Untitled Sermon (12)

Introduction:

“Why do you need the bible trustworthy?”

I WANT TO EXPLORE THE REASONS PEOPLE HAVE FOR DOUBTING THE BIBLE – AND THEN I WANT US TO SEE HOW THE BIBLE REVEALS GOD’S WILL, AND OUR SALVATION.

I) The Bible Is Often Viewed as Culturally Irrelevant

A. Our Culture Questions the Reliability of the bible

i. “The Bible is an unreliable source”

1. The DaVinci code popularized the idea that the bible was heavily edited.

2. But: This isn’t true because most of it was around within 15 years of Jesus

ii. “The Bible is culturally outdated”

1. Slavery, for example (Eph. 6:5ff)

2. BUT: If you take the time to study, read, it answers many questions

B. Our Culture Misunderstands the message of the bible

i. An Oregon Problem: The most beautiful…and most secular state

1. Oregon loves the 1st book of revelation but don’t open the 2nd book

2. Biblical Literacy is on the decline:

3. BUT: Gen. Rev. can’t revive your soul, develop a worldview…

THAT’S WHY GOD GIVES US SCRIPTURE AS A SECOND BOOK BY WHICH WE KNOW HIM.

II) The Bible Reveals God’s Will

A. Gods’ Word Is Life-Giving To Us (vv. 7-9)

i. God’s Word: “A Way of Life embedded in a covenant relationship”

1. Synonyms, adjectives, and verbs: describes what God’s word IS & DOES

2. “Commands, statutes, precepts: Rules èa burden!

3. Marriage: a whole new way of life (that you embrace, because you love)

ii. The Function of God’s Word

1. EXAMPLE: Amusing Ourselves to Death (Neil Postman…)

2. We all have a source of authority – where do you go?

3. When we feel discouraged…Facebook troll! Seeking truth? S.Media

B. Therefore, God’s Word is a Treasure For us (vv. 10-11)

i. God’s Word is Better than Gold: (vs. 10a)

1. Wealth motivates us such that we build our life around it;

2. Yet: will we build/order our lives around God’s Word?

ii. God’s Word is Better than Honey (vv. 10b)

1. Dessert is instant gratification, enjoyment

2. Are you delighting in God’s word?

3. An INVITATION: Read scripture daily

i. Starting out: 5-5 plan

ii. Or: the bible in a year

iii. AND: reading as a family

I WANT TO COME BACK TO SOMETHING I ONLY HINTED AT – AND THAT IS HOW MANY SEE THE BIBLE AS CULTURLALY INSENSITIVE – OR EVEN OFFENSIVE.

III) The Bible Reveals God’s Work of Redemption

A. God’s Word “reads” Us (vs. 12)

i. The Psalmist invites God’s word to find hidden faults & presumptuous sins

1. Many things in the bible DO offend cultural norms, values

2. The Psalmist’s love for scripture leads him to confession (vv. 12-14)

ii. Scripture will expose us bare (vv. 6, 12)

1. Just as nothing is hidden from the sun, nothing is hidden from God’s word

2. Yet: This is good news: a sign of a relationship with a living God!

3. EXAMPLE: Marriage again (a living marriage vs. a stepford one)

B. God’s Word Brings us to the True Word Who Redeems Us

i. Scripture points us to Jesus:

1. General rev à Special rev à…a third book! (Heb. 1:1)

Hebrews 1:1 ESV

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

2. The word points to THE WORD, truth not as proposition but person!

ii. Scripture assures us of our salvation

1. Most Religion: “Follow the book, and you will e saved…”

2. Jesus followed the book…but was ridiculed, tortured, executed

Transition:

Conclusion

God’s Word is the most relevant book we’ll ever read