God’s Word Is Sufficient
Gordon Crook, PastorGrace Assembly, Wichita, Kansas
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able (to be capable, strong and powerful) to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15
From Martin Luther’s four maxims, we get “sola scriptura,” which means “scripture alone.” He was proposing that scripture alone was sufficient for salvation and for the life of the believer. It seems that Paul had already taught this, and it was only a matter of time before someone like Martin would realize how contrary the teaching of his time was. The Catholic church of that time was teaching that we needed tradition with scripture to know God’s will.
As I study this topic, I realize just how important it is to understand that God’s Word is sufficient in itself and needs nothing from men. I am sure that many men/women across the ages have wanted to be the authority to define what was true and what was needed from them to complete the life of the believer. God does not need our input or anything we might add to His Word. Neither does His Word need to be “modernized.”
In Acts 17:2, we find Paul reasoning with anyone who will listen using the scriptures. It is true that he was using the Old Testament, because that is all he had, but it was sufficient to bring them to Jesus. Paul understood that the purpose of the inspired scriptures was to bring fallen man to Jesus where he would find salvation. Even Jesus says that the scriptures are they which speak of Him.
In Romans 15:4, we read, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” So, the Old Testament is written for our benefit. Some wish to discard it entirely, but it is very important to our spiritual life. In case we are not sure how it applies, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write scripture that ties us in and helps us understand it.
So, how important is God’s Word to the believer? Well, Job says this: “I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” Job 23:12. I’m not sure what your thinking is about the necessity of food, but I find it most necessary to continue a healthy life. Spiritually, God’s Word is more that the necessary natural food. God’s Word is the spiritual nutrition that we need to lead a healthy and growing spiritual life. If only we would give it this level of importance.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Psalms 1:1-3. This is a picture of the person that puts priority on the Word of God. The Word is sustenance and ensures that they are fruitful and well established. Even in the difficult times of life, they will have renewing supply for their spiritual life.
Paul encourages us to be renewed daily. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2. This is necessary as we are accosted daily by the world and our enemy who seeks to get us to think like the world. We are God’s children, and should not be caught up in the thinking of the world.
There are two things that God’s children need in this world: prayer and studying God’s Word. We need to pray for understanding before we read our Bible. Then, when we read and study, we need to do that with desire to understand and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us and to work in our lives.
God’s Word (Scriptures) is sufficient (able) for all that you need in your Christian walk. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” Ephesians 5:8. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalms 119:105.
