WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.900 So we're going to begin this new series thinking about the doctrine of Scripture. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:09.960 Let me begin with a question for us. 00:00:11.140 --> 00:00:14.859 Does what I believe about the Bible matter? 00:00:15.120 --> 00:00:18.339 Does what you believe about the Bible matter? 00:00:18.980 --> 00:00:23.679 Well, hopefully by the time we come to the end, we'll be clearer on that answer. 00:00:23.679 --> 00:00:27.339 But as people, we understand that we are people who think. 00:00:28.260 --> 00:00:33.219 We recognize, too, that the way that we think tends to shape our actions. 00:00:34.439 --> 00:00:39.799 How we think, our worldview tends to shape how we respond to our circumstances. 00:00:41.399 --> 00:00:47.539 And in our thoughts, we process and make sense of life past, present, and future. 00:00:48.539 --> 00:00:56.799 So then the question becomes, what place does the Bible, what place will the Bible have in shaping those thoughts? 00:00:57.340 --> 00:01:01.580 And the answer to that question will depend on a number of different factors. 00:01:01.780 --> 00:01:09.820 When we pick up our Bibles, do we pick it up believing it has authority or not? 00:01:10.859 --> 00:01:14.859 Do we believe that it is revelation from God or not? 00:01:14.920 --> 00:01:17.840 Do we believe all of it is revelation from God or not? 00:01:17.840 --> 00:01:23.920 Do we consider it to be reliable and without error or not? 00:01:24.859 --> 00:01:30.359 Does this book contain a guide for all that we need for a life of faith? 00:01:31.420 --> 00:01:37.620 Can it guide us to live to the glory of God in our families, in our workplaces? 00:01:38.420 --> 00:01:40.760 How we think about our money when we think about eternity? 00:01:40.760 --> 00:01:45.840 Perhaps to put it another way, and I've been thinking about this a lot this week, 00:01:46.340 --> 00:01:50.140 imagine if you never had the Bible. 00:01:50.280 --> 00:01:52.100 You never had a chance to hear its truth. 00:01:52.460 --> 00:01:54.500 You never had a chance to read it for yourself. 00:01:54.880 --> 00:01:57.159 How different would your life be? 00:01:58.040 --> 00:02:01.600 How different would your view of the world and your life be 00:02:01.599 --> 00:02:09.000 without the Bible informing your thoughts and shaping your worldview? 00:02:09.939 --> 00:02:13.099 Of course, that's a reality for hundreds of millions of people today. 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:16.419 That's a reality for thousands of people groups today. 00:02:16.560 --> 00:02:22.439 And so part of this is connected to our desire to be a church that cares about mission 00:02:22.439 --> 00:02:28.039 because people need to hear the Bible as our fundamental conviction. 00:02:28.039 --> 00:02:33.599 I always liked what Spurgeon used to say, his desire for his church, 00:02:33.699 --> 00:02:38.579 that if the people of God were cut open, that they would bleed Bible, 00:02:39.319 --> 00:02:44.280 that we would absorb it, that it would shape our lives. 00:02:44.639 --> 00:02:50.899 It would help us to respond to circumstances, help us to know how to live. 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:57.560 So our plan for this evening is going to be built around those texts that we read 00:02:57.560 --> 00:03:01.120 at the beginning, sharing the convictions of Peter, 00:03:01.860 --> 00:03:06.240 who believed that the writers of Scripture were carried along by the Spirit, 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:10.020 that the whole Bible was superintended by the Spirit, 00:03:10.120 --> 00:03:11.580 so there's no error within it. 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:16.439 Following the conviction of Paul, that the whole Bible is God-breathed, 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:19.480 that the Word of God is God's Word, that it's inspired. 00:03:20.539 --> 00:03:22.199 And following the conviction of Jesus, 00:03:22.840 --> 00:03:26.460 who said heaven and earth will pass away, but my Word will never pass away, 00:03:26.460 --> 00:03:29.379 so God's Word is permanent and unbreakable. 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:34.100 So having those as our sort of bedrock convictions as we continue to think, 00:03:34.400 --> 00:03:36.879 we're going to briefly see four qualities of Scripture, 00:03:37.400 --> 00:03:41.600 and then identify five reasons we need the Bible for everyday life. 00:03:42.020 --> 00:03:44.020 So we're going to cover a lot of Bible texts. 00:03:44.580 --> 00:03:47.340 I would suggest that some of these would be well worth noting, 00:03:47.480 --> 00:03:48.840 and perhaps returning to, 00:03:49.420 --> 00:03:52.300 but we will touch on each of these. 00:03:52.300 --> 00:03:57.040 The first quality of God's Word we're going to think about is sufficiency. 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:01.320 This is the idea that God's Word is enough. 00:04:02.120 --> 00:04:06.420 So let's read from the book of Hebrews to see it. 00:04:06.740 --> 00:04:09.120 All the texts will be up on our screens, 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:12.460 but we're in Hebrews 1, verses 1 to 4, 00:04:13.000 --> 00:04:14.160 in our first text. 00:04:14.159 --> 00:04:22.139 In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 00:04:22.759 --> 00:04:26.500 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, 00:04:27.079 --> 00:04:29.139 whom he appointed heir of all things, 00:04:29.420 --> 00:04:31.560 and through whom also he made the universe. 00:04:32.300 --> 00:04:34.839 The Son is the radiance of God's glory 00:04:34.839 --> 00:04:37.980 and the exact representation of his being, 00:04:38.519 --> 00:04:41.540 sustaining all things by his powerful Word. 00:04:41.540 --> 00:04:45.100 After he had provided purification for sins, 00:04:45.280 --> 00:04:48.620 he sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:51.879 So he became as much superior to the angels 00:04:51.879 --> 00:04:57.060 as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 00:04:57.520 --> 00:05:00.160 So the book of Hebrews begins with this contrast. 00:05:00.920 --> 00:05:03.820 In the past, God spoke to your ancestors, 00:05:04.280 --> 00:05:05.800 people in the Old Testament era, 00:05:06.379 --> 00:05:07.520 through the prophets, 00:05:07.840 --> 00:05:08.740 throughout time, 00:05:08.740 --> 00:05:11.879 in many times and in various ways. 00:05:12.460 --> 00:05:13.900 Sometimes speaking by a vision, 00:05:14.060 --> 00:05:15.680 sometimes speaking by a burning bush, 00:05:15.720 --> 00:05:18.340 a whole variety of ways that God spoke. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:19.120 But then he says, 00:05:19.300 --> 00:05:21.199 in these last days, 00:05:22.220 --> 00:05:24.300 speaking here of the final age of salvation, 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:28.480 speaking of everyone living in between the first and the second comings of the Lord Jesus, 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:30.060 so speaking of our day, 00:05:30.139 --> 00:05:31.180 how has God spoken? 00:05:32.259 --> 00:05:33.540 God has spoken through his Son. 00:05:33.540 --> 00:05:35.480 And who is his Son? 00:05:36.620 --> 00:05:41.060 Hebrews 1, 1-4 gives us a catalogue of qualities about Jesus. 00:05:41.900 --> 00:05:42.939 Jesus has been, 00:05:43.280 --> 00:05:43.740 verse 2, 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:46.580 appointed the heir of all things. 00:05:47.360 --> 00:05:50.640 It is through Jesus that God made the universe. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:51.759 God is, 00:05:52.080 --> 00:05:54.280 Jesus is the agent of creation. 00:05:55.320 --> 00:05:58.060 The Son is the radiance of God's glory. 00:05:59.160 --> 00:06:01.439 To read about Jesus in the Gospels 00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:04.660 is to be confronted with the glory of God. 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:10.860 Jesus is the one who is sustaining all things 00:06:10.860 --> 00:06:12.899 by his powerful word. 00:06:14.160 --> 00:06:17.519 Jesus is the one who has provided purification for sin. 00:06:17.620 --> 00:06:20.579 Jesus has come as that sacrifice, 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:22.220 as the Savior, 00:06:22.560 --> 00:06:23.879 as our substitute, 00:06:24.120 --> 00:06:27.720 and now he sits at the right hand of the majesty in heaven, 00:06:28.180 --> 00:06:30.159 enthroned as King of kings and Lord of lords. 00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:32.780 And he is superior to the angels. 00:06:32.920 --> 00:06:34.160 He's superior to Moses. 00:06:34.360 --> 00:06:37.680 He is better than anyone and anything, 00:06:37.900 --> 00:06:39.960 as the book of Hebrews makes plain. 00:06:41.080 --> 00:06:42.660 And the conclusion there, 00:06:42.740 --> 00:06:44.580 when we think about Jesus being superior, 00:06:44.740 --> 00:06:47.480 the point is that Jesus is, 00:06:47.720 --> 00:06:48.300 for us, 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:50.800 the final agent from God 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:53.620 in terms of revelation and redemption. 00:06:53.620 --> 00:06:57.500 God has spoken through Jesus. 00:06:57.500 --> 00:07:00.340 No further word needs to be said. 00:07:01.199 --> 00:07:03.819 God has saved through Jesus. 00:07:04.139 --> 00:07:06.939 No further salvation need be expected. 00:07:07.459 --> 00:07:10.699 So the big idea here is that God's word contains all we need 00:07:10.699 --> 00:07:12.300 for salvation and godly living. 00:07:13.000 --> 00:07:14.379 The Bible is sufficient. 00:07:14.540 --> 00:07:16.160 God's word is enough. 00:07:16.379 --> 00:07:18.600 Jesus is the climax of revelation 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:20.660 and redemption. 00:07:22.220 --> 00:07:25.580 We're not waiting for some fresh word. 00:07:25.780 --> 00:07:28.000 We don't need later books. 00:07:28.300 --> 00:07:32.780 We don't need to listen to anyone claiming fresh words of prophecy. 00:07:33.280 --> 00:07:35.500 Rather, we're invited to have confidence 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:37.420 that in Jesus and in the gospel, 00:07:37.820 --> 00:07:39.800 I have all I need to know about God, 00:07:40.200 --> 00:07:41.879 all I need to know about salvation, 00:07:42.340 --> 00:07:45.100 all I need to know for a life of godliness. 00:07:45.100 --> 00:07:47.060 It's here in the Bible. 00:07:47.180 --> 00:07:47.700 It's sufficient. 00:07:48.000 --> 00:07:48.500 It's enough. 00:07:49.660 --> 00:07:52.020 J.I. Packer put it this way. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:52.360 He said, 00:07:52.640 --> 00:07:55.720 There are no words of God spoken to us at all 00:07:55.720 --> 00:07:58.620 except the words of Scripture. 00:08:00.320 --> 00:08:03.140 So first plank in the doctrine of the Bible 00:08:03.140 --> 00:08:05.960 is the sufficiency of Scripture. 00:08:07.000 --> 00:08:09.000 Second up, clarity. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:12.920 The idea that God's word is clear. 00:08:12.920 --> 00:08:15.100 Now this time we're going to go Old Testament. 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:17.640 We're going to go to the book of Deuteronomy. 00:08:18.460 --> 00:08:20.439 Deuteronomy chapter 30. 00:08:25.500 --> 00:08:29.400 Deuteronomy 30 from verse 11 to verse 14. 00:08:30.540 --> 00:08:34.340 Now, this is God speaking through Moses 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:36.200 to the redeemed people of God. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:38.700 Now what I am commanding you today 00:08:38.700 --> 00:08:40.720 is not too difficult for you 00:08:40.720 --> 00:08:42.340 or beyond your reach. 00:08:42.340 --> 00:08:44.120 It is not up in heaven 00:08:44.120 --> 00:08:45.080 so that you have to ask 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:46.780 who will ascend into heaven to get it 00:08:46.780 --> 00:08:48.200 and proclaim it to us 00:08:48.200 --> 00:08:49.220 so that we may obey it. 00:08:49.820 --> 00:08:51.340 Nor is it beyond the sea 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:52.420 so that you have to ask 00:08:52.420 --> 00:08:54.259 who will cross the sea to get it 00:08:54.259 --> 00:08:55.320 and proclaim it to us 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:56.480 so that we may obey it. 00:08:56.680 --> 00:08:57.000 No. 00:08:57.420 --> 00:08:59.139 The word is very near you. 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:00.720 It is in your mouth 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:02.280 and in your heart 00:09:02.280 --> 00:09:05.040 so that you may obey it. 