In The Valley of Despair

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-9-2025

Psalm 88

 

Introduction:

A.  Psalm 88 is actually written for the benefit of three classes of believers.

 

1.  Those who have not been there.  What the Psalmist writes, you may not have much interest in because you have never been where he is writing about.  Psalm 88 describes a place that I have never been to, nor do I ever want to be there. 

 

2.  There are those who have been there.  What the Psalmist writes may be all too familiar to you and bring back memories that you wish were forgotten.

 

3.  To all of us, because it is about where we may one day be.  However, I am wise enough to know that this awful place may become a reality in my life at some point in the future. 

 

4.  The Psalm is here for a reason!

 

B.  There are many Psalms, such as this, where we see the suffering of God’s people.  These Psalms are neither redundant nor repetitive, as each differs in its person and situation.

 

1.  God’s people suffer in this world.  I believe that we all realize this fact.  Life is not a “Rose Garden.”  “It’s a battlefield, Brother, not a recreation room; It’s a fight and not a game.”

 

2.  Not only do we suffer, but God’s people also suffer in a myriad of ways in this world.  My suffering may not be the same as yours, and vice versa.  We watch as others suffer and are there with them and for them, but their suffering only becomes a whole reality with us when we sit where they sit!

 

3.  God’s people are all individuals who react differently in bad situations.  I try not ever to use the phrase “I know how you feel.”  Though I may have once sat where you now sit, our reactions to the same suffering are different. 

 

4.  The one common denominator is that God is still God in each predicament that we find ourselves in.

 

C.  Psalm 88 is one of the most somber passages in all of Scripture. It contains no immediate light, no quick resolution, and no triumphant ending. Yet, it is inspired of God and placed here for our comfort and instruction.

D.  This Psalm reminds us that faith is not measured by how loudly we shout on the mountain tops, but how steadfastly we trust in the dark valleys.  I am reminded of the song “One More Time.”  A part of the song says, “In the night of deep despair, my faith keeps telling me He’s there, waiting to answer prayer one more time.”

 

E.  How to trust God in valleys of deep despair when God seems silent.

 

1. Continue to Pray (Verses 1–2)  “O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry.”

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

 

James 4:2  … ye have not, because ye ask not.

 

a.  The Direction of his Prayer. “O LORD God of my salvation”

 

b.  The desperation of his cry: “day and night”

 

c.  The desire of his cry: “Incline thine ear” — he longs not for deliverance first, but for divine attention.  There are times when reassurance trumps relief!

 

2. The Depth of His Distress (Verses 3–7)

 

a.  He is Overwhelmed.  His “soul is full of troubles.”  Helpless, overburdened, unable to help himself.

 

b.  He is Overshadowed.  “free among the dead” Not a ray of light in the midst of his troubles.  Neglected, unnoticed, and uncared for.

 

c.  He is Overpowered by the hand of God.   “Thy wrath lieth hard upon me.”  Billows of waves over his head, and perishing.

 

3.  Deserted by mankind.  (Verses 8-9)  “Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them.”

 

a.  Isolated from mankind.  “put away mine acquaintance.”  No one there with him to help bear his heavy load.

 

b.  Imprisoned in affliction: “I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.”  No escape is possible from his dilemma. 

 

c.  Imploring in prayer: “Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee.”

 

4.  The Dilemma He Faces (Verses 10–12)  “Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee?”

 

a.  He questions the purpose of his suffering: Will there be any testimony left?

 

b.  He wonders about God’s silence: “Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?”

 

c.  He reasons from faith, not rebellion: He cannot reconcile his suffering with God’s goodness, but he still prays.  Even our questions can be acts of faith when brought reverently before the Lord.

 

5.  The Darkness He Endures (Verses 13–18)  “But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.”

 

a.  Faith persists though feelings fail (Verse 13)

 

b.  God’s silence tests faith (Verses 14–16)

 

c.  Darkness surrounds, but God remains (Verses 17–18)  “Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.”

 

Conclusion:  This Psalm ends without resolution — not because God failed, but because faith must sometimes wait.  Psalm 88 teaches us that faith does not always feel triumphant, but it always endures.

