AM Scripture Reading: Colossians 1.1-8

This Morning’s Sermon: Brent T. Willey

THE SCRIPTURAL TRUTH

(Is There Any Other Kind?)

Introduction:

1. Colossians 1.5: “Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel” (esv; also niv, nasb & rsv).

   1. God’s word is truth! (John 17.17)

   2. Only His truth can make us free! (John 8.32)

   3. There is only one saving gospel! (Gal. 1.6-9)

   1. The saving gospel is the byproduct of God’s word, the truth, and it is linked with the “hope laid up” for us in heaven (v. 5).

   2. Consider The Scriptural Truth of God’s Word…

I.SCRIPTURE IS OUR HOPE

1. Nothing of this world can give us the hope we long for in life. (Jer. 10.23; Prov. 14.12; 1 Cor. 1.21)

2. The Scripture Is Our Hope!

1. The Scriptures give us hope! (Rom. 15.4)

2. “I have hoped in Your word” (Psa. 119.49, 74, 81, etc.).

II.SCRIPTURE IS OUR GUIDE

1. If the Scripture is not our authoritative guide, what can we know about God with confidence?

B.The Scripture Is Our Guide! (2 Tim. 3.16-17)

1. Because it is inspired. [Theopneustos=“God breathed”]

2. Because it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness.”

3. Because it makes God’s people “completely, perfectly, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

4. We need only the Scripture! (1 Pet. 4.11; 1 Cor. 4.6)

III.SCRIPTURE IS OUR JUDGE

B.Many have made man the judge of the Scripture instead of the Scripture being man’s judge. (John 12.48; 2 Pet. 1.19-21)

C.The Scripture Is Our Judge!

1. Are you truly a Christian? (Matt. 7.21-23)

2. What is an actual good work? (1 Thess. 5.21-22)

3. Are you ready for eternity? (Eccl. 12.13-14)

Conclusion: Many churches have forgotten that God has made His word, the Scripture, to be our Hope, Guide & Judge!