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:08.419 So the big idea that the Bible says about itself 00:09:08.419 --> 00:09:11.819 is that the central message of the Bible 00:09:11.819 --> 00:09:13.279 is plainly taught 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:15.019 so that it can be understood 00:09:15.019 --> 00:09:17.679 by all with ears to hear. 00:09:18.259 --> 00:09:20.199 And especially for us in the era 00:09:20.199 --> 00:09:21.000 in which we live, 00:09:21.099 --> 00:09:22.939 the central saving message of Jesus 00:09:22.939 --> 00:09:24.980 is plainly taught 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:25.899 so it can be understood 00:09:25.899 --> 00:09:27.879 by all who are ready to hear. 00:09:27.879 --> 00:09:30.740 So this text was spoken by Moses 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:33.120 to the redeemed people of God. 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:35.779 They've been set free from slavery in Egypt. 00:09:35.939 --> 00:09:37.460 They've been brought to Mount Sinai. 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:40.960 They've entered into covenant relationship with God. 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:43.840 And now as he gives them his command, 00:09:43.939 --> 00:09:45.740 as there's this covenant renewal going on, 00:09:45.799 --> 00:09:48.679 his point is that God's word of command is clear. 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:50.879 It is not complicated. 00:09:50.879 --> 00:09:52.960 It is understandable. 00:09:53.799 --> 00:09:55.879 It is able to be obeyed. 00:09:58.240 --> 00:10:00.439 God is kind to them. 00:10:01.419 --> 00:10:03.639 He doesn't intend to frustrate them 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:05.200 by hiding the truth from them. 00:10:05.240 --> 00:10:06.480 He's not hidden up in heaven. 00:10:06.580 --> 00:10:07.639 He's not hidden it in the depths. 00:10:07.740 --> 00:10:07.840 No. 00:10:08.320 --> 00:10:08.980 It's there. 00:10:09.200 --> 00:10:10.919 It's close by them. 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:14.120 And that fits with 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:17.960 what Moses said to the people of God 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:20.620 that they were to pass the law on to their children. 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:24.080 The central message of the Bible 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:27.580 is clear enough for children to understand. 00:10:29.799 --> 00:10:31.439 For us today, 00:10:31.580 --> 00:10:34.120 the central saving message of the Bible 00:10:34.120 --> 00:10:36.919 that God doesn't save us because of our works, 00:10:37.039 --> 00:10:37.860 because of our goodness, 00:10:37.980 --> 00:10:40.100 but saves us by his grace, 00:10:40.700 --> 00:10:41.439 that's clear. 00:10:41.820 --> 00:10:43.299 That we don't save ourselves, 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:45.399 but that we are saved by the Lord Jesus, 00:10:46.019 --> 00:10:48.659 who lives a life of perfect obedience in our place, 00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:50.840 who dies on the cross as a sacrifice 00:10:50.840 --> 00:10:52.139 or a universal substitute 00:10:52.139 --> 00:10:54.820 to take the penalty for our sin 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:56.600 and to give us forgiveness in eternal life. 00:10:56.820 --> 00:11:00.280 That is clear in the Word of God. 00:11:01.460 --> 00:11:03.340 The clarity of Scripture says that 00:11:03.340 --> 00:11:05.200 the essential points of truth 00:11:05.200 --> 00:11:06.720 that we need to know and believe and do 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:10.139 are clearly seen in the Word of God. 00:11:11.300 --> 00:11:12.440 Now, there are, of course, 00:11:12.540 --> 00:11:14.680 some qualifiers that we need to consider, 00:11:14.679 --> 00:11:17.279 as is true with any subject 00:11:17.279 --> 00:11:18.899 that we look to study, 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:22.539 with any person that we want to get to know, 00:11:23.239 --> 00:11:26.179 there is a level of work and effort involved 00:11:26.179 --> 00:11:28.500 to get to know that person, 00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:30.239 that truth, better. 00:11:30.240 --> 00:11:34.639 So, to say that Scripture is clear 00:11:34.639 --> 00:11:37.200 doesn't mean that we don't need to study 00:11:37.200 --> 00:11:40.720 to understand more of God and His Word. 00:11:42.019 --> 00:11:44.120 And it is also true to say, 00:11:44.919 --> 00:11:46.840 and Peter said it of Paul's writing, 00:11:46.960 --> 00:11:48.620 that not all parts of the Bible 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:50.360 are equally clear. 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:53.860 What is essential is very clear, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:56.279 but not all parts are equally clear. 00:11:56.279 --> 00:11:59.279 And perhaps two principles 00:11:59.939 --> 00:12:01.959 beyond having to sort of work hard 00:12:01.959 --> 00:12:03.120 and try and study. 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:06.000 One that requires us to be humble 00:12:06.000 --> 00:12:08.939 and to be asking the Spirit to help us 00:12:08.939 --> 00:12:11.059 and to guide us in our thoughts, 00:12:11.199 --> 00:12:12.240 in our understanding. 00:12:13.779 --> 00:12:16.120 But also, at a practical level, 00:12:16.819 --> 00:12:19.259 we want to use what is clear and basic 00:12:19.259 --> 00:12:22.059 to help understand the complex. 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:25.339 Sometimes groups of Christians or churches 00:12:25.340 --> 00:12:27.580 can go wrong because they pick an obscure text 00:12:27.580 --> 00:12:30.019 and try and build a whole theology 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:31.759 around one passage. 00:12:31.860 --> 00:12:33.060 It's really hard to understand 00:12:33.060 --> 00:12:37.480 when there's a lot more basic verses 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.660 that would help to clarify. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:41.879 So, we use the clear help us 00:12:41.879 --> 00:12:44.639 towards understanding the more complex. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:48.500 But just as was the case 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:51.420 for the people in the days of Moses, 00:12:51.419 --> 00:12:54.759 when we think about our view 00:12:54.759 --> 00:12:56.819 on the clarity of the Bible, 00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:58.159 is the Bible clear? 00:12:59.199 --> 00:13:00.819 It's connected, in a sense, 00:13:00.860 --> 00:13:02.379 to our view of God's character. 00:13:03.819 --> 00:13:07.839 Do I believe God is able to speak clearly? 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:13.259 Do I believe that God is wise enough 00:13:13.259 --> 00:13:15.599 to get down to our level 00:13:15.599 --> 00:13:18.419 to speak so that we can understand 00:13:18.419 --> 00:13:20.519 the central message of the Bible? 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:22.620 Calvin used to talk about God 00:13:22.620 --> 00:13:24.139 baby-talking to us. 00:13:25.839 --> 00:13:28.819 Is God's word for all? 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:32.599 Or do we think he's made it so complicated 00:13:32.599 --> 00:13:34.179 that it's just for professionals 00:13:34.179 --> 00:13:36.199 who go to ETS or somewhere like that? 00:13:37.959 --> 00:13:40.059 When we understand the character of God, 00:13:40.099 --> 00:13:42.139 then we understand that he wants to speak to us. 00:13:42.219 --> 00:13:45.120 He wants us to be clear on salvation. 00:13:45.120 --> 00:13:48.659 Wayne Grudem, I think, puts it well. 00:13:48.799 --> 00:13:48.980 He says, 00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:51.000 The Bible is written in such a way 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.899 that its teachings are able to be understood 00:13:53.899 --> 00:13:55.240 by all who read it, 00:13:55.779 --> 00:13:57.399 seeking God's help, 00:13:57.940 --> 00:13:58.679 there's humility, 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:01.960 and being willing to follow it. 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.539 So, that's clarity. 00:14:05.779 --> 00:14:07.720 The next plank 00:14:07.720 --> 00:14:10.440 in our thinking about the doctrine of Scripture 00:14:10.440 --> 00:14:12.500 is the idea of authority. 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:13.080 And for here, 00:14:13.159 --> 00:14:15.060 we're going to turn to the book of Acts. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:17.379 Acts chapter 17. 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:19.600 Acts chapter 17, 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:22.500 which is famous for Paul's sermon in Athens, 00:14:22.620 --> 00:14:23.940 but we're going before that 00:14:23.940 --> 00:14:26.620 to what happens in Berea. 00:14:27.299 --> 00:14:28.480 And the idea of authority 00:14:28.480 --> 00:14:32.440 is the idea that God's word is final. 00:14:34.080 --> 00:14:36.639 That God's word gets the last word 00:14:36.639 --> 00:14:38.740 in every topic it addresses. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.860 So, Acts 17, 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:42.700 beginning at verse 10. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:45.460 As soon as it was night, 00:14:46.240 --> 00:14:49.100 the believers sent Paul and Silas 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.460 away to Berea. 00:14:51.180 --> 00:14:52.500 On arriving there, 00:14:52.920 --> 00:14:54.740 they went to the Jewish synagogue. 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:57.240 Now, the Berean Jews 00:14:57.240 --> 00:14:59.400 were of more noble character 00:14:59.400 --> 00:15:00.820 than those in Thessalonica, 00:15:01.320 --> 00:15:03.100 for they received the message 00:15:03.100 --> 00:15:04.340 with great eagerness 00:15:04.340 --> 00:15:06.560 and examined the Scriptures 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:07.720 every day 00:15:07.720 --> 00:15:09.700 to see if what Paul said 00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:10.360 was true. 00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:12.259 As a result, 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:14.240 many of them believed, 00:15:14.700 --> 00:15:16.180 as did also a number 00:15:16.180 --> 00:15:17.660 of prominent Greek women 00:15:17.660 --> 00:15:19.879 and many Greek men. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.879 But, 00:15:21.299 --> 00:15:23.019 when the Jews in Thessalonica 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:23.840 learned that Paul 00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:25.120 was preaching the word of God 00:15:25.120 --> 00:15:25.759 at Berea, 00:15:26.240 --> 00:15:28.039 some of them went there too, 00:15:28.639 --> 00:15:30.059 agitating the crowds 00:15:30.059 --> 00:15:32.139 and stirring them up. 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:34.740 If you have time to read 00:15:34.740 --> 00:15:36.620 the first half of Acts 17, 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:37.200 you'll discover 00:15:37.200 --> 00:15:38.840 it's the story of two cities. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:40.779 And more than that, 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:41.860 it's the story of two different 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:44.159 responses to the word of God. 00:15:45.320 --> 00:15:46.559 In Thessalonica, 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:48.559 as Paul preaches 00:15:48.559 --> 00:15:50.639 that Christ is king, 00:15:51.599 --> 00:15:52.839 as he brings the message 00:15:52.839 --> 00:15:53.739 of Jesus Christ 00:15:53.739 --> 00:15:55.019 and him crucified, 00:15:58.000 --> 00:15:59.239 the Jews in particular 00:15:59.239 --> 00:16:01.579 are rejecting that message. 00:16:02.299 --> 00:16:02.979 And what we have 00:16:02.979 --> 00:16:04.439 is this mob mentality 00:16:04.439 --> 00:16:05.379 that's established 00:16:05.379 --> 00:16:06.979 and where they're rioting 00:16:06.979 --> 00:16:09.519 against the truth. 00:16:10.979 --> 00:16:12.959 So, Paul leaves there 00:16:12.959 --> 00:16:14.879 with Silas and some others 00:16:14.879 --> 00:16:16.119 and they arrive in Berea. 00:16:16.120 --> 00:16:16.679 And in Berea, 00:16:16.759 --> 00:16:18.399 it couldn't be any more different. 00:16:18.580 --> 00:16:19.960 Did you notice 00:16:19.960 --> 00:16:22.220 how they acted? 