INTRODUCTION
Of all the books that have ever been written or will ever be written, no other book can match this book!
It is a living book. (Hebrews 4:12)
Of all the books ever written or ever will be written, no other book is as important as this book!
I want us to look at the importance of this book we call the Bible.
I. THE BIBLE CONVERTS US: IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR FAITH!
Psalm 19:7–“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Romans 10:13–17
II. THE BIBLE ESTABLISHES US: IT IS THE BASIS OF OUR ASSURANCE!
Psalm 19:7–“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
1 John 5:13–“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
The blood of Christ made us safe; the Word of God makes us sure.
Assurance of Salvation does not depend on our feelings but on the Word of God.
John 5:24–“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 6:37–“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”
John 10:28–“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.”
III. THE BIBLE TEACHES US: IT IS THE FOUNT OF ALL KNOWLEDGE.
Psalm 19:7–“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17–“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Proverbs 2:6–“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
Matthew 22:29–“. . .Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”
IV. THE BIBLE DEVELOPS US: IT IS THE SOURCE OF OUR STRENGTH.
Psalm 19:7–“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Acts 20:32–“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
Matthew 4:4–“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
V. THE BIBLE REPROVES US: IT IS THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT.
Psalm 19:11–“Moreover by them is thy servant warned:”
2 Timothy 3:16–“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
Hebrews 4:12–“The Word of God. . .is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
John 15:22–“If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.”
VI. THE BIBLE COMFORTS US: IT IS THE WORD OF CONSOLATION.
Romans 15:4–“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Psalm 119:52–“I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.”
Psalm 119:81–“My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.”
1 Thessalonians 4:18–“Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
VII. THE BIBLE CLEANSES US: IT IS THE MEANS OF SANCTIFICATION.
Psalm 19:8–“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
John 15:3–“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
John 17:17–“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Ephesians 5:26–“That he might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church) with the washing of water by the word”
Psalm 119:9–“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”
Psalm 119:105–“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Christ overcame temptation by the Word. (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) We can also overcome temptation by the Word of God.
VIII. THE BIBLE FURNISHES US: IT IS OUR EQUIPMENT FOR SERVICE.
2 Timothy 3:16-17–“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
2 Timothy 2:15–“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Ephesians 6:17–“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
2 Corinthians 10:4–“(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”
CONCLUSION
Someone once wrote these words:
This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It involves the highest responsibility, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.