HOPE IN GOD'S ETERNAL WORD
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1 Peter 1:13-25
1 Peter 1:13-25
Title: The Eternal Word
Date: April 3, 2011
Introduction:
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
· God has given every Christian thousands of reasons to hope.
· Today we will see that there is hope in His eternal word.
The reasons for our hope are found in the Word of God. Hope is a powerful motivator and sustainer in our lives. Hope can push us farther than we ever thought we could go or endure.
· Hope is what compels the victim trapped in the rubble to hold on a little longer.
HOPE, n. [Sax. hopa; D. hoop; Sw. hopp; Dan. haab; G. hoffnung. Qu. L. cupio. Class Gb. The primary sense is to extend, to reach forward.]
1. A desire of some good, accompanied will at least a sight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.
The hypocrite’s hope shall perish. Job 8.
He wish’d, but not with hope— Milton.
Sweet hope! kind cheat! Crashaw.
He that lives upon hope, will die fasting. Franklin.
2. Confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God’s gracious promises; a scriptural sense.
As Christians we can have hope, not based on how we feel or what someone else may do for us, but we know Hope is Alive because of the Word of God!!!
Too often people live life without hope…
Archaeologists have dug up first century cemeteries in Greece and Rome and have found many tomb stones that bear the Greek or Latin inscription for “No hope.” Imagine living your entire life with no hope! Imagine going to your death, to that eternal night, with no hope!
Note – Some people approach the Word of God rather haphazardly.
Satan, who does not want us to live with hope, has since the beginning of time questioned the Word of God.
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Note – Many times, Christian young people face this questioning in high school, college etc.
3 Ways Men View the Bible
· Liberal – Denies the inerrancy of the Bible, denies the miracles, etc. They treat the Bible as good literature. In an interview with Larry King, a supposed Christian leader stated, the Bible is man’s view about God.
· Neo- Orthodox – They stand halfway between liberal belief and fundamental belief. They say the Bible is unique, but contains human error. They use Bible words but place their own meaning on them. To them the Bible is not the Word of God, but it becomes the Word of God when it touches you.
· Fundamental – We hesitate to use the term fundamentalist because it conjures up ugly images in people’s minds. Today most people caricature a fundamentalist as someone who is hate-filled, arrogant and fanatical. Of course if that’s what it means to be a fundamentalist, we’re not interested. A Fundamental student of the Bible believes that it is the Word of God, and it is perfect, pure, preserved and for us today. He believes that it is just as up to date as tomorrow’s news headlines and a LOT MORE ACCURATE!!!!
· A Fundamental believer states: God said and that settles it!!
Note - The Merriam Webster Collegiate Dictionary 1998 edition defines fundamentalist as A “Protestant religious movement emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching.”
· We know that Hope is still Alive for the man, woman, boy or girl that believes that the Bible is the Word of God.
The Bible has been attacked, burned, re-written, mocked, condemned, yet it still stands and is being printed by the millions as a testimony to the power of Almighty God.
I. The Perfection of the Word of God – verse 23
I. The Perfection of the Word of God – verse 23
Note - Incorruptible seed-cannot decay
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
A. It is inspired by God.
A. It is inspired by God.
Note – All Scripture is given by inspiration. It all comes from God.
Note – The biblical writers knew from whence the message came.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Note – Over 3000 times in the New Testament alone we read the words, “The Word of the Lord,” “The Lord said” etc.
1 And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
B. It is inerrant-without error in its recording
B. It is inerrant-without error in its recording
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Note - The Bible is without error.
Quote – John Wesley – If there be any mistakes in the Bible, then there may as well be a thousand. If there be one falsehood in the book, then it did not come from God.
C. It is Infallible-without error in its teaching
C. It is Infallible-without error in its teaching
The Word of God will never lead you down a path that takes you into sin!!
160 Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
Everything that the Bible teaches is truth
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Men do not reject the Bible because it contradicts itself, but they reject it because it contradicts them.
The Perfection of the Word of God
II. The Power of the Word Of God – verse 23
II. The Power of the Word Of God – verse 23
“being born again”
Note – The Power of the Word of God
Note- other books are given for our information; the Bible is given for our transformation.
A. The Power of the Word of God In Salvation
A. The Power of the Word of God In Salvation
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Note – Salvation is more than an emotional experience.
B. The Power of the Word of God In Protection
B. The Power of the Word of God In Protection
1. The Bible convicts.
1. The Bible convicts.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Note - Conviction is not a burden, it is a blessing.
2. The Bible protects.
2. The Bible protects.
D.L. Moody – “A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who is not.”
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: Teach me thy statutes.
105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.
3. The Bible strengthens.
3. The Bible strengthens.
§ It will strengthen your: home, human relationships, work ethic, church, nation, world.
2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:
The perfection of the Word of God
The power of the Word of God
III. The Promises of the Word of God
III. The Promises of the Word of God
Note – There are over 7300 promises in the Bible.
A. These Promises Are eternal
A. These Promises Are eternal
23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever.
B. Are trustworthy
B. Are trustworthy
19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Ill – A check has no authority of its own. It is the name attached to it that gives it authority.
Ill – IF I were to write you a check for one million dollars, most banks would not accept it. If you were to have a check written for one million dollars with Donald Trump’s name on it that would make a difference.
God’s promises are checks that will be cashed by heaven’s bank.
We have an assigned check book if we will use it! We don’t have to get rich. We already are!
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Have you experienced the power of the Word of God in salvation?
Is your Hope in the promises of the Word of God or are you trusting something that you have done for salvation?
Are you willing to trust in the promises of the Word of God to sustain you?
Finances? Family? Future?
Do you read the Bible every day?
How many will commit to reading every day for the next 30 days?