00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:23.679 Verse 11, 00:16:23.759 --> 00:16:25.000 they received the message 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:26.279 with great eagerness 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:28.259 and examined the Scriptures 00:16:28.259 --> 00:16:29.159 every day 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:31.080 to see if what Paul said 00:16:31.080 --> 00:16:31.840 was true. 00:16:32.399 --> 00:16:34.299 So, they have the Old Testament 00:16:34.299 --> 00:16:35.799 in front of them 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.460 and they're listening 00:16:36.460 --> 00:16:37.779 to Paul's Gospel 00:16:37.779 --> 00:16:39.919 and they're listening 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:41.120 and they're checking 00:16:41.120 --> 00:16:41.860 against Scripture 00:16:41.860 --> 00:16:42.500 and they're wondering, 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:44.919 is what Paul says 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:47.059 in line with 00:16:47.059 --> 00:16:48.059 the promises 00:16:48.059 --> 00:16:48.959 and the prophecies 00:16:48.959 --> 00:16:49.500 that we find 00:16:49.500 --> 00:16:50.240 in the Old Testament 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.360 about what Messiah 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:51.919 would be like, 00:16:51.979 --> 00:16:53.019 about who he is 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:54.000 and how he would suffer 00:16:54.000 --> 00:16:54.839 and how he would die 00:16:54.839 --> 00:16:55.740 and how he would rise. 00:16:56.479 --> 00:16:58.199 So, they test Paul's Gospel 00:16:58.199 --> 00:17:00.339 and when they recognize 00:17:00.339 --> 00:17:01.500 it's in line with Scripture, 00:17:02.459 --> 00:17:03.439 they believe. 00:17:03.699 --> 00:17:05.000 Many of them believe. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:06.779 Because they believe 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:07.859 the authority 00:17:07.859 --> 00:17:09.039 of God's Word. 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:10.960 and so they believe 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.039 the authority 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:13.559 of Paul's Gospel too. 00:17:14.519 --> 00:17:15.299 Their mindset 00:17:15.299 --> 00:17:16.059 as they hear 00:17:16.059 --> 00:17:17.359 this new message 00:17:17.359 --> 00:17:19.019 is that if Scripture 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:19.960 says it, 00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:21.619 we will believe it. 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:23.680 Others may write 00:17:23.680 --> 00:17:24.240 about it, 00:17:24.279 --> 00:17:25.500 but we're going to trust it. 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:27.619 And their attitude 00:17:27.619 --> 00:17:28.180 is wonderful 00:17:28.180 --> 00:17:29.000 because it's also 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:29.960 very much, 00:17:30.299 --> 00:17:31.420 show us from the Bible. 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.039 It's not based 00:17:34.039 --> 00:17:35.359 on Paul's reputation. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:37.879 It's not based 00:17:37.879 --> 00:17:38.759 on his ability 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:39.599 to argue. 00:17:40.500 --> 00:17:41.539 Show us from the Bible. 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:44.059 That's a wonderful attitude 00:17:44.059 --> 00:17:45.039 for any church, 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:45.799 any Christian 00:17:45.799 --> 00:17:47.139 to have. 00:17:48.979 --> 00:17:49.740 When we think 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:50.359 about the question 00:17:50.359 --> 00:17:51.319 of authority, 00:17:52.139 --> 00:17:54.399 we understand 00:17:54.399 --> 00:17:56.619 that every religious group, 00:17:57.279 --> 00:17:58.919 every system of belief, 00:17:59.259 --> 00:18:00.000 every belief 00:18:00.000 --> 00:18:01.079 that we have 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:01.979 individually 00:18:01.979 --> 00:18:03.759 will always rest 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:05.119 on a particular 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:05.859 authority 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:07.500 in the sense 00:18:07.500 --> 00:18:08.339 that someone 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.319 or something 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.279 will always 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:11.559 have the last word. 00:18:12.399 --> 00:18:13.119 How am I going 00:18:13.119 --> 00:18:13.699 to react 00:18:13.699 --> 00:18:14.699 in this situation? 00:18:16.139 --> 00:18:16.879 How am I going 00:18:16.879 --> 00:18:17.359 to deal 00:18:17.359 --> 00:18:19.019 with this circumstance? 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:20.019 There will be 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:20.659 something 00:18:20.659 --> 00:18:21.779 that we will look 00:18:21.779 --> 00:18:23.319 to to guide us. 00:18:24.319 --> 00:18:25.179 If that's not 00:18:25.179 --> 00:18:25.559 the Bible, 00:18:25.659 --> 00:18:26.239 that can be 00:18:26.239 --> 00:18:27.059 any number. 00:18:27.159 --> 00:18:27.439 That could be 00:18:27.439 --> 00:18:28.500 a scientific community. 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:28.899 It could be 00:18:28.899 --> 00:18:29.899 contemporary culture. 00:18:30.239 --> 00:18:30.759 It could be 00:18:30.759 --> 00:18:31.939 what our parents 00:18:31.939 --> 00:18:32.359 taught us, 00:18:32.419 --> 00:18:33.239 what our peer group 00:18:33.239 --> 00:18:33.759 believes. 00:18:34.059 --> 00:18:34.439 It could be 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:35.120 the teaching 00:18:35.120 --> 00:18:35.500 of some 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:36.700 influential figure 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.720 or a teacher 00:18:37.720 --> 00:18:39.580 in our life 00:18:39.580 --> 00:18:40.200 or online. 00:18:42.200 --> 00:18:42.900 Something will 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:43.480 always have 00:18:43.480 --> 00:18:44.500 the last word. 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:46.200 The doctrine 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:46.620 of scripture 00:18:46.620 --> 00:18:47.059 says, 00:18:47.200 --> 00:18:47.559 for the people 00:18:47.559 --> 00:18:47.920 of God, 00:18:47.980 --> 00:18:48.400 for the church, 00:18:48.440 --> 00:18:48.980 it should always 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:50.320 be the word 00:18:50.320 --> 00:18:50.860 of God. 00:18:52.580 --> 00:18:53.320 One place 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:53.840 where we might 00:18:53.840 --> 00:18:55.279 find that this 00:18:55.279 --> 00:18:56.400 particular aspect 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:57.279 becomes important 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:57.820 is if you're 00:18:57.820 --> 00:18:58.759 ever in conversation 00:18:58.759 --> 00:18:59.860 and someone 00:18:59.860 --> 00:19:00.620 asks the question, 00:19:00.700 --> 00:19:00.759 well, 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:01.200 what about 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:02.840 mistakes in 00:19:02.840 --> 00:19:03.220 the Bible? 00:19:04.360 --> 00:19:04.840 What about 00:19:04.840 --> 00:19:06.319 perceived errors 00:19:06.319 --> 00:19:07.519 in the Bible 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.200 where one part 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:08.740 is seen to 00:19:08.740 --> 00:19:09.440 disagree with 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:09.759 the other? 00:19:09.840 --> 00:19:10.440 How do we 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:12.100 respond to 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:12.420 that? 00:19:13.480 --> 00:19:13.620 Well, 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:14.059 as Christians, 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:15.019 our first 00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:16.299 instinct should 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.200 be to trust 00:19:17.200 --> 00:19:18.319 the authority 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:18.840 of God's 00:19:18.840 --> 00:19:19.440 inspired word. 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:19.860 That's why we 00:19:19.860 --> 00:19:20.680 need this solid 00:19:20.680 --> 00:19:21.420 foundation of 00:19:21.420 --> 00:19:21.819 the doctrine 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:22.319 of scripture. 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:22.779 So we're not 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:23.100 going to be 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:23.580 shaken 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:26.220 when somebody 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:26.779 comes with 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.119 those kind 00:19:27.119 --> 00:19:27.839 of questions. 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:31.399 We also 00:19:31.399 --> 00:19:31.960 have to have 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:32.419 an attitude, 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:33.059 a posture 00:19:33.059 --> 00:19:33.819 of humility 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:36.759 because some 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.220 of those 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:37.779 perceived 00:19:37.779 --> 00:19:38.639 difficulties 00:19:38.639 --> 00:19:39.740 between 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:40.359 passage of 00:19:40.359 --> 00:19:40.699 the Bible 00:19:40.699 --> 00:19:41.259 or perceived 00:19:41.259 --> 00:19:41.639 errors 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:42.720 are easy 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:43.500 to resolve. 00:19:43.679 --> 00:19:44.240 A little bit 00:19:44.240 --> 00:19:44.659 of reading 00:19:44.659 --> 00:19:45.480 and you can 00:19:45.480 --> 00:19:46.259 resolve those. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:47.679 Others will 00:19:47.679 --> 00:19:48.799 require hard 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.299 work and 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.460 others, 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.220 particular 00:19:52.220 --> 00:19:52.639 questions, 00:19:52.640 --> 00:19:53.300 questions we 00:19:53.300 --> 00:19:53.700 might have 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:53.980 about the 00:19:53.980 --> 00:19:54.220 word of 00:19:54.220 --> 00:19:54.340 God. 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:54.700 We may 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:55.120 wrestle 00:19:55.120 --> 00:19:55.540 with for 00:19:55.540 --> 00:19:55.920 years and 00:19:55.920 --> 00:19:56.200 we may 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:56.780 never come 00:19:56.780 --> 00:19:57.480 to resolution 00:19:57.480 --> 00:19:58.440 but will 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:58.780 we have 00:19:58.780 --> 00:19:59.380 that humility 00:19:59.380 --> 00:19:59.960 and that 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:01.360 trust in 00:20:01.360 --> 00:20:01.920 the authority 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.460 of God's 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:03.000 word as 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.820 our foundation? 00:20:05.720 --> 00:20:06.380 I came 00:20:06.380 --> 00:20:06.860 across this 00:20:06.860 --> 00:20:07.380 from G.I. 00:20:07.440 --> 00:20:07.920 Packer which 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:08.440 I find 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.540 helpful. 00:20:10.380 --> 00:20:10.720 He said 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:11.840 our intellectual 00:20:11.840 --> 00:20:14.160 competence is 00:20:14.160 --> 00:20:15.000 not the test 00:20:15.000 --> 00:20:15.640 and measure 00:20:15.640 --> 00:20:16.940 of divine 00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:17.460 truth. 00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:18.980 That's good 00:20:18.980 --> 00:20:19.580 news for us 00:20:19.580 --> 00:20:20.220 as Christians. 