1. The Word of God is Not Bound 2 Timothy 2:8-10 “to bind, tie, fasten…to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit”

2. 2 Not Bound in its Relevance  God is the source, 2 Tim. 3:16 –Accomplishes purposes, Isa. 55:8-11 –Three alternatives: God cannot give an ever-relevant word (lacked power)God cannot give an ever-relevant word (lacked power) God would not give one (lacked will)God would not give one (lacked will) God could & did give oneGod could & did give one

3. 3 Not Bound in its Relevance  Man’s basic needs are unchanged –Salvation (Rom. 1:16) –Instruction & training (2 Tim. 4:2) –How to live (Matt. 4:4) –Faith (Rom. 10:17)  Universal application – Mk. 16:15  Universal proclamation – 1 Cor. 4:17 (cf. Autonomy, Acts 11, 15)

4. 4 Not Bound in its Power  Saves sinners, Rom. 1:16 (Jas. 1:21) –Faithless to faith, Rom. 1:17 –Rebellious to repentance, Acts 2:37-41  A living word – Heb. 4:12; Acts 7:38

5. 5 Not Bound in its Power  Still works, 1 Ths. 2:13 –Matures (1 Pet. 2:2) –Strengthens (Acts 20:32) –Comforts (Rom. 15:4) –Instructs (2 Tim. 3:16)

6. 6 Not Bound in its Sufficiency  Adequate to make us all God wants us to be, 2 Tim. 3:17 –All things concerning life & godliness, 2 Pet. 1:3  Every change by man is an apology for God’s work –Creeds, confessions of faith –“New revelation” –Direct operation of Holy Spirit –Incorruptible & abides, 1 Pet. 1:22-25

7. 7 Not Bound in its Judgment  The standard by which all will be measured, Jno. 12:48; Rom. 2:16 –Its judgment is not restrained by: Good intentions (1 Sam. 15:3, 15)Good intentions (1 Sam. 15:3, 15) Traditions of men (Matt. 15:3)Traditions of men (Matt. 15:3) Feelings & opinions (Acts 26:9)Feelings & opinions (Acts 26:9) –We must live under its authority now because we will be judged by it in the last day

8. 8 God’s Word is Bound in a Person’s Life When it is…  Rejected – Acts 13:44-46  Not given free course – 2 Ths. 3:1 –Hardened hearts of unbelief, 2 Cor. 4:3-4  An eternal mistake to refuse its relevance, power, sufficiency & judgment – Law of liberty! James 1:25