The Power of the Enduring Word

By Lewis C. Lampley

Text: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Purpose: To help the reader to continue to gain and maintain a high view of the Bible. In order to get your mind around the uniqueness of the Bible, there are at least two key elements, once grasped that will enhance your ability to meditate upon the Bible and appreciate its truths.

First, let me remind you of the Origin of the Bible and of its One Divine Author – God Himself (2 Tim. 3:16a). “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” God used forty Human Writers – Who wrote over a period of 1500 years, beginning with Moses (1405 B.C.), and concluding with the apostle John (95 A.D.). The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. The Bible was written on three different continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Secondly, the Motifs of the Bible include the Character of God, God’s Judgment for sin and obedience, the Blessing for faith and obedience, the Lord Savior and His sacrifice for sin, the Coming kingdom and glory.

In this critical article, I want you to see some special attributes of the Bible.
Definition: An attribute is “a quality or characteristic inherit in or ascribed to someone or something.” The qualities of the Bible, then, put it in a class all by itself.

1. THE BIBLE IS INFALLIBLE IN ITS TOTALITY (1 Pet.1:23a,b)
What is meant by the word infallible? It means that the Bible is Incapable of error. That is, from Genesis 1:1 to Rev. 22:21. “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible…”
In Psa. 19:7 exclaims, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.”
A. God’s [law] Word is perfect.
B. God’s [testimony] is sure.

2. THE BIBLE IS INERRANT IN ITS PARTS (1 Pet. 1:22a)
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth…”
To be inerrant means the Bible is incapable of erring; infallible.
That is, the Bible is both infallible in its totality as well as inerrant
In its parts!
In another place, Prov. 30:5,6, we read, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

A. God’s Word is pure – “ Every word of God is pure…”
B. God’s Word is powerful -“He is a shield to the trusting soul…”

3. THE BIBLE IS COMPLETE IN ITS REVELATION (1 Pet. 1:23b)
The word revelation means “unveiling” and describes the unveiling or disclosure of truth from God to mankind that man not otherwise know.
“…the Word of which lives and abides forever…” Notice Rev. 22:18,19, For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; and if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

NOTICE THE WARNING IN PROGRESSION REV.22:18,19:

A. “… everyone who hears…”
B. “… anyone who adds…” God will do something to him
C. “… anyone takes away…” God will take something

4. THE BIBLE IS AUTHORITATIVE AND FINAL IN ITS COMMANDS (1 Pet. 1:25)
“But the Word of the LORD endures forever.” “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psa.119:89).
A. The Bible is final on civil government (Rom.13:1-7)
B. The Bible is final on family life (Eph. 5:18-6:4)
C. The Bible is final on church life and leadership (1 Tim.3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9)
D. The Bible is final on personal living (Rom. 12:1-21)

5. THE BIBLE IS TOTALLY SUFFICIENT FOR FAITH AND PRACTICE (1 Pet. 1:22,23).
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

That’s why we read in 2 Tim. 3:16,17, “…that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Let me close by affirming that:
• The Bible will accomplish what it promises: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My Mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isa. 55:11).
• The Bible provides the assurance of your salvation…” (John 8:47; 20:31).

THE BIBLE

This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here heaven is open, and the gates of hell are disclosed.

Christ is the grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and is established forever.

It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its contents.

Worksheet

Home