00:20:22.640 --> 00:20:24.780 measure is 00:20:24.780 --> 00:20:25.680 God's word. 00:20:26.540 --> 00:20:27.380 The last 00:20:27.380 --> 00:20:29.180 plank in 00:20:29.180 --> 00:20:29.680 this 00:20:29.680 --> 00:20:31.020 consideration 00:20:31.020 --> 00:20:31.300 of the 00:20:31.300 --> 00:20:31.780 doctrine of 00:20:31.780 --> 00:20:32.360 scripture is 00:20:32.360 --> 00:20:33.080 that God's 00:20:33.080 --> 00:20:33.860 word is 00:20:33.860 --> 00:20:34.640 necessary, 00:20:34.780 --> 00:20:35.460 the necessity 00:20:35.460 --> 00:20:37.060 of scripture. 00:20:37.180 --> 00:20:37.380 We're just 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:37.680 going to go 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:38.220 one book 00:20:38.220 --> 00:20:38.580 forward. 00:20:38.660 --> 00:20:38.800 We're going 00:20:38.800 --> 00:20:39.080 to go to 00:20:39.080 --> 00:20:39.480 the book 00:20:39.480 --> 00:20:40.560 of Romans 00:20:40.560 --> 00:20:41.180 here. 00:20:42.460 --> 00:20:43.520 The necessity 00:20:43.520 --> 00:20:44.320 of scripture, 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:44.940 the idea 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.600 here is that 00:20:45.600 --> 00:20:45.960 we need 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.200 more than 00:20:47.200 --> 00:20:47.900 the created 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:48.700 world if we 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:49.140 are to know 00:20:49.140 --> 00:20:49.680 God in a 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.259 saving way. 00:20:50.759 --> 00:20:51.200 We need the 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:51.600 Bible to 00:20:51.600 --> 00:20:51.940 tell us 00:20:51.940 --> 00:20:52.400 who Jesus 00:20:52.400 --> 00:20:52.960 is, 00:20:53.580 --> 00:20:54.039 how we 00:20:54.039 --> 00:20:54.299 are to 00:20:54.299 --> 00:20:54.900 be saved, 00:20:55.259 --> 00:20:55.920 and how 00:20:55.920 --> 00:20:56.660 to live. 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:57.980 So, 00:20:58.259 --> 00:20:58.600 Romans 00:20:58.600 --> 00:20:59.360 chapter 1 00:20:59.360 --> 00:21:00.620 verses 16 00:21:00.620 --> 00:21:02.059 to 20 00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.759 where we 00:21:03.759 --> 00:21:04.080 read, 00:21:04.720 --> 00:21:05.220 For I 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:06.100 am not 00:21:06.100 --> 00:21:06.819 ashamed of 00:21:06.819 --> 00:21:07.400 the gospel 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:08.799 because it 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:09.100 is the 00:21:09.100 --> 00:21:09.620 power of 00:21:09.620 --> 00:21:10.700 God that 00:21:10.700 --> 00:21:11.720 brings salvation 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.000 to everyone 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:13.720 who believes, 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:14.920 first to 00:21:14.920 --> 00:21:15.340 the Jew, 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:16.620 then to 00:21:16.620 --> 00:21:17.299 the Gentile. 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:18.340 For in 00:21:18.340 --> 00:21:18.980 the gospel 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:20.259 the righteousness 00:21:20.259 --> 00:21:20.980 of God 00:21:20.980 --> 00:21:21.640 is revealed, 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.200 a righteousness 00:21:23.200 --> 00:21:24.279 that is by 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.160 faith from 00:21:25.160 --> 00:21:26.099 first to 00:21:26.099 --> 00:21:26.619 last, 00:21:27.180 --> 00:21:28.119 just as it 00:21:28.119 --> 00:21:28.660 is written, 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:29.740 the righteous 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:30.759 will live by 00:21:30.759 --> 00:21:31.140 faith. 00:21:32.480 --> 00:21:33.160 The wrath 00:21:33.160 --> 00:21:33.779 of God 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:34.700 is being 00:21:34.700 --> 00:21:35.500 revealed from 00:21:35.500 --> 00:21:36.759 heaven against 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:37.379 all the 00:21:37.379 --> 00:21:38.059 godlessness 00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:39.579 and wickedness 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:40.140 of people 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:41.599 who suppress 00:21:41.599 --> 00:21:42.299 the truth 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:42.819 by their 00:21:42.819 --> 00:21:43.500 wickedness, 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:44.539 since what 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.359 may be known 00:21:45.359 --> 00:21:46.079 about God 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.140 is plain to 00:21:47.140 --> 00:21:47.579 them, 00:21:48.140 --> 00:21:48.799 because God 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:49.619 has made it 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:50.159 plain to 00:21:50.159 --> 00:21:50.519 them. 00:21:51.099 --> 00:21:51.539 For since 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.099 the creation 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.399 of the 00:21:52.399 --> 00:21:52.639 world, 00:21:52.739 --> 00:21:53.000 God's 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.439 invisible 00:21:53.439 --> 00:21:54.059 qualities, 00:21:54.739 --> 00:21:55.319 his eternal 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:55.919 power and 00:21:55.919 --> 00:21:56.699 divine nature 00:21:56.699 --> 00:21:57.119 have been 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:58.159 clearly seen, 00:21:58.579 --> 00:21:59.519 being understood 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:00.199 from what 00:22:00.199 --> 00:22:00.719 has been 00:22:00.719 --> 00:22:01.419 made, 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:02.859 so that 00:22:02.859 --> 00:22:04.179 people are 00:22:04.179 --> 00:22:04.599 without 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.500 excuse. 00:22:06.899 --> 00:22:07.919 So the 00:22:07.919 --> 00:22:08.439 word there 00:22:08.439 --> 00:22:08.859 in verse 00:22:08.859 --> 00:22:09.399 18, 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:10.699 there are 00:22:10.699 --> 00:22:11.179 those who 00:22:11.179 --> 00:22:12.099 suppress 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:13.519 the truth. 00:22:13.519 --> 00:22:14.940 God 00:22:14.940 --> 00:22:16.339 is 00:22:16.339 --> 00:22:16.379 so 00:22:16.379 --> 00:22:16.559 what 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:16.819 Paul 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:17.039 is 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:17.500 saying 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:18.319 is 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:18.460 that 00:22:18.460 --> 00:22:18.779 God 00:22:18.779 --> 00:22:19.119 has 00:22:19.119 --> 00:22:19.400 so 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:20.079 created 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:20.339 the 00:22:20.339 --> 00:22:20.879 world 00:22:20.879 --> 00:22:21.920 that 00:22:21.920 --> 00:22:22.200 his 00:22:22.200 --> 00:22:23.039 qualities, 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:24.119 his glory, 00:22:24.220 --> 00:22:24.639 his power, 00:22:24.740 --> 00:22:24.900 his 00:22:24.900 --> 00:22:25.759 godness 00:22:25.759 --> 00:22:26.519 are 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:27.220 clearly 00:22:27.220 --> 00:22:28.339 on show, 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:31.240 but the 00:22:31.240 --> 00:22:31.839 wickedness of 00:22:31.839 --> 00:22:32.579 human hearts 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:33.160 leads to 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:33.980 that being 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:34.960 suppressed. 00:22:36.099 --> 00:22:36.740 God 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:37.200 says in 00:22:37.200 --> 00:22:37.619 his word, 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:38.180 if we 00:22:38.180 --> 00:22:39.240 open our 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.819 windows and 00:22:39.819 --> 00:22:40.359 open our 00:22:40.359 --> 00:22:40.680 eyes, 00:22:40.759 --> 00:22:41.079 we're being 00:22:41.079 --> 00:22:41.900 confronted with 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:42.560 the glory of 00:22:42.560 --> 00:22:43.300 God day by 00:22:43.300 --> 00:22:43.860 day by 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:44.360 day, 00:22:44.759 --> 00:22:45.340 whether we're 00:22:45.340 --> 00:22:45.880 looking in a 00:22:45.880 --> 00:22:46.540 telescope or 00:22:46.540 --> 00:22:47.080 looking in a 00:22:47.080 --> 00:22:47.480 microscope, 00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:48.180 we're seeing 00:22:48.180 --> 00:22:49.220 the glory of 00:22:49.220 --> 00:22:50.060 God in 00:22:50.060 --> 00:22:50.840 view, 00:22:51.580 --> 00:22:53.340 but it's a 00:22:53.340 --> 00:22:53.800 truth that 00:22:53.800 --> 00:22:54.259 people want 00:22:54.259 --> 00:22:55.259 to suppress. 00:22:58.259 --> 00:22:59.019 It's where 00:22:59.019 --> 00:22:59.660 the talk of 00:22:59.660 --> 00:23:00.780 intelligent design 00:23:00.780 --> 00:23:01.320 becomes a 00:23:01.320 --> 00:23:01.960 really awkward 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.360 one in 00:23:02.360 --> 00:23:03.060 classrooms, 00:23:04.259 --> 00:23:05.100 a reality 00:23:05.100 --> 00:23:05.660 that's often 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:06.200 ignored. 00:23:08.640 --> 00:23:09.800 But even 00:23:09.800 --> 00:23:10.440 then, 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:11.740 even if 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:13.359 our eyes 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:14.079 were open 00:23:14.079 --> 00:23:15.819 and we 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:16.259 looked out 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:16.740 our window 00:23:16.740 --> 00:23:17.599 and we 00:23:17.599 --> 00:23:18.240 saw the 00:23:18.240 --> 00:23:18.740 glory of 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.460 God and 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.240 we recognized 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:20.700 there was a 00:23:20.700 --> 00:23:21.180 creator, 00:23:21.359 --> 00:23:21.920 there was an 00:23:21.920 --> 00:23:23.000 intelligent design 00:23:23.000 --> 00:23:23.640 behind it 00:23:23.640 --> 00:23:23.960 all, 00:23:24.440 --> 00:23:25.259 that would 00:23:25.259 --> 00:23:25.880 not be 00:23:25.880 --> 00:23:26.640 enough 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:28.299 for us 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:28.640 to be 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:29.079 saved. 00:23:30.120 --> 00:23:30.559 That's why 00:23:30.559 --> 00:23:30.900 the Bible 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:31.779 is necessary. 00:23:31.940 --> 00:23:32.180 There is 00:23:32.180 --> 00:23:33.599 limits to 00:23:33.599 --> 00:23:34.859 what we can 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.319 learn about 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.859 God from 00:23:35.859 --> 00:23:36.480 creation. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:37.759 It can't 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.180 tell us 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:38.779 about sin. 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:39.799 It can't 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.140 tell us 00:23:40.140 --> 00:23:40.900 about salvation. 00:23:40.900 --> 00:23:41.960 it can't 00:23:41.960 --> 00:23:42.320 tell us 00:23:42.320 --> 00:23:42.640 about the 00:23:42.640 --> 00:23:43.240 person and 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:43.780 work of 00:23:43.780 --> 00:23:44.140 Jesus. 00:23:44.320 --> 00:23:44.540 It can 00:23:44.540 --> 00:23:45.019 tell us 00:23:45.019 --> 00:23:45.740 that there 00:23:45.740 --> 00:23:46.460 is a 00:23:46.460 --> 00:23:46.759 God, 00:23:47.160 --> 00:23:47.540 but we 00:23:47.540 --> 00:23:48.040 need to 00:23:48.040 --> 00:23:48.680 know God's 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:50.380 word in 00:23:50.380 --> 00:23:50.800 order to 00:23:50.800 --> 00:23:51.560 know salvation. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:23:55.860 Verse 16 00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:57.759 is how God 00:23:57.759 --> 00:23:59.380 has responded 00:23:59.380 --> 00:24:00.500 to that need 00:24:00.500 --> 00:24:02.140 because he has 00:24:02.140 --> 00:24:02.880 given us 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:04.120 the gospel, 00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.780 the power of 00:24:05.780 --> 00:24:06.440 God that brings 00:24:06.440 --> 00:24:07.900 salvation to 00:24:07.900 --> 00:24:08.780 everyone who 00:24:08.780 --> 00:24:09.420 believes. 