 

1.  Darkness is not evidence of God’s absence.

2.  Faith prays even when it feels nothing.

3.  Suffering is not wasted when it drives us to God.

4.  The cross of Christ is the ultimate proof that God hears the cries of His suffering saints.

Spiritual Growth - Manifested in the Life of Peter

Temple Baptist Church - 11-9-2025

John 1:35-42

 

Introduction:

A. This morning, I want to look at the advancement of the faith of the Apostle Peter. Peter often struggled in the early days of his ministry for Christ, but eventually, he became a giant in the faith. Peter is mentioned 162 times in the New Testament.

 

1. Here, in John chapter one, we find our Lord calling His disciples. Two disciples followed Jesus, with only one being named, Andrew. Andrew then told his brother Simon that he had seen the Messiah.

 

2. Jesus then calls Simon Cephas, a stone. Simon Peter had no idea how this moment would change his life forever!

 

3. In the 3 ½ years following, the Lord Jesus would turn this poor fisherman into a giant of the faith and a pillar of the early church.

 

B. We, as God’s children, grow up in Christ also. Lives that are up and down at times, but gradually upward. I picked Peter instead of Paul (163 times) for just this reason. Not everyone can be an Apostle Paul, but we all can become a “Peter!” Both ups and downs marked Peter’s ministry.

 

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. (Admonition means exhortation. To exhort us on!)

 

C. Having said that, let’s take a short look at the life of Peter.

 

1. Spiritual growth involves a beginning. Peter had faith in Christ as his personal Saviour. Peter’s faith received Him as Saviour in the beginning. We will never end right if we do not start right!

 

John 1:41-42 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. (42) And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

 

2. Spiritual growth involves observation. Peter marveled at His miracles during His ministry. Before the Lord used Peter, He manifested His power to him. The Lord wants us to know that He not only created all there is, but He can do anything, anywhere, and at any time!

 

Luke 5:4-8 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. (5) And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. (6) And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. (7) And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. (8) When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

 

3. Spiritual growth involves faithfulness. Peter faithfully followed Christ, beholding Him in all His glory. Faithfulness is the key to living a life for Christ.

 

Mark 9:2-3 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. (3) And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.

 

4. Spiritual growth involves determination. Peter’s spiritual life was up and down during his early years with Christ. There will be times of glory and failure in our lives, as these are essential to our spiritual growth. These were years of spiritual growth for Peter.

 

Up. Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

 

Down. Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

 

Up. John 6:67-69 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? (68) Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (69) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God

 

Down. Mark 4:37-40 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. (38) And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? (39) And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. (40) And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?

 

5. Spiritual growth involves failure. Peter denied Christ thrice on the night He was taken. There have been times when we all denied Christ by being silent instead of bold.

 

Matthew 26:33-35 Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. (34) Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (35) Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.

Matthew 26:75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

 

6. Spiritual growth involves trust. Peter cowered in fear after His resurrection. There will be times when we fear the unknown instead of trusting what God said. In the end, we find out that God had everything in control.

 

John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

 

7. Spiritual growth involves resilience. Peter went back to his old life because of his shame. I have seen times when people were “put on the shelf” for a while. Do not stay there! Get up, shake the dust off, and begin to move in the path that you were on.

 

John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing.

 

8. Spiritual growth involves recognition. Peter was restored before the Lord could use him. I John 1:9 is a verse that we need to have on “speed dial!”

 

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

 

9. Spiritual growth involves testimony. Peter boldly preached after Pentecost. The time came when Peter was no longer a novice but ready for the work that the Lord had called him to do.

 

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

 

10. Spiritual growth involves finishing. Peter followed Christ for the rest of his life and died as a giant in the faith at the end. As Paul finished his course, Peter finished his, and we must finish ours.

 

John 21:18-19 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. (19) This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

 

Conclusion: Life is just that, life! Give your best to the MASTER and the MASTER will give the best to you!

Doth God Take Care for Oxen?

Temple Baptist Church - 11-5-2025

1 Corinthians 9:1-15

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Tonight, I get to preach to the “choir!” What a joy! Years ago, I preached a message entitled “Who Is Feeding Your Ox?” and nearly got “run out of town” in eastern Kentucky. The people there believed that God’s man should work a full-time job and pastor the church at the same time.  Therefore, this should be a lot better for me!

 

B. In the past couple of chapters, we find Paul’s answers to some questions that the Corinthian believers had.  These were legitimate questions that needed biblical answers in both Paul’s day and ours.  Paul explains the local church’s responsibility to support the man of God. The issue in Corinth was not about ability, as they had the ability, but about attitude—whether they valued the laborer God had sent among them.

