We Are reformed

Sermon Title: We Are Reformed (with a small r)
Scripture Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-16

1. Key Scriptures

• 2 Timothy 3:14-16

• John 8:31

• Genesis 2:7

• Ezekiel 37:1-10

• Psalm 19:7-9

• Isaiah 40:8

• Hebrews 4:12

• Romans 2:19–20

• Acts 20:31

• 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (benediction reference)

• Hebrews 13:20-21 (benediction reference)

2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways

I. Continue in the Word (vv. 14–15)
Paul urges Timothy not to drift with the times but to remain rooted in the Scriptures he has learned from faithful teachers since childhood. Continuity in God’s Word is the anchor in a world of constant change.

• Takeaways:

  • Stay rooted in Scripture even when culture prizes novelty.

  • Parents and teachers: your faithful instruction plants deep roots for the storms to come.

II. All Scripture Is God-Breathed (v. 16a)
The Bible is not just inspiring but inspired, the very breath of God. To neglect it is to cut ourselves off from life itself.

• Takeaways:

  • Scripture is our only sufficient and infallible rule (1689 Confession).

  • Worship is Word-centered: we read, sing, pray, and preach the Word.

  • Expositional preaching lets God set the agenda instead of human opinion.

III. Scripture Shapes Us for Every Good Work (vv. 16b-17)
The Word teaches, reproves, corrects, and trains us so that God’s people are fully equipped for every good work, not by our power, but by God’s grace through His Spirit.

• Takeaways:

  • The Bible confronts, restores, and trains us into holiness.

  • God equips His people by His Word; we don’t equip ourselves.

  • Christ is the true Man of God who fulfills Scripture perfectly and makes us whole.

Conclusion: Reformed and Always Being Re-formed
Being “Reformed” means continually being reshaped by God’s Word. The Solas summarize this reality: Scripture alone, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, all to the glory of God alone.

• Takeaways:

  • Our church’s ethos is Word-centered, Christ-exalting, Spirit-empowered.

  • The gospel invitation is clear: repent, believe, and be re-formed by Christ the Word made flesh.

3. Primary Sources (cited)

• Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Timothy (NPNF)

• Basil the Great (on Scripture as the breath of the Spirit)

• 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith

• Thomas D. Lea & Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (New American Commentary)

• Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible

4. Additional Resources

• Desiring God: Are Baptists Reformed?

• Baptist Press: 500 Years: The Reformation & Baptist Life

• Tim Challies: What It Means to Be Reformed

• The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy

• Kevin DeYoung: Taking God at His Word (book)