Sermon Central
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It Is
Contributed by Clay Ledford on Aug 19, 2020 (message contributor)
Summary: The inspired Word of God is valid and proven to be reliable It has withstood the test of time and faith. From "In the Beginning" to the last "Amen". God is "on the record" with His promises, prophecies, and providence.
It is Written Matthew 4:4,
It is written- Proof of Gods Word
It is Finished- Power of Gods Word 3 Part mini series
It is I- Person of Gods Word
Knowing that Gods Word is true and that we are secure in Christ Jesus is very important to our faith in Christ Jesus.
If there was uncertainty about who Jesus is (Son of God – Savior of man) then there would certainly be plenty of room for doubt about the promises he made and his authority to make them.
The hope of heaven (life after death with God) would be invalid.
The peace of knowing that God loves us would be jeopardized.
The strength of our faith that God is in control would be futile and our futures would be bleak and dark.
The Joy of serving would become drudgery or works salvation.
The power of the gospel would be unable to save.
So how do we know? How can we be sure? How can we have confidence?
That the word of God is true and that it works.
That Jesus is who he says he is and can do what he says he can do.
That Hope – peace – strength – joy – power really are available to us!
1. It is written Matthew 4:4
The Word of God is the truth of God and it has been recorded.
Once something is recorded it is established.
Writing is the most common and effective way to communicate.
It allows for thoughts to be developed in words to be arranged for maximum effectiveness and understanding.
It is reviewable – more effective than verbal communication and pictures because it allows for more details.
It is verifiable – as historic or a reference material (fact checks).
It is visual – read it, repeat it, retain it.
The biggest obstacle to reading and writing is vocabulary.
Big words, hard names, definitions misinterpreted, poor punctuation.
Joke: punctuation saves lives! Example: Let’s eat grandma. Let’s eat, grandma.
God’s word is a record of man’s beginning and God’s involvement in the lives of man (personal).
It begins “In the beginning”
God’s word is a record of man’s history and God’s guidance and plan for mankind.
God’s word is a record of God’s promises to man and God’s fulfillment of those promises.
It ends with “Amen” – “so be it”, and it covers everything we need to know about God and his love for man.
“It is written” is the proof and validation of all these truths.
Exhibit A: Satan attempted to tempt Jesus for 40 days in the wilderness.
Just Jesus and Satan – no witnesses.
Jesus used the authority of God recorded words to combat Satan and even he could not dispute it.
Three times Jesus responded to his temptations with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
Once it is written (recorded) it cannot be erased.
God has never deleted nor has he revised or amended his word for “modern times”.
Having established the authority of God’s words recorded we can trust that it is valid and true.
We can use it as a weapon against the enemy because “It is written”.
“It is written” for us “No weapon formed against us shall prosper” (Is. 54:17)
Get it in you so that you can use it.
”This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book” D. Moody
Exhibit B: Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions Jesus responded and John recorded these words.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Since these words are recorded in the word of God we can be assured that they are true because “It is written” for us.
These are the words of hope and the message of salvation.
The very words of “God’s Son” in the “Word of God”, verified and written for us that we might know the way of salvation.
Exhibit C: Jesus is in the temple preaching.
John recorded these words. (John 10:27 – 29)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, they shall never perish; neither shall any one snatch them out of my hand. My father who is given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my father’s hand.”
We can know that our faith in God is valid and that God is able to secure us because “It is written”.
These are the words of promise from “The Son of God” in “The Word of God, verified and written for us that we can have faith (believe) that God can and will do as he has promised, to save and secure his people.