00:24:09.420 --> 00:24:10.440 That in 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:11.500 God's word 00:24:11.500 --> 00:24:11.980 and in the 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:12.440 word of the 00:24:12.440 --> 00:24:12.940 gospel, 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:15.019 this gift of 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:16.280 a righteousness 00:24:16.280 --> 00:24:17.860 credited to 00:24:17.860 --> 00:24:19.220 us by 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:20.840 faith is 00:24:20.840 --> 00:24:22.060 made plain. 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:25.400 The way of 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:26.320 salvation through 00:24:26.320 --> 00:24:27.200 faith in 00:24:27.200 --> 00:24:28.580 Jesus is 00:24:28.580 --> 00:24:29.660 made plain. 00:24:31.340 --> 00:24:31.960 There was an 00:24:31.960 --> 00:24:32.540 article just 00:24:32.540 --> 00:24:33.660 this week by a 00:24:33.660 --> 00:24:34.040 chap called 00:24:34.040 --> 00:24:34.960 Brian Tabb 00:24:34.960 --> 00:24:36.279 who was 00:24:36.279 --> 00:24:36.940 saying that 00:24:36.940 --> 00:24:38.360 Jesus is 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:38.740 like a 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:40.000 great optician 00:24:40.000 --> 00:24:41.480 because what 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.559 Jesus did 00:24:42.559 --> 00:24:43.620 with the 00:24:43.620 --> 00:24:44.039 disciples, 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:44.340 he was 00:24:44.340 --> 00:24:44.840 focusing on 00:24:44.840 --> 00:24:45.259 the Emmaus 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:45.440 road, 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.019 Luke 24, 00:24:46.160 --> 00:24:46.500 but you can 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:46.880 think more 00:24:46.880 --> 00:24:47.600 widely as he's 00:24:47.600 --> 00:24:48.079 helping his 00:24:48.079 --> 00:24:49.319 disciples with 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:50.400 their focus. 00:24:51.640 --> 00:24:52.660 All the time 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.360 he's wanting 00:24:53.360 --> 00:24:54.299 them to see 00:24:54.299 --> 00:24:55.920 his identity 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:57.079 and his 00:24:57.079 --> 00:24:58.160 saving purpose. 00:24:59.500 --> 00:25:00.299 And that's 00:25:00.299 --> 00:25:01.039 still Jesus' 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.660 desire for us 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.519 today that we 00:25:03.519 --> 00:25:04.880 would see and 00:25:04.880 --> 00:25:05.500 know that at 00:25:05.500 --> 00:25:06.280 the center of 00:25:06.280 --> 00:25:06.760 the Bible, 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:07.640 at the center 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:08.260 of God's 00:25:08.260 --> 00:25:08.760 plan for 00:25:08.760 --> 00:25:09.320 history and 00:25:09.320 --> 00:25:09.780 for the 00:25:09.780 --> 00:25:10.320 nations, 00:25:11.060 --> 00:25:12.280 is Jesus, 00:25:13.200 --> 00:25:13.780 the only 00:25:13.780 --> 00:25:14.600 Savior for 00:25:14.600 --> 00:25:14.960 sinners. 00:25:17.080 --> 00:25:18.160 God's word is 00:25:18.160 --> 00:25:19.220 necessary because 00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:19.780 if we didn't 00:25:19.780 --> 00:25:20.580 have the Bible 00:25:20.580 --> 00:25:22.080 and we wanted 00:25:22.080 --> 00:25:22.660 to know about 00:25:22.660 --> 00:25:23.200 God, what 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:23.620 would we be 00:25:23.620 --> 00:25:24.340 left with? 00:25:25.180 --> 00:25:25.920 We'd be left 00:25:25.920 --> 00:25:27.500 with vague 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.100 spirituality. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.920 We'd be looking 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:31.720 for answers, 00:25:31.880 --> 00:25:32.340 but we wouldn't 00:25:32.340 --> 00:25:33.140 find the answers 00:25:33.140 --> 00:25:33.980 until we find 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:34.500 the word of 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:34.880 God. 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:37.559 Perhaps we, 00:25:37.660 --> 00:25:38.180 well, I think 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:38.860 God is like 00:25:38.860 --> 00:25:39.279 this. 00:25:39.720 --> 00:25:40.420 I hope God 00:25:40.420 --> 00:25:40.839 will accept 00:25:40.839 --> 00:25:41.259 me because 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:41.579 I'm like 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:41.900 this, but 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:42.279 we'd have 00:25:42.279 --> 00:25:43.720 no certainty, 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:45.440 no sure 00:25:45.440 --> 00:25:46.279 knowledge. 00:25:47.099 --> 00:25:47.319 And so 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:47.799 Kevin DeYoung 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.259 says we 00:25:48.259 --> 00:25:48.940 need the 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:49.819 revelation of 00:25:49.819 --> 00:25:50.779 God to 00:25:50.779 --> 00:25:52.019 know God. 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:53.160 And the 00:25:53.160 --> 00:25:54.000 only sure, 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.259 saving, 00:25:55.880 --> 00:25:56.380 final, 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:57.480 perfect 00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:58.319 revelation of 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.519 God is 00:25:59.519 --> 00:26:00.920 found in 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:01.320 Scripture. 00:26:05.940 --> 00:26:06.539 That's the 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.460 doctrine of 00:26:07.460 --> 00:26:08.380 Scripture, 00:26:08.800 --> 00:26:10.440 very briefly. 00:26:11.980 --> 00:26:12.620 It is 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:13.160 sufficient, 00:26:14.220 --> 00:26:14.920 it is 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.420 clear, 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.380 it has 00:26:16.380 --> 00:26:16.960 authority, 00:26:17.519 --> 00:26:18.259 and it is 00:26:18.259 --> 00:26:18.920 necessary. 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.039 Now let's 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:21.680 pause for a 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:21.940 moment. 00:26:22.440 --> 00:26:22.740 We've still 00:26:22.740 --> 00:26:23.039 got a little 00:26:23.039 --> 00:26:23.400 bit of work 00:26:23.400 --> 00:26:23.759 to do. 00:26:25.060 --> 00:26:25.680 But as we're 00:26:25.680 --> 00:26:26.120 catching our 00:26:26.120 --> 00:26:26.279 breath, 00:26:26.340 --> 00:26:27.039 let's ask the 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.740 question, 00:26:27.740 --> 00:26:29.039 if that 00:26:29.039 --> 00:26:30.000 is true, 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:32.500 what now? 00:26:35.019 --> 00:26:35.720 If that 00:26:35.720 --> 00:26:36.579 is true, 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.440 what does 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.000 that mean for 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.720 my attitude 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:41.299 to making 00:26:41.299 --> 00:26:41.740 time to 00:26:41.740 --> 00:26:42.019 read the 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:42.279 Bible, 00:26:43.380 --> 00:26:43.880 to coming 00:26:43.880 --> 00:26:44.299 to church 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:44.559 and to 00:26:44.559 --> 00:26:44.960 being under 00:26:44.960 --> 00:26:45.299 God's 00:26:45.299 --> 00:26:45.599 Word? 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.420 If that's 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:48.960 true, 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:49.920 if it's 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:50.519 sufficient and 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:50.859 clear and 00:26:50.859 --> 00:26:51.380 has authority 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:51.940 as necessary, 00:26:52.079 --> 00:26:52.559 shouldn't we 00:26:52.559 --> 00:26:53.440 treasure it 00:26:53.440 --> 00:26:54.839 as the 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:55.220 people of 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:55.559 God? 00:26:56.220 --> 00:26:56.559 Shouldn't 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:57.220 we come to 00:26:57.220 --> 00:26:58.220 depend on 00:26:58.220 --> 00:26:58.380 it? 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.059 Shouldn't 00:27:00.059 --> 00:27:00.380 we be 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:01.120 committing to 00:27:01.120 --> 00:27:01.799 reading it 00:27:01.799 --> 00:27:02.019 and to 00:27:02.019 --> 00:27:02.339 giving it 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:03.360 first place? 00:27:04.220 --> 00:27:04.460 Shouldn't 00:27:04.460 --> 00:27:04.940 we want to 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:05.400 learn how 00:27:05.400 --> 00:27:06.019 to apply 00:27:06.019 --> 00:27:06.700 its truth 00:27:06.700 --> 00:27:07.360 to our 00:27:07.360 --> 00:27:07.880 life and 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:08.380 to all 00:27:08.380 --> 00:27:08.799 of life 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.019 and to 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.460 the lives 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:10.000 of others? 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:10.200 Shouldn't 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:10.759 we want to 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.799 share it 00:27:11.799 --> 00:27:12.500 with 00:27:12.500 --> 00:27:13.839 others? 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:16.180 The doctrine 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:16.539 of Scripture 00:27:16.539 --> 00:27:17.019 is so 00:27:17.019 --> 00:27:17.960 valuable because 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:19.819 sometimes our 00:27:19.819 --> 00:27:20.299 view of the 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:20.860 Word of God 00:27:20.860 --> 00:27:21.980 gets fuzzy, 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:22.559 gets out of 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:22.900 focus, 00:27:23.100 --> 00:27:23.700 and the 00:27:23.700 --> 00:27:24.059 doctrine of 00:27:24.059 --> 00:27:24.220 Scripture 00:27:24.220 --> 00:27:24.500 is like 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:25.160 that lens 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:25.759 that reminds 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.140 us the 00:27:26.140 --> 00:27:26.519 Bible 00:27:26.519 --> 00:27:27.639 matters. 00:27:28.519 --> 00:27:29.339 It's crucial 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.059 to our 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:30.519 life of 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:30.859 faith. 00:27:32.480 --> 00:27:33.180 Sometimes 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.579 our taste 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:34.920 for the 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:35.299 Word of 00:27:35.299 --> 00:27:35.680 God, 00:27:35.920 --> 00:27:36.240 if we're 00:27:36.240 --> 00:27:36.759 honest, 00:27:37.160 --> 00:27:38.000 gets weak. 00:27:38.440 --> 00:27:38.839 We'd 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:39.519 rather spend 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:40.160 our time 00:27:40.160 --> 00:27:41.000 reading, 00:27:41.220 --> 00:27:41.480 watching, 00:27:41.639 --> 00:27:42.460 doing something 00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:43.000 else. 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.359 So we 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:45.639 need the 00:27:45.639 --> 00:27:46.319 doctrine of 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:46.819 Scripture 00:27:46.819 --> 00:27:48.339 to remind 00:27:48.339 --> 00:27:48.759 us that 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:49.339 God's 00:27:49.339 --> 00:27:50.259 Word 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.460 should be, 00:27:51.579 --> 00:27:52.059 ought to be 00:27:52.059 --> 00:27:52.819 sweeter than 00:27:52.819 --> 00:27:53.519 honey to 00:27:53.519 --> 00:27:55.059 us as the 00:27:55.059 --> 00:27:55.480 people of 00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:55.860 God. 