Purpose of Scripture

Luke 24:44–48 ESV

44 Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

Introduction:

Central Idea:

Scripture has been given by God to lead people to faith and salvation. Through Scripture believers are nurtured in faith and led to spiritual maturity.

[Scripture has a purpose with one of those being leading people to salvation…]

I. Scripture intended to lead people to salvation

As Paul tells Timothy scripture leads to salvation...

2 Timothy 3:14–15 ESV

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

See also Ps 19:7–11; Jn 20:30–31; Ro 10:8

[There are at least 7 ways Scripture leads Christians to mature…]

II. Scripture intended to lead believers to maturity in faith

A. By its teaching

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

See also Dt 6:6–9; Ps 19:7–8; Ps 119:9; Ps 119:130; Col 3:16

B. By its rebuke and correction

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

See also Ps 19:11–13; 1 Co 10:11–12; Heb 4:12–13

C. By training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

See also Dt 29:29

D. By its illumination

Psalm 119:105; Psalm 119:130

Psalm 119:105 ESV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:130 ESV

130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

See also 2 Pe 1:19; 1 Jn 2:8

E. By its encouragement and reassurance

Romans 15:4; 1 John 5:13

Romans 15:4 ESV

4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 John 5:13 ESV

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

See also Ps 19:8–9; Ps 119:50–51; Ps 119:76; Heb 12:5–6

F. By its record of God’s promises

1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:140

1 Kings 8:56 ESV

56 “Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.

Psalm 119:140 ESV

140 Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.

See also Eze 12:25; Lk 24:44; 2 Co 1:19–22

G. By its trustworthiness

1 Kings 17:24; Psalm 19:7–11; Psalm 33:4

1 Kings 17:24 ESV

24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.”

Psalm 19:7–11 ESV

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Psalm 33:4 ESV

4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

See also Ps 119:151; Ps 119:160; Jn 21:24; Re 21:5

[As we faithfully use scripture to Evangelize the authority of scripture brings about Growth and Maturity…]

III. Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and maturity

Today there are many competing devices and schemes for out attention. However none have the purpose that scripture has...

Psalm 1:1–3 ESV

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

See also Mt 4:4; Jn 15:5–8; Jn 17:17; Eph 6:10–17; 2 Ti 3:14–17

Conclusion:

This year of 2019 our number one priority is Evangelism. We will achieve successful through the Authority of the Bible.

Today we learn and affirm that Scripture has a Purpose.

To lead people to salvation

To lead people to maturity in faith

That scripture is essential to growth and maturity..

[We’ll be faithful in extending…]

God’s Invitation

Hear - Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17 ESV

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Believe - John 1:7

John 1:7 ESV

7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

Confess - Hebrews 4:14

Hebrews 4:14 ESV

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Repent and Be Baptized - Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 ESV

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Remain Faithful - Matthew 25:21​

Matthew 25:21 ESV

21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

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First Principles

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Questions: What are my next steps?

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