The Power of Scripture

Why did God give us the Bible?

Today we are going to talk about why God gave us Scripture.

I believe scripture has the power to equip us to live differently.

Scripture stirs us up to Godliness

When I tease Mitch about computers he is stirred up to talk tech.

When I intentionally use bad grammar around Ashley she is stirred up to correct me.

When I mispronounce something around Brianna Schuster, the speech and language pathologist in her cringes.

God intends scripture to stir us up.

2 Peter

2 Peter 1:12–13 ESV

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder,

Peter is confident in the faith of the people he is writing to but he is also very concerned that they are stirred to remember what is important.

Peter knew his time was limited and he wanted his readers to remember important truths from God’s Word.

2 Truths Peter has already reminded us of

Through our knowledge of Jesus God gives us all we need for life and godliness.

2 Peter 1:3 ESV

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

Because of Jesus we must grow in Christian character to demonstrate our election.

We have escaped: SINFUL CORRUPTION

We must grow in

Virtue

Knowledge of Godliness

Self Control

Steadfastness

Godliness

Brotherly Affection

Love.

They are vital signs!

If you have Covid-19 symptoms you probably have the virus

If your BMI and blood counts look good, then you are healthy, if not, then you need to change something.

If you lack the qualities Peter lists here then something is seriously wrong.

Sanctification

Scripture Reminds us of Jesus’ Simple, Supernatural Work

2 Peter 1:16 ESV

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

2 Peter 1:16 ESV

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

The Cross is simple

1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

1 Corinthians 1:17 ESV

17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Heresies add complexities

Heresies add complexities

1 Timothy 1:4 ESV

4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

1 Timothy 1:4 ESV

4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

The Message is Supernatural

1 Corinthians 2:3–4 ESV

3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

Scripture brings us eyewitness accounts of Jesus

2 Peter 1:17–18 ESV

17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.

Matthew 3:17 ESV

17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:19

Matthew 17:1 ESV

1 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

Matthew 3:19

Scripture Brings God’s Message Into Our Lives

2 Peter 1:19 ESV

19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

2 Peter

2 Peter 1:20

2 Peter 1:20 ESV

20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.

2 Peter 1:21 ESV

21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Prophecy is made certain in Jesus

Psalm 119:105 ESV

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

Prophecy is the work of God through the Bible and through Men

Because of the authority of the Bible it is useful throughout our lives.

Conclusion

Scripture stirs us up to Godliness

Scripture reminds us of the simple, supernatural work of Jesus

Scripture shares eyewitness, historical accounts about Jesus.

Scripture usefully brings God’s message to our lives.