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:58.160 So I 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:58.559 want to 00:27:58.559 --> 00:27:58.940 do, 00:27:59.400 --> 00:27:59.860 for the 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:00.779 last of 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:01.900 our time 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:02.660 to snow, 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:04.259 is, 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.099 I never 00:28:05.099 --> 00:28:05.799 use acronyms, 00:28:05.880 --> 00:28:06.079 but we're 00:28:06.079 --> 00:28:06.400 going to use 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:06.920 an acronym, 00:28:07.319 --> 00:28:08.039 second acronym, 00:28:08.279 --> 00:28:08.900 we scan, 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:09.400 if you want to 00:28:09.400 --> 00:28:09.900 think about the 00:28:09.900 --> 00:28:10.240 doctrine of 00:28:10.240 --> 00:28:10.480 Scripture, 00:28:10.660 --> 00:28:11.000 scan, 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:12.279 but to 00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:12.920 think about 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:14.000 the Bible 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:14.839 for everyday 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.660 life for a 00:28:15.660 --> 00:28:15.900 Christian, 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:16.640 think about 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:17.299 the word 00:28:17.299 --> 00:28:18.120 sweet. 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.140 Okay, 00:28:19.180 --> 00:28:19.819 so five 00:28:19.819 --> 00:28:21.140 sweet truths 00:28:21.140 --> 00:28:22.140 about the 00:28:22.140 --> 00:28:22.880 Bible for 00:28:22.880 --> 00:28:23.980 everyday life, 00:28:23.980 --> 00:28:25.160 because Psalm 00:28:25.160 --> 00:28:25.779 19 verse 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:26.360 10 says, 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:26.759 they are 00:28:26.759 --> 00:28:27.039 sweeter, 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:27.440 God's 00:28:27.440 --> 00:28:27.880 words are 00:28:27.880 --> 00:28:28.539 sweeter than 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:28.880 honey, 00:28:29.360 --> 00:28:30.039 than honey 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:31.059 from the 00:28:31.059 --> 00:28:31.279 comb. 00:28:31.400 --> 00:28:31.559 Okay, 00:28:31.680 --> 00:28:32.200 so our 00:28:32.200 --> 00:28:34.339 first letter 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:35.059 is S, 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:35.920 and S 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:37.059 stands for 00:28:37.059 --> 00:28:38.360 sanctify, 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:39.000 God's 00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:39.279 Word 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:40.299 sanctifies, 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.000 God's 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.059 Word is 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:42.880 what makes 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.759 us holy 00:28:43.759 --> 00:28:44.779 and clean 00:28:44.779 --> 00:28:45.700 as we 00:28:45.700 --> 00:28:46.980 sit under 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.259 it and 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:47.759 allow it 00:28:47.759 --> 00:28:48.579 to change 00:28:48.579 --> 00:28:48.860 us. 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.240 Jesus 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.720 said, 00:28:49.860 --> 00:28:50.579 John 17 00:28:50.579 --> 00:28:51.099 17, 00:28:51.099 --> 00:28:52.740 he prayed 00:28:52.740 --> 00:28:53.259 to his 00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:53.759 father, 00:28:54.459 --> 00:28:55.240 sanctify 00:28:55.240 --> 00:28:56.319 them by 00:28:56.319 --> 00:28:57.179 the truth, 00:28:57.899 --> 00:28:58.319 your 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.919 Word is 00:28:59.919 --> 00:29:00.759 truth. 00:29:01.679 --> 00:29:02.459 So the 00:29:02.459 --> 00:29:03.240 truths of 00:29:03.240 --> 00:29:03.740 the Bible 00:29:03.740 --> 00:29:04.619 are what 00:29:04.619 --> 00:29:05.459 God uses 00:29:05.459 --> 00:29:06.199 to make 00:29:06.199 --> 00:29:06.919 us clean 00:29:06.919 --> 00:29:08.259 and holy 00:29:08.259 --> 00:29:09.419 for him. 00:29:10.859 --> 00:29:11.579 Perhaps 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:12.279 an image 00:29:12.279 --> 00:29:12.980 would be 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:13.459 helpful, 00:29:14.059 --> 00:29:14.619 the image 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:16.159 of a 00:29:16.159 --> 00:29:16.659 doctor. 00:29:17.259 --> 00:29:17.639 Say you 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:18.159 go to a 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:18.799 doctor because 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:19.980 you've got 00:29:19.980 --> 00:29:21.139 an infection. 00:29:21.279 --> 00:29:21.359 Well, 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:21.859 the doctor 00:29:21.859 --> 00:29:23.180 there discovers 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.960 the infection, 00:29:24.460 --> 00:29:25.240 diagnoses the 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:25.680 infection, 00:29:26.119 --> 00:29:27.079 gives medicine 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:28.039 to cure. 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.119 What does 00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:30.539 the Bible 00:29:30.539 --> 00:29:30.839 do? 00:29:30.940 --> 00:29:31.359 The Bible, 00:29:31.519 --> 00:29:31.720 when we 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.119 allow it, 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.819 exposes 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.720 sin and 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.099 error. 00:29:34.759 --> 00:29:35.559 It convicts 00:29:35.559 --> 00:29:35.879 us of 00:29:35.879 --> 00:29:36.279 where we 00:29:36.279 --> 00:29:36.839 go wrong 00:29:36.839 --> 00:29:37.740 and it 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.440 shows and 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:39.579 enables a 00:29:39.579 --> 00:29:40.339 new way 00:29:40.339 --> 00:29:40.919 of life 00:29:40.919 --> 00:29:43.299 if we 00:29:43.299 --> 00:29:43.720 allow it 00:29:43.720 --> 00:29:43.919 to. 00:29:44.440 --> 00:29:45.119 It requires 00:29:45.119 --> 00:29:45.519 the work 00:29:45.519 --> 00:29:45.819 of the 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:47.000 Spirit to 00:29:47.000 --> 00:29:47.519 shine the 00:29:47.519 --> 00:29:47.859 light of 00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:48.240 Scripture. 00:29:48.799 --> 00:29:49.460 to convict 00:29:49.460 --> 00:29:49.859 us. 00:29:50.539 --> 00:29:51.139 It requires 00:29:51.139 --> 00:29:51.519 the Spirit 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:51.960 to give us 00:29:51.960 --> 00:29:52.419 the power 00:29:52.419 --> 00:29:53.740 to obey 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:54.220 what we 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:54.579 read, 00:29:54.700 --> 00:29:55.000 to say 00:29:55.000 --> 00:29:55.419 no to 00:29:55.419 --> 00:29:55.779 sin and 00:29:55.779 --> 00:29:56.700 yes to 00:29:56.700 --> 00:29:57.799 righteousness. 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.220 So if we 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:01.740 want to 00:30:01.740 --> 00:30:02.539 grow in 00:30:02.539 --> 00:30:03.440 grace, 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:04.379 if we 00:30:04.379 --> 00:30:04.799 want to 00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:05.460 grow to 00:30:05.460 --> 00:30:06.240 be more 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:06.859 holy, 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.200 to be 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:08.960 more like 00:30:08.960 --> 00:30:09.519 Jesus, 00:30:10.480 --> 00:30:11.519 we need 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:12.440 our 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:12.839 Bibles. 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:15.700 And one 00:30:15.700 --> 00:30:15.919 of the 00:30:15.919 --> 00:30:16.279 things that 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:16.639 the Bible 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.559 will always 00:30:17.559 --> 00:30:17.879 do, 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.339 if we 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:18.740 allow it, 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.160 it will 00:30:19.160 --> 00:30:20.140 remind us 00:30:20.140 --> 00:30:20.859 that God 00:30:20.859 --> 00:30:21.599 is worthy 00:30:21.599 --> 00:30:22.299 of worship 00:30:22.299 --> 00:30:22.799 and God 00:30:22.799 --> 00:30:23.220 alone and 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:23.839 not us. 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:25.120 Constantly 00:30:25.120 --> 00:30:26.120 be recalibrating 00:30:26.120 --> 00:30:26.799 our thinking. 00:30:27.380 --> 00:30:27.599 It will 00:30:27.599 --> 00:30:27.920 constantly 00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:28.480 be reminding 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:28.799 us that 00:30:28.799 --> 00:30:29.039 we are 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:29.440 called to 00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:29.759 live for 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.160 God's 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.799 glory and 00:30:30.799 --> 00:30:32.019 not our 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:32.500 own. 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:34.400 And it 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:34.859 will constantly 00:30:34.859 --> 00:30:35.339 be showing 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:35.700 us the 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.880 wonder of 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.279 God and 00:30:37.279 --> 00:30:37.880 his love. 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:38.819 So our 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.279 hearts may 00:30:39.279 --> 00:30:39.700 be changed, 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:39.980 so our 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:40.400 lives may 00:30:40.400 --> 00:30:41.000 be changed. 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:42.859 So God's 00:30:42.859 --> 00:30:43.740 word sanctifies. 00:30:44.960 --> 00:30:45.559 God's word 00:30:45.559 --> 00:30:46.879 also warns, 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:47.539 and we 00:30:47.539 --> 00:30:47.879 have that 00:30:47.879 --> 00:30:48.440 also in 00:30:48.440 --> 00:30:49.319 Psalm 19 00:30:49.319 --> 00:30:50.359 verse 11, 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:51.019 by them, 00:30:51.119 --> 00:30:51.460 by those 00:30:51.460 --> 00:30:51.960 words of 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:52.339 God is 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:52.919 your servant 00:30:52.919 --> 00:30:53.519 warned. 00:30:54.399 --> 00:30:54.899 In keeping 00:30:54.899 --> 00:30:55.379 them, 00:30:55.919 --> 00:30:56.599 there is 00:30:56.599 --> 00:30:57.159 great 00:30:57.159 --> 00:30:57.839 reward. 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:00.720 The Bible 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.099 is very 00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:01.599 realistic. 00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:02.079 It's very 00:31:02.079 --> 00:31:02.899 realistic about 00:31:02.899 --> 00:31:03.779 the dangers 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.539 that God's 00:31:04.539 --> 00:31:05.139 people face, 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:05.639 the danger 00:31:05.639 --> 00:31:06.099 of the 00:31:06.099 --> 00:31:06.460 devil, 00:31:06.599 --> 00:31:06.779 our 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.359 adversary, 00:31:07.599 --> 00:31:08.599 the deceiver, 00:31:08.700 --> 00:31:09.059 the one who 00:31:09.059 --> 00:31:09.859 prowls around 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.500 like a roaring 00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:10.940 lion, 00:31:11.099 --> 00:31:11.960 seeking whom 00:31:11.960 --> 00:31:12.519 he may 00:31:12.519 --> 00:31:13.579 devour. 