Sermon Notes:

“ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD”
II. TIMOTHY 3:16-17
REFORMATION SUNDAY
OCTOBER 29, 2006

Introduction.
Martin Luther had been studying the Scriptures carefully and had come to the conclusion that the medieval church had become corrupt and abusive in many areas.  Within 6 months of the posting of the 95 Theses, they had been translated into all the major western European languages.  Reformation teaching is summarized in the five SOLAS: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fides, Solo Christo and Soli Deo Gloria.  The reformation restores the rightful place of Scripture in the life of the Church.

I.  The Scriptures alone are inspired by God.
II Peter 1:21.  Acts 27:15.  BB Warfield, The Authority and Inspiration of the Bible.  In the Bible we have God’s message to fallen man, the very word of God, showing us the grace of God in salvation and life.

II.  The Scriptures are without error.
The church fathers and the reformers held that the Scriptures are without error.  Saint Augustine-4th century.  Martin Luther.  Until modern times universal Catholic Christianity has taught that the Bible is the “only infallible rule for faith and practice in this life.”

III.  The Scriptures are authoritative.
John 17:17.  Because the Bible is inspired by the True and Living God, it is authoritative in all that it affirms.

IV.  The Scriptures are sufficient.
 Whatever your situation, whatever your need, the Scriptures are sufficient in and of themselves.  Every corruption of historic Christianity begins by compromising this principle.  J. Gresham Machen: CHRISTIANITY & LIBERALISM.  The Scottish reformer John Knox and his disputes with Mary, Queen of Scots.   Martin Luther said: “A plow boy armed with the Bible in one hand and the catechism in the other would be able to defend the truth’s of God’s Word ... “
Jeremiah 6:16.