 

C.  Verse 3 is the key to this message, as some of the Corinthians had “examined” the Apostle Paul.  Examined means to scrutinize or to inspect carefully.    The question that was evidently asked was whether God’s man should work to support himself and his family, or if the church was obligated to do so.

 

D.  One of the best ways to interpret Scripture is to outline it.  This does no harm to the context but helps us with the flow of it.

 

1. Paul’s Apostolic Defense (Verses 1–3)

 

a. In verse 3, we find the crux of the matter as Paul addresses those who had “examined” him. The word means to scrutinize or carefully inspect. They were questioning whether God’s servant should receive material support from them or from working a job. 

 

b.  The Apostle Paul never burdened the new church plant with having to support him.  He was a “Church Planter,” not a permanent pastor there.  He discusses this issue later in 2 Corinthians chapter 11 and again in both Thessalonian Epistles.

 

2 Corinthians 11:8-9  I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.  (9)  And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:9  For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:8  Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

 

c. In verses 1–2, Paul reminds them of his calling and work. He had been called by God on the Damascus Road and had founded the church in Corinth. The very existence of their assembly was the fruit of his labor. God used Paul to both win them to Christ and to establish the local church.

 

2. Paul’s Rights as a Minister (Verses 4–7)  Paul declares that he had the right:

 

a.  Verse 4.  To have his physical needs met – “to eat and to drink”

 

b.  Verse 5.  To have a family – “to lead about a sister, a wife”

 

c.  Verse 6.  To refrain from secular labor if supported by the churches.  “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?”

 

He worked with his hands as a tentmaker, but that did not negate the church’s obligation toward God’s servants.

 

d.  Verse 7.  To share in the fruit of his labor.  “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?”

 

3.  Paul appeals to Scripture with an Old Testament principle. (Verses 8–10)

 

a.  A principle established.  “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?” (Verses 8-9)

 

b.  A principle is a basis or foundation for a belief established.  Though we are not under the Old Testament Law, we are obligated to live by a principle established there.

 

c.  Paul’s question is rhetorical. Of course, God cares for oxen—but the principle was written for our sake (Verse 10). If God commands kindness to beasts of labor, how much more should His people show care for His ministers! 

 

(Deuteronomy 25:4; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:17–18)

 

4. Why Some Ministers Work Secular Jobs

 

a.  Because the church is too small to support them fully.  Many faithful men are bi-vocational until their church is able.  When I came to Temple, I worked full-time. As the church grew, I transitioned from part-time to full-time ministry.

 

b.  Because they will not live within the church’s means of support.  I know of some pastors who refuse to sacrifice a high-paying job for the sake of the ministry.

 

c.  Because the church will not care for them.  This seems to have been the problem at Corinth.

 

5. The Church’s Obligation (Verses 9–11)

 

a.  The Pastor Has A Right To Live A Normal Life With Its Benefits – vs. 4-5

 

b.  To Have His Physical Needs Met – “power to eat and to drink”

 

c.  To Have His Family Needs Met – “lead about a sister, a wife”

 

1 Timothy 5:17-18  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

 

6.  How To Care For Your Pastor.  (Verses 12-15)    

 

a.  By Caring.  Most of you work for uncaring companies, as they give only what they are forced to provide!  Unfortunately, many churches starve God’s men.  There is an old saying, “Lord, you keep him humble and we will keep him broke!”

 

b.  By Being Consistent.  Many Churches do not have a systematic method for raising the salaries of God’s men.  They will give a good raise, and then it may be several years before they consider it again.  Pastors need to have consistent, periodic raises in pay.

 

c.  By Being Observant.  Most people are so wrapped up in their own lives that they fail to realize that the pastor’s salary depends upon them.

 

1)  Watching for changes in their personal needs.  Pastors get no overtime.

 

2)  Watching for drastic economic changes.  Sudden changes in the economy can quickly limit buying power.

 

Conclusion:  Temple Baptist Church, you have done well.  Above and beyond!  Good pastors will never hurt the church by “taking all they can get!”

Remembering Home in a Strange Land

 Temple Baptist Church - 11-2-2025

Psalm 137

 

Introduction:

 

A.  Tonight, we will look at a Psalm written by those who were held in captivity in Babylon.   

 

1.  The psalm does not name its author, but it was clearly written by a Jew in exile, or perhaps by one who had recently returned from Babylon and was recalling the captivity. Some scholars associate it with the era of Ezra or Nehemiah, when the memory of Babylon was still fresh.