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:14.920 There is 00:31:14.920 --> 00:31:15.340 also, 00:31:15.460 --> 00:31:15.600 in the 00:31:15.600 --> 00:31:15.840 book of 00:31:15.840 --> 00:31:16.059 Hebrews, 00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:16.740 the danger 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:17.940 of drift. 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.079 The book 00:31:20.079 --> 00:31:20.559 of Revelation, 00:31:20.660 --> 00:31:21.079 the danger 00:31:21.079 --> 00:31:21.559 of becoming 00:31:21.559 --> 00:31:22.400 lukewarm 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:23.319 in our 00:31:23.319 --> 00:31:23.759 faith. 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.380 There's the 00:31:25.380 --> 00:31:25.900 danger of 00:31:25.900 --> 00:31:26.660 disobedience, 00:31:26.759 --> 00:31:27.100 there's the 00:31:27.100 --> 00:31:27.860 danger of 00:31:27.860 --> 00:31:29.120 disbelief. 00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:30.819 And we 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.380 need the 00:31:31.380 --> 00:31:32.539 Bible so 00:31:32.539 --> 00:31:32.779 that we 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:33.460 keep hearing 00:31:33.460 --> 00:31:34.500 those warnings 00:31:34.500 --> 00:31:35.559 so that we 00:31:35.559 --> 00:31:36.819 can check 00:31:36.819 --> 00:31:37.860 ourselves and 00:31:37.860 --> 00:31:38.900 see where 00:31:38.900 --> 00:31:39.299 we need 00:31:39.299 --> 00:31:39.779 corrected, 00:31:39.960 --> 00:31:40.340 where we 00:31:40.340 --> 00:31:41.460 need rebuked. 00:31:41.960 --> 00:31:44.120 an image 00:31:44.120 --> 00:31:44.759 perhaps to 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.160 help us. 00:31:45.220 --> 00:31:45.500 Think of 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.059 a parent. 00:31:47.259 --> 00:31:47.720 Why does 00:31:47.720 --> 00:31:48.200 a parent 00:31:48.200 --> 00:31:49.200 give warnings? 00:31:50.500 --> 00:31:50.740 Well, 00:31:50.819 --> 00:31:51.140 on our 00:31:51.140 --> 00:31:51.960 best days, 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:52.779 parents give 00:31:52.779 --> 00:31:53.740 warnings out 00:31:53.740 --> 00:31:54.600 of love. 00:31:55.420 --> 00:31:55.940 Don't touch 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:56.180 that, 00:31:56.220 --> 00:31:56.579 it's hot. 00:31:57.400 --> 00:31:57.860 Don't run 00:31:57.860 --> 00:31:58.259 on the road, 00:31:58.299 --> 00:31:58.720 it's busy, 00:31:58.759 --> 00:31:59.039 you'll get 00:31:59.039 --> 00:31:59.340 hurt. 00:32:00.319 --> 00:32:00.720 Why do 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.279 we correct, 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:01.860 why do we 00:32:01.860 --> 00:32:02.319 discipline, 00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:02.759 again, 00:32:02.860 --> 00:32:03.120 on our 00:32:03.120 --> 00:32:03.680 best days? 00:32:03.759 --> 00:32:04.900 Because of 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:05.680 love. 00:32:08.319 --> 00:32:09.019 We have 00:32:09.019 --> 00:32:09.500 a loving 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:10.160 Father in 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:10.440 heaven, 00:32:10.920 --> 00:32:11.600 and he 00:32:11.599 --> 00:32:12.339 uses the 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:13.259 Bible to 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:14.019 sound a 00:32:14.019 --> 00:32:14.339 loving 00:32:14.339 --> 00:32:15.259 warning for 00:32:15.259 --> 00:32:15.599 us, 00:32:16.159 --> 00:32:17.119 to warn 00:32:17.119 --> 00:32:18.000 us of 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.359 sin, 00:32:18.619 --> 00:32:19.079 to warn 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:19.799 us of 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:20.199 judgment, 00:32:20.339 --> 00:32:20.740 to warn 00:32:20.740 --> 00:32:21.059 us of 00:32:21.059 --> 00:32:21.679 the reality 00:32:21.679 --> 00:32:22.359 of hell, 00:32:22.639 --> 00:32:23.319 to show 00:32:23.319 --> 00:32:23.719 us our 00:32:23.719 --> 00:32:24.079 need. 00:32:24.759 --> 00:32:25.279 We have 00:32:25.279 --> 00:32:25.679 a loving 00:32:25.679 --> 00:32:26.279 Father who 00:32:26.279 --> 00:32:26.679 wants to 00:32:26.679 --> 00:32:27.480 correct us 00:32:27.480 --> 00:32:28.079 when we 00:32:28.079 --> 00:32:28.659 go wrong, 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:29.719 when we 00:32:29.719 --> 00:32:30.199 get pulled 00:32:30.199 --> 00:32:30.619 towards 00:32:30.619 --> 00:32:31.199 idolatry, 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:31.480 when we 00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:31.939 get pulled 00:32:31.939 --> 00:32:33.000 into rebellion, 00:32:33.179 --> 00:32:33.859 to return 00:32:33.859 --> 00:32:34.359 us onto 00:32:34.359 --> 00:32:34.759 the right 00:32:34.759 --> 00:32:35.119 path. 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:36.699 So he 00:32:36.699 --> 00:32:37.500 needs our 00:32:37.500 --> 00:32:37.939 Bibles, 00:32:38.939 --> 00:32:39.439 so that we 00:32:39.439 --> 00:32:39.980 are hearing 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:40.799 those warnings, 00:32:41.640 --> 00:32:42.319 to avoid 00:32:42.319 --> 00:32:43.019 being burned, 00:32:43.839 --> 00:32:44.519 to enjoy 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:45.079 the Father's 00:32:45.079 --> 00:32:45.519 smile, 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:46.440 and not 00:32:46.440 --> 00:32:47.039 the Father's 00:32:47.039 --> 00:32:47.500 frown. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:49.940 So God's 00:32:49.940 --> 00:32:50.980 word warns. 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:53.720 But it 00:32:53.720 --> 00:32:54.660 also encourages 00:32:54.660 --> 00:32:55.240 us, 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:56.400 there's a 00:32:56.400 --> 00:32:57.180 wonderful text 00:32:57.180 --> 00:32:57.620 in Romans 00:32:57.620 --> 00:32:58.299 15, 00:32:59.120 --> 00:33:00.220 Romans 15 00:33:00.220 --> 00:33:01.519 and verse 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.059 4, 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:02.880 where it 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:03.039 says, 00:33:03.120 --> 00:33:03.559 everything that 00:33:03.559 --> 00:33:03.900 was written 00:33:03.900 --> 00:33:04.599 in the past 00:33:04.599 --> 00:33:05.599 was written 00:33:05.599 --> 00:33:06.180 to teach 00:33:06.180 --> 00:33:06.660 us, 00:33:06.980 --> 00:33:07.640 so that 00:33:07.640 --> 00:33:08.039 through the 00:33:08.039 --> 00:33:08.519 endurance 00:33:08.519 --> 00:33:08.980 taught in 00:33:08.980 --> 00:33:09.500 the scriptures 00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:10.480 and the 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:11.380 encouragement 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:12.279 the scriptures 00:33:12.279 --> 00:33:12.779 provide, 00:33:13.259 --> 00:33:14.120 we might 00:33:14.120 --> 00:33:15.240 have hope. 00:33:17.340 --> 00:33:17.860 Scripture 00:33:17.860 --> 00:33:18.880 encourages us, 00:33:18.980 --> 00:33:19.299 Scripture 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:20.299 gives hope, 00:33:20.620 --> 00:33:21.460 God's word 00:33:21.460 --> 00:33:22.600 calls us to 00:33:22.600 --> 00:33:23.120 have hope 00:33:23.120 --> 00:33:23.740 in a God 00:33:23.740 --> 00:33:24.240 who will not 00:33:24.240 --> 00:33:24.900 disappoint. 00:33:26.960 --> 00:33:27.700 As people 00:33:27.700 --> 00:33:28.200 we're always 00:33:28.200 --> 00:33:28.779 looking for 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:29.200 hope. 00:33:29.759 --> 00:33:30.440 In just a few 00:33:30.440 --> 00:33:30.960 weeks time we're 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:31.380 going to be doing 00:33:31.380 --> 00:33:32.140 Hope Explored, 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:33.039 inviting family and 00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:34.000 friends to think 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:34.360 about hope, 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:34.779 meaning and 00:33:34.779 --> 00:33:35.340 purpose that's 00:33:35.339 --> 00:33:36.159 found in 00:33:36.159 --> 00:33:37.079 Jesus. 00:33:38.579 --> 00:33:39.319 So God's 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:40.379 word encourages 00:33:40.379 --> 00:33:41.379 us by pointing 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:41.899 us to the hope 00:33:41.899 --> 00:33:42.419 that we have 00:33:42.419 --> 00:33:43.279 in Jesus. 00:33:43.399 --> 00:33:44.039 So here 00:33:44.039 --> 00:33:44.639 perhaps the 00:33:44.639 --> 00:33:45.299 image is that 00:33:45.299 --> 00:33:46.819 of a coach, 00:33:47.899 --> 00:33:48.539 I think, 00:33:48.879 --> 00:33:49.619 in the world 00:33:49.619 --> 00:33:50.379 of sports. 00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:51.839 Those words 00:33:51.839 --> 00:33:53.220 that keep you 00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:54.059 going when 00:33:54.059 --> 00:33:54.639 you'd rather 00:33:54.639 --> 00:33:55.119 quit. 00:33:56.099 --> 00:33:56.759 Words that 00:33:56.759 --> 00:33:57.259 help you 00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.240 persevere and 00:33:58.240 --> 00:33:58.839 that renew 00:33:58.839 --> 00:34:00.159 motivation. 00:34:02.119 --> 00:34:02.459 And the 00:34:02.459 --> 00:34:03.220 Bible is full 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:04.439 of encouragements. 00:34:05.339 --> 00:34:06.559 full of 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:07.359 beautiful truths 00:34:07.359 --> 00:34:07.779 about our 00:34:07.779 --> 00:34:08.019 God. 00:34:08.119 --> 00:34:08.519 God is our 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:08.960 refuge. 00:34:09.079 --> 00:34:09.460 God is a 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.159 strong rock. 00:34:11.880 --> 00:34:12.619 God's mercies 00:34:12.619 --> 00:34:13.239 are new every 00:34:13.239 --> 00:34:13.739 morning. 00:34:15.099 --> 00:34:15.739 Our God is a 00:34:15.739 --> 00:34:16.539 God of steadfast 00:34:16.539 --> 00:34:17.019 love. 00:34:17.259 --> 00:34:17.799 Jesus is a 00:34:17.799 --> 00:34:18.179 Savior who 00:34:18.179 --> 00:34:18.480 will never 00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:18.960 leave us 00:34:18.960 --> 00:34:19.500 or abandon 00:34:19.500 --> 00:34:20.039 us. 00:34:21.119 --> 00:34:21.639 In Jesus 00:34:21.639 --> 00:34:22.279 there is no 00:34:22.279 --> 00:34:23.219 condemnation. 00:34:24.380 --> 00:34:25.000 There is 00:34:25.000 --> 00:34:25.840 resurrection hope. 00:34:25.940 --> 00:34:26.239 There is a 00:34:26.239 --> 00:34:26.799 new heaven 00:34:26.799 --> 00:34:27.579 and earth. 00:34:27.980 --> 00:34:28.559 God's word 00:34:28.559 --> 00:34:29.519 is constantly 00:34:29.519 --> 00:34:30.380 looking to 00:34:30.380 --> 00:34:31.699 encourage us 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:32.239 to keep 00:34:32.239 --> 00:34:33.679 on going. 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.500 And so we 00:34:34.500 --> 00:34:35.099 need the 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:36.019 Bible because 00:34:36.019 --> 00:34:36.659 we need that 00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:37.659 fresh encouragement 00:34:37.659 --> 00:34:38.719 day by day. 00:34:41.159 --> 00:34:41.859 The next 00:34:41.859 --> 00:34:42.399 E to think 00:34:42.399 --> 00:34:42.639 about. 00:34:43.859 --> 00:34:44.699 The Bible 00:34:44.699 --> 00:34:46.719 enlightens us. 00:34:46.919 --> 00:34:47.519 Again this is 00:34:47.519 --> 00:34:48.139 Psalm 19 00:34:48.139 --> 00:34:48.939 verse 8 00:34:48.939 --> 00:34:50.059 where we read 00:34:50.059 --> 00:34:50.759 the commands 00:34:50.759 --> 00:34:51.659 of the Lord 00:34:51.659 --> 00:34:52.879 are radiant 00:34:52.879 --> 00:34:54.719 giving light 00:34:54.719 --> 00:34:56.539 to the eyes. 00:34:56.539 --> 00:35:00.179 in the midst 00:35:00.179 --> 00:35:02.759 of moral 00:35:02.759 --> 00:35:03.619 darkness and 00:35:03.619 --> 00:35:04.119 confusion. 00:35:04.259 --> 00:35:04.460 What does 00:35:04.460 --> 00:35:04.860 the Bible 00:35:04.860 --> 00:35:05.779 do for us? 00:35:06.579 --> 00:35:07.340 It shines 00:35:07.340 --> 00:35:08.679 a clear light 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.880 for us on 00:35:09.880 --> 00:35:10.800 how we are 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:12.320 to live in 00:35:12.320 --> 00:35:12.940 our families, 00:35:13.159 --> 00:35:14.019 in our society, 00:35:14.179 --> 00:35:14.980 in our workplaces, 00:35:14.980 --> 00:35:15.980 in our church. 