In the beginning of 2025, the staff at Coggin Church sought to start the year strong by launching an identity series. This series aims to articulate the vision of the congregation and its commitment to living out God’s truth. This message will explore what it means to be a church that is rooted in God’s Word and focused on living the Gospel. The vision for the church is anchored in fulfilling the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. Jesus taught that we should love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). Additionally, He commissioned His followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
As part of the series, the identity statement of Coggin Church is being explored: “Through life’s most difficult questions, Coggin wants to help you learn God’s truth in a supportive community that pursues a full life in Jesus.” The world is filled with questions, and as a church, Coggin seeks to help people find the answers through God’s Word. The first part of this vision is the emphasis on “learning God’s truth,” and it is this aspect that is unpacked today through the Scripture from 2 Timothy 3:16-18.
1. Trust the Bible Because It Is Inspired (2 Timothy 3:16)
Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, gives a powerful description of the Bible. In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God.” The word “inspired” comes from a Greek compound word meaning “God-breathed.” This affirms the doctrine of biblical inspiration — the belief that the Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings but the very Word of God, given to humanity by His direct influence.
The importance of this cannot be overstated. It means that when we read the Bible, we are engaging with God’s own thoughts and intentions. Paul explains that the Scripture is given by God to be authoritative and reliable, and through it, we hear directly from the Creator of the universe. This divine inspiration is not just a theological abstraction; it means that God has revealed His will and His truth to us through the written Word.
For Coggin Church, this truth means that the Bible holds ultimate authority. It is not just another book, and we cannot afford to pick and choose which parts we accept or reject based on personal preference or cultural pressure. The whole Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, is inspired by God, and as such, it is trustworthy and reliable in every way.
2. Study the Bible Because It Is Beneficial (2 Timothy 3:16)
Paul continues in 2 Timothy 3:16, saying that Scripture is “profitable” or “beneficial.” The Bible is not just a historical or religious artifact but is immensely practical for everyday life. Paul lists four specific ways the Bible is beneficial:
- Teaching: The Bible teaches us what is true. Without it, we are left to the opinions and theories of man, which are often flawed.
- Reproof: The Bible exposes and corrects errors. Without God’s Word, we are susceptible to misunderstanding truth and being misled by false teachings.
- Correction: The Bible helps us get back on the right path. It “straightens us out” when we stray from God’s ways, guiding us back to a life of righteousness.
- Training in Righteousness: Finally, the Bible trains us to live rightly. It not only shows us what is wrong but instructs us on how to live rightly according to God’s standards.
This makes the Bible indispensable. It is not just for personal reflection or spiritual growth but is the tool God uses to shape us into His image. It equips us to live out God’s commands in every area of life — from marriage and parenting to work and relationships. At Coggin Church, this is why the Bible is central to everything we do. We want to help people learn God’s truth through the Bible because it is beneficial for all aspects of life.
3. Use the Bible Because It Makes You Ready (2 Timothy 3:17)
In 2 Timothy 3:17, Paul gives the result of being grounded in God’s Word: “so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” The Bible makes us ready for life. It prepares us to face the challenges of the world and equips us to serve God faithfully.
The Bible makes us complete, meaning it provides everything we need for living the Christian life. It equips us to handle the challenges we face, and it prepares us to do the work God has called us to do. When we engage with God’s Word, we are being shaped and equipped to live out God’s will in every circumstance. The Bible equips us to face trials, share the Gospel, care for others, and live lives that reflect God’s love and truth.
This readiness is not just intellectual. It is practical. God’s Word gives us the tools we need to live effectively as Christians, to help others, and to honor God in all that we do.
Conclusion
The message from 2 Timothy 3:16-18 is clear: the Bible is inspired by God, it is beneficial for teaching, correcting, and training, and it makes us ready for every good work. At Coggin Church, we want to help you learn God’s truth because we believe that this truth is transformative.
The Bible is not just a book to read occasionally; it is God’s Word to us, and it is the source of all wisdom and truth. If we are to thrive in 2025 and beyond, we must be people who are deeply rooted in God’s Word. We must trust the Bible because it is inspired, study the Bible because it is beneficial, and use the Bible because it makes us ready.
As the new year begins, we invite everyone to commit to making God’s Word a central part of your life. Whether through personal Bible reading, joining a small group, or engaging with the church community, let’s commit to knowing God’s truth, applying it, and living it out together.
May 2025 be a year where we grow in our understanding of God’s Word, are shaped by it, and are equipped to live lives that honor Him.
