Scripture Alone

Solas: 

Scripture Alone: 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Background: October 31, 1517

Sola Scriptura means that only Scripture, because it is God’s inspired Word, is our inerrant, sufficient and final authority for the church and for an individual Christian.

This does not mean that there are no Other Authorities in our lives.

To be clear the Roman Church did not totally reject the authority of Scripture, but it taught that both Scripture and Tradition were inerrant authorities. 

Three Characteristics of Scripture

1. Authority

“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Proverbs 30:5)

The authority of Scripture means that all the words in Scripture are God’s words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God.

Scripture’s authority flows from its Inerrancy

The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.

2. Necessity

The necessity of Scripture means that the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God’s will, but is not necessary for knowing that God exists or for knowing something about God’s character and moral laws (see Romans 1 & 2).

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

“But he answered, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

3. Sufficiency

The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains everything we need God to tell us for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.

“and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deuteronomy 29:29)

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)

Ultimately, Scripture is trustworthy because The God Behind It is trustworthy!

“You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.” (Psalm 119:68)

So What?

1. Value the gift of Scripture

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

“Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.” (Psalm 119:111)

2. Immerse myself in the Scriptures

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2)

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)

Hear – Read – Study – Memorize – Meditate - Apply

3. Obey the Scriptures

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,” (Psalm 119:2)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

4. Share the Scriptures

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” (Romans 10:13–15)

Making It Personal:

• Have I trusted in the gospel message that the Scriptures tell about?

• What is my personal understanding of the Bible? How do I live this out?

• Which of the points of this message do I most need to put into practice this week? How will I do that?

• Who can I share these truths with?