00:35:17.659 --> 00:35:18.900 Perhaps an 00:35:18.900 --> 00:35:20.139 image that's 00:35:20.139 --> 00:35:20.719 helpful to 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:22.000 think of a 00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:23.500 guide leading 00:35:23.500 --> 00:35:25.480 people on a 00:35:25.480 --> 00:35:26.380 difficult mountain 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:27.140 pass. 00:35:28.500 --> 00:35:29.180 Perhaps the 00:35:29.180 --> 00:35:30.059 conditions become 00:35:30.059 --> 00:35:31.460 dark but that 00:35:31.460 --> 00:35:32.059 guide is up 00:35:32.059 --> 00:35:32.640 ahead and he's 00:35:32.640 --> 00:35:33.300 got the torch 00:35:33.300 --> 00:35:33.760 and he's got 00:35:33.760 --> 00:35:34.360 the ropes and 00:35:34.360 --> 00:35:35.000 he knows the 00:35:35.000 --> 00:35:35.519 way and there's 00:35:35.519 --> 00:35:36.140 safety in 00:35:36.140 --> 00:35:36.820 following that 00:35:36.820 --> 00:35:37.400 path. 00:35:38.680 --> 00:35:39.160 There is 00:35:39.160 --> 00:35:40.680 safety in 00:35:40.680 --> 00:35:41.619 following the 00:35:41.619 --> 00:35:42.300 guidance of 00:35:42.300 --> 00:35:42.980 God's Word. 00:35:44.220 --> 00:35:45.140 We need the 00:35:45.140 --> 00:35:45.720 Bible to hear 00:35:45.720 --> 00:35:46.500 that voice of 00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:47.260 true wisdom. 00:35:47.420 --> 00:35:47.900 We know that 00:35:47.900 --> 00:35:48.559 we're surrounded 00:35:48.559 --> 00:35:49.440 by all kinds of 00:35:49.440 --> 00:35:50.559 other voices and 00:35:50.559 --> 00:35:51.380 views that 00:35:51.380 --> 00:35:52.380 disagree sometimes 00:35:52.380 --> 00:35:53.360 fundamentally with 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:54.119 what God's Word 00:35:54.119 --> 00:35:54.619 teaches. 00:35:54.619 --> 00:35:56.719 And so we 00:35:56.719 --> 00:35:58.039 need the 00:35:58.039 --> 00:35:59.000 wisdom principles 00:35:59.000 --> 00:35:59.859 that we find 00:35:59.859 --> 00:36:00.659 in the Bible. 00:36:02.460 --> 00:36:03.199 Now we're not 00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:03.779 going to find 00:36:03.779 --> 00:36:05.799 specifics and 00:36:05.799 --> 00:36:06.440 sometimes we can 00:36:06.440 --> 00:36:07.079 go wrong because 00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:07.940 we come with 00:36:07.940 --> 00:36:08.539 very specific 00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:09.000 questions. 00:36:09.119 --> 00:36:09.539 Should I take 00:36:09.539 --> 00:36:09.980 this job? 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.400 Should I move 00:36:10.400 --> 00:36:10.980 to this place? 00:36:11.019 --> 00:36:11.440 Should I marry 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:11.960 this person? 00:36:12.000 --> 00:36:13.019 That's not what 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:13.759 the Bible is 00:36:13.759 --> 00:36:15.679 concerned with in 00:36:15.679 --> 00:36:16.739 the first instance. 00:36:16.859 --> 00:36:17.500 It's principles 00:36:17.500 --> 00:36:18.679 for how to live a 00:36:18.679 --> 00:36:19.980 holy life, how to 00:36:19.980 --> 00:36:20.699 live for the glory 00:36:20.699 --> 00:36:22.259 of God day by 00:36:22.260 --> 00:36:23.520 day and there 00:36:23.520 --> 00:36:24.100 are wisdom 00:36:24.100 --> 00:36:25.160 principles to 00:36:25.160 --> 00:36:26.580 enlighten us that 00:36:26.580 --> 00:36:28.020 we need to be 00:36:28.020 --> 00:36:28.860 listening to. 00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.660 And then the 00:36:32.660 --> 00:36:33.780 last thing, 00:36:35.820 --> 00:36:36.580 God's Word does 00:36:36.580 --> 00:36:37.260 many things more 00:36:37.260 --> 00:36:37.720 than this, but 00:36:37.720 --> 00:36:38.280 here's the last 00:36:38.280 --> 00:36:38.880 thing for every 00:36:38.880 --> 00:36:39.860 life God's Word 00:36:39.860 --> 00:36:41.080 teaches us. 00:36:41.560 --> 00:36:43.160 Psalm 119, that 00:36:43.160 --> 00:36:44.100 great love song to 00:36:44.100 --> 00:36:44.820 the Bible, verse 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:46.560 68, you are good 00:36:46.560 --> 00:36:48.360 and what you do 00:36:48.360 --> 00:36:49.280 is good. 00:36:49.280 --> 00:36:51.920 teach me your 00:36:51.920 --> 00:36:52.940 decrees. 00:36:53.640 --> 00:36:54.640 The Bible teaches 00:36:54.640 --> 00:36:55.400 us, the Bible 00:36:55.400 --> 00:36:56.600 trains us to come 00:36:56.600 --> 00:36:57.220 with an open 00:36:57.220 --> 00:36:58.680 heart, to come 00:36:58.680 --> 00:36:59.240 with a willing 00:36:59.240 --> 00:37:00.600 heart, to come 00:37:00.600 --> 00:37:01.640 ready to listen 00:37:01.640 --> 00:37:03.260 to God speaking 00:37:03.260 --> 00:37:03.940 by his Spirit 00:37:03.940 --> 00:37:04.780 through the Word. 00:37:05.700 --> 00:37:06.519 It means the 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.260 Spirit is able to 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:08.580 teach us, the 00:37:08.580 --> 00:37:09.420 Spirit is able to 00:37:09.420 --> 00:37:10.519 transform us. 00:37:11.860 --> 00:37:12.800 God's Word is 00:37:12.800 --> 00:37:14.160 like a teacher 00:37:14.160 --> 00:37:15.080 who brings old 00:37:15.080 --> 00:37:15.980 and new truths 00:37:15.980 --> 00:37:18.240 to life for us. 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:23.420 And so we are 00:37:23.420 --> 00:37:23.880 called to 00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:25.200 treasure the 00:37:25.200 --> 00:37:27.240 Bible, recognizing 00:37:27.240 --> 00:37:29.080 that there's 00:37:29.080 --> 00:37:29.620 always so much 00:37:29.620 --> 00:37:30.300 more for us to 00:37:30.300 --> 00:37:30.700 discover. 00:37:31.519 --> 00:37:32.120 Our God is 00:37:32.120 --> 00:37:32.680 infinite and 00:37:32.680 --> 00:37:33.519 eternal, so we're 00:37:33.519 --> 00:37:34.420 never done 00:37:34.420 --> 00:37:35.980 understanding the 00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:36.740 character of God, 00:37:36.800 --> 00:37:37.580 the nature of God, 00:37:37.640 --> 00:37:38.380 the promises of 00:37:38.380 --> 00:37:38.820 God. 00:37:40.580 --> 00:37:41.540 We'll never grow 00:37:41.540 --> 00:37:43.320 tired of discovering 00:37:43.320 --> 00:37:44.780 the wonder of the 00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:45.340 gospel. 00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:47.720 we're always 00:37:47.720 --> 00:37:48.280 going to need to 00:37:48.280 --> 00:37:49.180 hear about 00:37:49.180 --> 00:37:50.620 fighting against 00:37:50.620 --> 00:37:52.000 sin, about 00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:53.120 pursuing holiness, 00:37:54.120 --> 00:37:56.340 about living for 00:37:56.340 --> 00:37:57.900 future hope. 00:37:58.780 --> 00:37:59.460 And so God's 00:37:59.460 --> 00:38:00.920 Word teaches 00:38:00.920 --> 00:38:01.480 us. 00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:03.000 So it 00:38:03.000 --> 00:38:04.059 sanctifies us, 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:06.620 it warns us, 00:38:07.100 --> 00:38:08.100 it encourages us, 00:38:08.300 --> 00:38:09.240 it enlightens us, 00:38:09.300 --> 00:38:09.900 and it teaches 00:38:09.900 --> 00:38:10.200 us. 00:38:10.199 --> 00:38:12.259 all that's 00:38:12.259 --> 00:38:12.679 left, 00:38:13.399 --> 00:38:14.960 again, to 00:38:14.960 --> 00:38:15.339 borrow the 00:38:15.339 --> 00:38:16.879 language of the 00:38:16.879 --> 00:38:18.099 Bible, taste and 00:38:18.099 --> 00:38:20.779 see that God is 00:38:20.779 --> 00:38:21.519 good. 00:38:22.719 --> 00:38:23.339 I hope that as we 00:38:23.339 --> 00:38:24.699 see the importance 00:38:24.699 --> 00:38:26.399 of believing the 00:38:26.399 --> 00:38:27.119 Bible is God's 00:38:27.119 --> 00:38:28.139 Word, as we come 00:38:28.139 --> 00:38:29.480 to see that God 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:30.259 teaches us that it's 00:38:30.259 --> 00:38:31.039 reliable, it has 00:38:31.039 --> 00:38:32.039 authority, it's 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:32.980 true, it's life 00:38:32.980 --> 00:38:35.000 giving, that we'll be 00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:35.859 encouraged to pick it 00:38:35.859 --> 00:38:36.639 up and to read it, 00:38:37.279 --> 00:38:38.899 to recognize how 00:38:38.900 --> 00:38:40.240 necessary, how vital 00:38:40.240 --> 00:38:41.059 and life giving it 00:38:41.059 --> 00:38:42.760 is for us. 00:38:44.539 --> 00:38:45.539 Two quotes to 00:38:45.539 --> 00:38:47.119 finish, one from 00:38:47.119 --> 00:38:50.139 Spurgeon, again, to 00:38:50.139 --> 00:38:51.039 give us confidence in 00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:51.740 the Word of God and 00:38:51.740 --> 00:38:53.039 its power to work in 00:38:53.039 --> 00:38:53.840 our life and in the 00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:54.440 lives of others. 00:38:54.559 --> 00:38:55.380 Scripture is like a 00:38:55.380 --> 00:38:55.680 lion. 00:38:56.340 --> 00:38:57.180 Whoever heard of 00:38:57.180 --> 00:38:58.059 defending a lion, 00:38:58.240 --> 00:39:00.019 turn it loose, it 00:39:00.019 --> 00:39:01.539 will defend itself. 00:39:02.820 --> 00:39:03.980 And then Calvin, 00:39:04.920 --> 00:39:06.680 Scripture is like a 00:39:06.680 --> 00:39:07.780 pair of spectacles, 00:39:07.780 --> 00:39:09.800 which dispels the 00:39:09.800 --> 00:39:11.980 darkness and gives 00:39:11.980 --> 00:39:13.760 us a clear view of 00:39:13.760 --> 00:39:14.200 God. 00:39:14.940 --> 00:39:15.620 And may that be the 00:39:15.620 --> 00:39:17.720 case for each one of 00:39:17.720 --> 00:39:17.900 us. 00:39:17.980 --> 00:39:19.220 Let's pray briefly. 00:39:20.260 --> 00:39:21.800 Lord, we thank you so 00:39:21.800 --> 00:39:23.500 much for your Word. 00:39:24.560 --> 00:39:25.440 We thank you for what 00:39:25.440 --> 00:39:26.840 it says about itself 00:39:26.840 --> 00:39:28.060 and what it reveals 00:39:28.060 --> 00:39:29.560 about your character 00:39:29.560 --> 00:39:30.560 and about your 00:39:30.560 --> 00:39:31.140 salvation. 00:39:31.880 --> 00:39:32.720 Lord, we pray that 00:39:32.720 --> 00:39:33.380 you would give us an 00:39:33.380 --> 00:39:35.460 increasing desire to be 00:39:35.460 --> 00:39:37.340 people shaped by your 00:39:37.340 --> 00:39:37.720 Word. 00:39:38.079 --> 00:39:39.960 Give us time to 00:39:39.960 --> 00:39:41.140 spend with you. 00:39:41.539 --> 00:39:42.059 Give us that 00:39:42.059 --> 00:39:43.420 discipline to make the 00:39:43.420 --> 00:39:43.760 time. 00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:46.740 Give us open hearts to 00:39:46.740 --> 00:39:49.620 receive from you that 00:39:49.620 --> 00:39:50.880 increasingly we be 00:39:50.880 --> 00:39:53.000 conformed into the 00:39:53.000 --> 00:39:53.900 likeness of the Lord 00:39:53.900 --> 00:39:55.720 Jesus as we are 00:39:55.720 --> 00:39:57.519 shaped by your Word. 00:39:58.000 --> 00:39:59.400 We pray in Jesus' name. 00:39:59.880 --> 00:40:00.320 Amen. 00:40:00.320 --> 00:40:00.400 Amen. 00:40:02.720 --> 00:40:03.400 So we're going to 00:40:03.400 --> 00:40:05.380 close the formal part 00:40:05.380 --> 00:40:05.880 of the evening 00:40:05.880 --> 00:40:07.400 singing Psalm 19. 00:40:07.960 --> 00:40:08.720 And then after that, 00:40:08.880 --> 00:40:09.440 if you want to stick 00:40:09.440 --> 00:40:10.000 around, you'll be very 00:40:10.000 --> 00:40:12.840 welcome for a time of 00:40:12.840 --> 00:40:13.580 discussion. 00:40:14.400 --> 00:40:15.760 And after this, we'll 00:40:15.760 --> 00:40:16.480 stick our discussion 00:40:16.480 --> 00:40:17.140 questions up. 00:40:17.180 --> 00:40:18.200 But let's stand for 00:40:18.200 --> 00:40:20.300 Psalm 19, verses 7 to 00:40:20.300 --> 00:40:20.620 11. 00:40:20.620 --> 00:40:20.680 Psalm 19. 00:40:20.680 --> 00:40:20.720 Psalm 19. 00:40:20.720 --> 00:40:20.740 Psalm 19. 00:40:20.740 --> 00:40:20.760 Psalm 19. 00:40:20.760 --> 00:40:20.780 Psalm 19. 00:40:20.780 --> 00:40:22.780 Psalm 19. 00:40:22.780 --> 00:40:22.800 Psalm 19. 00:40:22.800 --> 00:40:22.820 Psalm 19. 00:40:22.820 --> 00:40:22.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:22.840 --> 00:40:23.780 Psalm 19. 00:40:23.780 --> 00:40:24.780 Psalm 19. 00:40:24.780 --> 00:40:24.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:24.840 --> 00:40:25.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:25.840 --> 00:40:26.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:26.840 --> 00:40:27.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:27.840 --> 00:40:28.840 Psalm 19. 00:40:28.840 --> 00:40:29.840 Psalm 19.