“Thank God for the Bible”

As part of his ongoing series on the book of Romans, which can be accessed both as sermons and in his newly released book series, Pastor Mathew preached “Thank God for the Bible” during the morning worship service on November 18, 2012.

Pastor Mathew began by asserting from Romans 16:21-24 that we know truth through reading and meditating on the Bible. He went on to outline in four main points why this unique book ought to inspire Christians to be thankful and to submit to its doctrines both in their thoughts and actions.

1. Inspiration (Rom. 16:22):Pastor Mathew explained that Paul wrote this letter to the Roman church with God’s help through dictation to his secretary. Pastor Mathew illustrated how God allows his word to be written down in many forms throughout scripture (Ex. 31-32, Jer. 36, Jn. 7), emphasizing that the Word is infallible and authoritative because the Holy Spirit controls each scribe. Both the Old and New Testaments record God’s very words.
2. Personal Word of the Scriptures: Pointing to Christ’s example of holding a high view of Scripture (Jn. 10:35), Pastor Mathew urged that all must honor the word even as it comes through God’s delegated authorities.
3. Properties of Scriptures: Pastor Mathew examined several qualities of Scripture that set it apart as from God.
   1. Authority: God speaks to us directly through his Word. We submit to Christ by submitting to Scripture.
   2. Necessity: The general revelation in creation is not sufficient. We need Scripture to point us to Christ.
   3. Sufficiency: We cannot add or subtract from God’s word because it alone is sufficient (Rev 22:18-19).
   4. Perspicuity: The Holy Spirit makes the truth of scripture clear to us (II Tim 3:15).
   5. Efficacy: God spoke and Creation sprang into being (Rom 1:16) and thus we see the power of God in his written and spoken word.
   6. Self Attesting: Human authority cannot judge. God, in his word, is the highest authority.
   7. Subject: Scripture reveals Christ (Lk 24:46-47).
4. Sola Scriptura: Pastor Mathew concluded by extolling God for granting us his Word that we might be pointed the way to Paradise! What an incredible blessing to have God’s Word spoken directly to us – the one source of Truth!

In light of this reality, we must not merely hear the Word but do what it says. This Word alone has the power to transform every part of our life.

You can listen to additional sermons from Pastor Mathew here.

This post was contributed by Sarah Trombly.