societal trends?
_ What are some specific areas in your life where you feel you need to invite God’s breath and guidance?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your life-giving Word and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that strengthens and guides us. Help us to be continually formed by Your Word, finding wisdom and salvation through faith in Christ. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to live according to Your ways, allowing Your breath to bring life to every aspect of our existence. Empower us to face societal challenges with courage and faith, always rooted in Your truth. Living the God-Breathed life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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