1. In this verse the writer of Psalm 119 indicated that he was facing a difficult time -- his soul was melting for heaviness. 2. For help during this period he asked God for strength according to His Word. 3. This morning we showed how remembering that "God is the Creator" will sustain us during times of uncertainty. 4. This evening we are focusing our attention on the fact that "God has given us the Scriptures." 5. Remembering that the Scriptures are a gift from God will lead us to turn to them for strength when it seems that our souls are melting for heaviness. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE SCRIPTURES' CLAIM TO BE FROM GOD (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
A. Several important points are made about the Scriptures in these verses. 1. (vs.15a) They can be known, even by a child. 2. (vs.15b) They are able to make a person wise unto salvation. 3. (vs.16b-17) They are profitable. B. We are especially concerned with the point made in vs.16a -- "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." II. LET US EXAMINE THE SCRIPTURES' EXPLANATION OF HOW GOD GAVE THEM TO US
A. According to 2 Peter 1:20-21,: 1. the prophecies of the Scriptures did not originate with men 2. the prophecies were delivered by men who spoke "as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." B. Additional details are given in 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 and Ephesians 3:1-5. 1. God revealed certain things to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. a. These things are very special. b. If God had not revealed them we would have no way of knowing them. 2. The Spirit guided these inspired men as they spoke and wrote the things revealed to them. 3. We can read the writings of the apostles and prophets and we can know God's will. III. LET US EXAMINE PROOF THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US THE SCRIPTURES
A. The unity of the Scriptures suggests that God gave them to us. 1. The Bible is a collection of 66 books that were written: a. over a period of approximately 1500 years (1400 BC - 100 AD) b. by about 40 people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations c. in 3 languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek). 2. Throughout the Bible there is great unity of purpose with no contradictions. B. The indestructibility of the Scriptures indicates that God gave them to us. 1. The Scriptures claim to be indestructible (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35). 2. The Scriptures have survived numerous attempts to destroy them. C. Scientific facts revealed in the Scriptures prove God gave them to us. 1. About 700 BC, Isaiah mentioned the shape of the earth (Isaiah 40:22). 2. Job stated that God hangs "the earth upon nothing" (Job 26:7). 3. About 1000 BC, David mentioned "the paths of the seas" (Psalm 8:6-8). D. The fulfilled prophecies of the Scriptures prove that God gave them to us. 1. About 700 BC, Isaiah stated that a man named Cyrus would allow the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:24-45:4). 2. In 536 BC, Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem so they could rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23). 3. How did Isaiah know this 160 years before it occurred? Conclusion:
1. The ability of the Scriptures to sustain us is revealed in Psalm 119:28. 2. Let us develop the attitude that is expressed in Psalm 119:97.