 

2.  While anonymous, the writer speaks for the entire nation—“we wept,” “we hanged our harps,” “we remembered Zion”—showing a collective voice of lament and loyalty to Jerusalem.

 

3.  It is the record of a sad time for God’s people as their sinfulness brought about the defeat and captivity of Israel.  There is much weeping and looking back at what they had lost. 

 

4.  This Psalm is a warning to you and me also.  We often do not appreciate what we have until it is lost, when it's too late to pray.  God is a gracious God, but He is also a God of judgment.

 

B.  A little history of the Babylonian Captivity.

 

1.  The setting of Psalm 137 is the Babylonian Exile—specifically, after 586 B.C., when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, and carried the people of Judah into captivity (2 Kings 25:8–21; 2 Chronicles 36:17–21).

 

2.  Though many Jews were left in Israel to maintain the land and export the fruit and grain to Babylon, these captives were deported to Babylon, where they lived under foreign rule for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:11–12; 29:10). It was during this time of national humiliation that this psalm was written.

 

3.  The Book of Daniel describes much that went on during the captivity, as Jews were subjected to much humiliation and suffering.  The book of Daniel is also prophetic of the end times, and the Book of Revelation and Jacob’s Trouble.

 

C.  The Land of Babylon, located along the Euphrates River, was filled with canals and waterways. The captives likely sat by these rivers (Psalm 137:1) as they mourned their lost homeland and reflected on the sins that led to this judgment.  Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet, was one of the prophets left in the land of Israel. He wrote of the sin, judgment, and heartbreak of Israel in Lamentations 1–5. 

 

D.   The Request for Songs was not made for worship; the Babylonian captors mocked them, as they wept, demanding that they sing “one of the songs of Zion” (Psalm 137:3)—a cruel taunt since these songs were expressions of joy and worship in the Temple. These were the holy Psalms that we read today.  Singing them in captivity was blasphemy to the exiled Israelites (v. 4).

 

E.  The Psalm is Imprecatory in nature, as God’s people cry for the judgment of God and destruction of Babylon. The Psalm is naturally divided into three distinct sections, which we will look at individually.  Now, let us look at the Psalm.

 

 

1.  Verses 1-3.  Remembrance. God’s people are far from their homeland, living in Babylon, a land of idols and false gods.  Though a beautiful place, it left God’s people comfortless.

 

Psalms 137:1-3  By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.  (2)  We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.  (3)  For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.

 

a.  Verse 1.  “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.”   Their tears were spiritual ones, not just patriotic.  Sinfulness leads the child of God away from the fellowship of God, into a “strange land” where no peace resides.  They were not remembering the hills of Judah; they were remembering Zion, the City of God, where they had once worshipped!

 

b.  Verse 2.  “We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.”  Willows are “weeping trees” as their branches bend low to the ground.  Today, we call them “Weeping Willows.”  Their instruments of praise hang silent in grief.  Their captivity left them cold in heart, distant in prayer, and unfaithful in devotions!

 

c.  Verse 3.  “For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”  They were mocked by the world.  “They carried us away captive … required of us a song … they that wasted us  .. Sung us one of the songs of Zion.”  The Bybalonians did not want to worship, they wanted Israel to know that their “God” was not able in their eyes to deliver Israel!  When we get out of the will of God, the world mocks us.

 

2.  Verses 4-6.  Restoration. 

 

Psalms 137:4-6  How shall we sing the LORD'S song in a strange land?  (5)  If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.  (6)  If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.

 

a.  Verse 4.  Their Remembered Reverence.  “How shall we sing the LORD’S song in a strange land?”  Here we see the steadfast loyalty of God’s people. They refused to sing the Lord’s songs for the entertainment of heathens. Their silence was not unbelief—it was reverence.  Today, we hear the old songs of worship being sung by the world.  Wicked movie stars have made albums for the entertainment of the religious.  The songs of Zion were not sung for the world; they were the songs of worship by the people of God.

 

b.  Verse 5.  They Remembered Jerusalem.  “If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning”  They would never forget who they were. Even in exile, Jerusalem lived in their hearts.

For us today, this is a picture of the believer’s heart set in heaven. We may live in this world, but our affection must remain in Zion above. We must not forget the Lord, His Word, or His promises.  The apostle Paul expressed it this way in Philippians 3:20: “For our conversation (our life, our citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

c.  Verse 6.  “If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.”  Their joy was not in Babylon, it was in their promise of restoration in Zion one day.  The joy of the child of God is not in this world but is in the world to come, the New Jerusalem, the City of God!  “This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through, My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue; The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”  We know that one day, the King will come and take us home.

