The Sufficiency of Scripture - From Bible Study with Rev. Tag Kilgore

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Subject: Peter wrote this letter to comfort believers during their times of trial and persecution. He reminded them that the Gospel was specifically for them by stating, "Those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from Heaven-things the angels long to look" (1:12. In chapter one he also reminded and admonished them to live holy and separated lives. Holy behavior was new to many of them who had been formerly pagans. Peter gave them seven reasons for this new lifestyle. They were to live a life of gratitude because they "were not redeemed with perishable things like silver and gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with the precious blood . . . the blood of Christ"  (1:18-19).

Survey: Peter used the word precious several times in his letters (1 Peter 1,7,; 1.,19; 2.4; 2.6-7; 3.4;2 Peter 1,4). The word means, "to treasure or to greatly value and not to be wasted or carelessly misused." In light of the definition, Peter desired for his readers to value the precious things of God. Our faith is precious (1.7). Christ's blood is precious (1.19). Christ Himself, the living stone, is precious in the sight of God. We too are to value and treasure the spiritual things of God. We are to recognize their value, treasure them, and prioritize our lives according.

Brief Review: In chapter one there are four principles. They are as follows:

1. God is Sovereign and worthy of my worship (1.2,3) - this is my worship.
2. Holiness is essential (1.13-21) - this is my character/integrity.
3. Love is a verb (1.22) - this is the foundation for my relationships.
4. Scripture is sufficient (1.23-25) - this is my authority.

Substance:

I.  Love: The Distinguishing Characteristic (1.22)

• Peter stated that obedience to the truth (the gospel or the Word) will be manifested in our lives by the way we treat one another. Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you that you love one another."
• B. Peter stated that obedience purifies the soul.
• C. The believer's love is to be both sincere and fervent.
• D. Paul described the believer's love in 1 Corinthians 13. Peter gave the following
• Kind hearted (3.8)
• Long suffering (3.20)
•  Overlooks others faults (4.8)
•  Hospitable (4.9)
• Ministers to others (3.8,10,11; see also 4.10)
• Gives personal care to others (5.7)
•  Enjoys fellowship (5.14)
• Christ set the scene for us to love. "For even here unto were you called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps" (2.21)
• The reason for love is that believers will "see good days" (3.8,10)

II. Scripture: It's Sufficiency and Authority: 1.23-25

• The Scriptures are compared to seed, which will never perish! The Bible makes its own claims that it is an imperishable commodity (invaluable substance).
• The Scriptures are alive and therefore produce life. You have been born again . . . through the living word." John 6.63 says, "The words that I have spoken unto you are spirit and are life."
• The Scriptures are not meaningless words. When read they affect the soul, spirit, and conscience of all mankind (John 1.9). They are living words. Jesus and His Word are inseparable.
• The scripture produces life in the one who believes. "You have been born again (from above) through the living word." Also, note that "Even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us ALIVE together with Christ" (Ephesians 2.5)
• The Scriptures are Eternal. "Forever O Lord, Your word is settled in Heaven" (Psalms 119.89).
• The Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit. "For no prophecy was ever made an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Peter 1,19-21; see also 2 Timothy 3.16).
• Applications:
• Scripture is sufficient for our salvation. "As for this salvation the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come." And also "This is the word which was preached to you" (1.10,23,25).
• Scripture is sufficient for our suffering: "That the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perishes though it be tried with fire might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1.7).

•  Scripture is sufficient for our sanctification: "Sanctify them trough thy word. Thy word is truth: (John 17,17). "That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5.26).
•  Scripture is sufficient against Satan's attack: "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matthew 4.4).
• Scripture is sufficient for our security: "These things have I written that believe on the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5.13).
• Scripture is sufficient for our schooling: "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed accurately handling the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2.15).

The Holy Spirit comes to your heart when you study the Bible. God is sovereign. The Word of God will judge men on the last day. Give diligence to the study of God's word. Keep it simple.