how the scriptures communicate god's will (psalm 19:7-11)
Introduction:
1. In Psalm 19 David touched on several principles that relate to communication. a. David showed in vs.1-6 how the objects in the heavens and the regular passing of days and nights communicate that God is the Creator. 1) These things communicate that God is intelligent and powerful. 2) However, they do not communicate God's will. b. David continued in vs.7-11 by showing how the Scriptures communicate God's will. c. David concluded in vs.12-14 by communicating how he wanted his life to be right with God. 2. In our lesson we are concentrating on "how the Scriptures communicate God's will." Discussion: I. LET US FIRST CONSIDER DAVID'S COMMENTS ABOUT THE SCRIPTURES (Psalm 19:7-11)
A. The Scriptures are referred to as "the law of the Lord," "the testimony of the Lord," "the statutes of the Lord," "the commandment of the Lord," "the fear of the Lord," and "the judgments of the Lord." B. The Scriptures are described as "perfect," "sure," "right," "pure," "clean and enduring," "true and righteous altogether," "desirable," and "sweet." C. The Scriptures provide special blessings, including "conversion," "wisdom," "joy," "vision," "warning," and a "great reward" to those who keep them. D. On the basis of this information, let us turn our attention to . . . II. HOW THE SCRIPTURES COMMUNICATE GOD'S WILL
A. The Scriptures communicate God's will by "direct statement." 1. These are instructions that the Lord has revealed in a direct manner. 2. Direct statements include: a. statements of a "general" nature [we are told what to do, but we are not told exactly how to do it] 1) An example is the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). 2) We are told what to do, but we are not told exactly how to "go." 3) We are given some freedom to determine how to carry out general instructions. 4) However, we must not violate other Bible principles, and we must consider expediency (1 Corinthians 6:12). b. statements of a "specific" nature [we are told what to do, and we are told how to do it]. 1) Consider the instructions in Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16. 2) "Singing" is specified, and certain kinds of songs are specified. 3) When the Scriptures specify God's will, we are not free to alter it. B. The Scriptures communicate God's will by example [patterns that are revealed in the Bible]. 1. In Matthew 26:26-29 Jesus gave instructions for eating His Supper. 2. We know when to observe the Lord's Supper by example (Acts 20:7). 3. Caution: The examples we follow must harmonize with other Scriptures. C. The Scriptures communicate God's will by implication [certain matters are implied, even though they may not be specifically stated]. 1. To illustrate, authority for a meeting place is implied. 2. When we determine matters by implication we must use proper reasoning. 3. Matters we determine by implication must harmonize with the teachings of other Scriptures. Conclusion:
1. The passages we have studied show "how the Scriptures communicate God's will." 2. Let us repeat the information David wrote in Psalm 19:7-11.