 

3.  Verses 7-9.  Retribution. 

 

Psalms 137:7-9  Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.  (8)  O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.  (9)  Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.

 

1. Verse 7.  The Memory of Betrayal.  “Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, (to demolish) even to the foundation thereof.”  The Edomites, Israel’s neighbors, had rejoiced when Jerusalem fell. The psalmist pleads for God’s remembrance — not forgetfulness of mercy, but remembrance of justice.

 

2. Verse 8.  The Prophecy of Babylon’s Fall.  “O daughter of Babylon, who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.”  The Psalmist is not speaking of women or children in general.  He speaks Babylon and its people in general.  The impending destruction of Babylon was certain. God is just, and the oppressor shall one day be overthrown. The imprecatory language is not vindictive revenge, as vengeance belongs to the Lord, but a longing for divine justice and the triumph of righteousness.  The believer’s heart longs for the day when the kingdom of Babylon will fall and Christ will reign in righteousness.  One day, prophetically, God will reward the wicked, reward the righteous, and make all things right.

Bibliology: The Doctrine of Scriptures - Part 3 - Why Do We Need a Perfect Bible?

Temple Baptist Church - 11-2-2025

2 Timothy 3:10-17

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  I cannot overstate the importance of God’s Word.  God magnified the Word of God above all His name!  The reason for this is simple: all that we know about God is found in two ways:

 

1.  We know God through His Creation. 

 

Psalms 19:1-3  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.  (2)  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.  (3)  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

 

Everyone here has heard the “Voice of the Lord” in Creation.

 

Everyone in the world has heard the “Voice of the Lord” in Creation.

 

a)  The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament His handiwork.  Only God could have created this world and the universe that we see.  To observe these things and reject them, one becomes a ultimate fool.

 

Psalms 14:1  To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

 

b) Though we can know that there is a Divine Creator through observation, creation does not identify who God is.

 

2.  We know and understand God through His Word.  The Word of God is vital to our knowledge and understanding of God.

 

a)  Though we do not totally understand God in this life, we will know Him when we see Him as He is.

 

b)  Through the Word of God, we can have a relationship with God, thus the importance of the greatest Doctrine: Bibliology.  The Doctrine of the Bible.

 

B.  Because our relationship with God depends upon the Word of God, we need to have full assurance that we have it. 

 

1.  There has been a “chipping away” at the Doctrine of God’s Word from the beginning of time, because to destroy our faith in the Bible is to undermine our faith in God, therefore, in Christ and His finished work of the Gospel. 

 

2.  If the Bible is not inerrant, then it can err. If the Bible is not infallible, then it can fail. If the Bible is not inspired, it cannot be of God. If the Bible is not divinely preserved, it is the work of man.

 

3.  Therefore, we must have the Word of God in purity, and we have it in the King James Bible.

 

C.  Why our unyielding stand on the Word of God?

 

1.  Our salvation depends upon it.  How do we know that we are saved?  BECAUSE the Bible tells us we are!

 

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

 

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

 

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

 

2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

 

John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

 

Psalms 119:50  This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

 

Psalms 119:130  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

 

2.  Sound doctrine demands it.  How do we know that our doctrine is correct?  Because our doctrine agrees with the Bible.  We do not alter the Bible to conform to our doctrine.

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

 

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

 

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

 

1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

 

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

1 Timothy 6:1-5  Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed. 2  And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

3.  Christian maturity necessitates it.  How can we grow spiritually without it? 

 

Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

 

1 Peter 2:1-2  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

 

2 Peter 3:15-18 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16  As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

 

  4.  Our daily walk counts on it.  How do we know how to walk in the light?  We have to know what spiritual light is.

 

Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

 

John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

 

Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to thy word.

 

Psalms 119:11   Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

 

Psalms 119:104  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

 

Psalms 119:105  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

 

Psalms 119:133  Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

 

Psalms 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

 

  5.  Exposing false teachers requires it.  How do we identify wolves in the church?  By how they line up with the Bible, which is God’s standard.

 

Isaiah 8:19-21 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  (18)  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

 

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, [even] the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

 

  6.  The proof of our love for Christ is found in the keeping of God's words. 

  

John 14:21-24 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.