Andy begins his message with a straightforward challenge: to rightly divide the Word of God so we can distinguish biblical truth from traditions we may have inherited. He notes that Christians sometimes hold beliefs not because Scripture teaches them, but because they have been passed down through culture, family, or denominational habits. Returning to the Word itself — interpreted in context, without assumptions — is the only reliable way to know what is true.
From there, Andy shows how wrong perspectives lead to wrong conclusions. He emphasizes the need to approach Scripture with humility and teachability, willing to see where Scripture confronts or corrects long-held ideas. “Rightly dividing the Word of truth,” he explains, means allowing the Bible to speak on its own terms rather than forcing it to fit our preconceived theology or traditions.
The sermon then moves to Luke 2, where twelve-year-old Jesus is found in the temple among the teachers, listening, questioning, and answering with divine wisdom. Andy highlights this scene as a model:
• Jesus knew who He was
• Jesus understood His Father’s business
• Jesus valued Scripture, truth, and obedience above cultural expectations
Even Mary and Joseph — faithful and godly — had to adjust their thinking as Jesus revealed the truth that transcended their assumptions. This becomes Andy’s central application: if Mary herself had to yield her perspective to God’s revelation, so must we.
Andy poses three heart-searching questions flowing from the story:
1. Are we living in God’s presence without being amazed by Him?
Many stood near Jesus in the temple but were unmoved. Right doctrine requires right awe.
2. Are we excusing rebellion as immaturity?
Andy applies this especially to young listeners: Scripture confronts attitudes we may dismiss as “just being young.” Maturity in Christ begins with honesty before God.
3. Are we honoring God and submitting to His Word?
True discipleship means aligning our lives with God’s will even when it exposes cherished habits or inherited beliefs.
Andy concludes by urging believers to embrace a transformed life, one shaped not by tradition but by truth. A life touched by the grace of Jesus becomes a life that reflects His grace to others — agents of truth in their families, workplaces, and communities.
The final prayer asks that God make us people who handle His Word faithfully, live in His presence joyfully, and walk in His will obediently.