01 Holy Scripture
Doctrine of the Holy Scriptures
God’s love letter to fallen humanity
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21
Introduction:
1. Establishing our foundation begins with an understanding of the uniqueness of God’s Word.
2. Consider the odds of such a book as the bible being randomly put together.
a. Sixty-books written by over 40 authors.
b. Written over a period of several hundered years.
c. Covers a span from eternity past to eternity to come.
d. The odds are the same as dipping into the state of Texas covered 3 feet in quarters and pulling up a RED one.
3. This is a very unique and unusual book from God to mankind.
4. Consider five aspects of the Bible that set it apart from any other book.
I. Peculiarity – “supernaturally inspired.”
A. All scripture came from God to show us how to live – 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
1. The word “scripture” is used 51 times in the NT, always referring to some part of the Bible.
2. Verse 16a labels Scripture in its entirety as “inspired.”
3. Verses 16b-17 show Scripture’s intent to instruct us on how to live our lives.
B. God used men and gave us a completely truthful Bible – 2 Peter 1:19-21.
1. More reliable than “eyesight.” (The Transfiguration –Matthew 17:2-9)
2. The phrase “spake as they were moved…” is the same as “let her drive” found in Acts 27:15.
3. It was NOT the will of man that brought about the writing of the Bible – it was God Himself.
C. The actual words of the Bible are inspired, not just the ideas – 1 Corinthians 2:1-3.
1. God’s revelation came to us in words.
2. These words were from the Holy Spirit through man – they have a divine source!
II. Purity – “wihout any admixture of error.”
A. Psalm 12:6
The words of the Lord are pure words,
Like silver tried in a furnace of earth,
Purified seven times.
B. Psalm 19:7-8
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
C. Psalm 119:160
III. Purpose – “complete and final revelation of the will of God to man.”
A. The Bible is God’s message to man and its purpose is the same as God’s overall purpose: to manifest His glory.
1. Psalm 19:1 – His glory is revealed through creation.
2. Isaiah 43:7, 21 – His glory is revealed through Israel.
3. Romans 9:22-24 – His glory is revealed through salvation.
4. Ephesians 3:21 – His glory is revealed through the church.
5. John 1:14 – His glory is revealed through the Son.
B. The Bible not only reveals Christ to us, but unfolds his program for Israel, the nations and for his church (Body).
C. Examples –
1. 2 Peter 3:9
2. 1 Thessalonians 4:3
3. Psalm 119:105
4. Psalm 119:130
IV. Prominence – “true center of Christian union.”
A. Our unity as Christians rest on acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God.
1. We must have the same belief concerning the doctrine of Jesus Christ – 2 John 9-10.
2. We must have the same belief concerning the gospel of salvation – Galatians 1:6-12.
B. It is only in God’s Word that we find “the way, the truth and the life.”
C. Jesus regarded Scripture as the final authority on spiritual matters – John 10:34-36.
V. Pattern – “supreme standard.”
A. God’s Word is unchanging compared to other standards.
1. Psalm 119:89
2. 1 Peter 1:23-25
B. The Word of God will be the standard by which God judges all humanity. (John 12:48)
1. When non-believers are judged at the “Great White Throne Judgment” there is only one count on the indictment: Refusing the payment for sin made by Jesus on your behalf as described in the Bible.
2. When believers are judged at the “Judgment Seat of Christ”, their works/efforts will be judged according to their obedience to the Bible.
Conclusion:
1. It is tragic how neglected the Bible is especially when we consdier the purpose and heart of God in writing to us.
2. If we genuinely would know the heart of God we must read His Word to us.
3. How should we use this Bible?
a. Read it – Nehemiah 9:3
b. Study it – 2 Timothy 2:15
c. Meditated on it – Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:3
Billy Sunday – “Twenty-seven years ago, with the Holy Spirit as my guide, I entered at the portico of Genesis and went into the art galleries of the Old Testament; on the wall hung pictures of Enoch, Noah, Jacob, Abraham, Elijah, David, Daniel, and other famous prophets of old. Then I passed into the music room of the Psalms where the Spirit swept the keyboard of my nature … Then I stepped into the prophetic room and saw through the telescopes various stars, some pointing to far-off stars and others to nearby stars, but all concentrated upon the bright and morning Star … From here I went to the correspondence room where Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James, and Jude sat at their tasks, penning their epistles to the church. Then I passed last of all into the throne room of Revelation and saw the King sitting high upon His throne.”