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The Five Solas of the : () – 2 Timothy 3:14-17 October 18, 2017

TEXT: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

BACKGROUND—The Protestant reformation of the 16th century changed forever. Moved to action by the corruption and abuses they saw in the Roman Catholic Church of the time, visionary pastors and leaders like and John Calvin spearheaded a movement that transformed Christianity and eventually led to the emergence of the Protestant denomination that exists today.

These Reformers were guided by the conviction that the church of their day had drifted away from the essential, original teachings of Christianity, especially in regard to what the church taught about salvation—how people can be forgiven of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus and receive life with God. The Reformation sought to recover or reorient Christianity on the original message of Jesus and the early church. The Five Solas are Latin phrases (or slogans) that emerged during the Reformation to summarize what the Reformers believed to be the essentials of Christianity.

The Five Solas are: Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): The Bible alone is our highest authority. Sola Gratia (Grace Alone): We are saved by the grace of God alone. (Faith Alone): We are saved through Faith alone in Jesus Christ. (Christ Alone): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King. (To the glory of God Alone): We live for the glory of God alone.

MAIN IDEA—The Bible alone is the Christian’s highest authority and is sufficient, containing all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting Him perfectly, and for obeying Him in this life and doing His will.

MEMORY VERSES—2 Tim. 3:16-17

The Latin term Sola Scriptura can be defined this way—Scripture Alone is the doctrine that the Holy Bible, being the Word of God, is the only infallible rule of faith and practice for Christians in the post-apostolic age.

*The Sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains all the words of God He intended His people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting Him, and for obeying Him.

1. SCRIPTURE IS SUFFICIENT FOR LEARNING ALL THAT GOD HAS SAID ON PARTICULAR TOPICS AND THROUGH SCRIPTURE WE CAN FIND ANSWERS TO OUR QUESTIONS (Ps.119:105; 130). Through a careful and diligent study of the Bible it is possible to find all the biblical passages that are relevant to specific areas such as: marriage, parenting, divorce, and the Christian’s conduct at home, at work, at church, and in the world. Scripture alone is sufficient to equip Christians for “every good work” and to walk in its ways is to be “blameless” in God’s sight (Ps. 119:1). 1 Cor. 6:9-11

2. THE AMOUNT OF SCRIPTURE GIVEN FROM GOD WAS SUFFICENT AT EACH STAGE OF REDEMPTIVE HISTORY (Deut. 29:29). God gave His people His Word at each period of redemptive history, fully supplying what was needed in order to honor and obey Him. Whenever they needed further instruction God revealed it, no more and no less (i.e. Law & Prophets). John 21:25

*When Moses died the first 5 books of the Bible were sufficient for God’s people. Later God directed prophets to add more. After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the founding of the early church, and the assembling of the NT canon, no further redemptive acts have occurred. Now, the 66 books of the Bible (39 - O.T., 27 - N.T.) are sufficient for Christians in this life until we get to glory. We are not to add to or take away from them (Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19). Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 1:21; John 17:17; Ps. 119:9-11; Prov. 3:5-6

*We should be encouraged that everything God wants to tell us about particular subjects or issues is to be found in Scripture.

*We are to add nothing to Scripture and we are to consider no other writings of equal value to Scripture.

*God does not require us to believe anything about Himself or His redemptive work that isn’t found in Scripture. John 3:16-21

*No modern revelations from God are to be placed on a level equal to Scripture’s authority.

*Nothing is sin that is not forbidden by Scripture either explicitly or by implication.

*Nothing is required by God that is not commanded in Scripture. Psalm 119:165

*We should emphasize what Scripture emphasizes and be content with what God has told us in Scripture (Deut. 29:29).

Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)—Why, the Book has wrestled with me; the Book has smitten me; the Book has comforted me; the Book has smiled on me; the Book has frowned on me; the Book has clasped my hand; the Book has warmed my heart. The Book weeps with me, and sings with me; it whispers to me, and it preaches to me; it maps my way, and holds up my goings; it is the Young Man’s Best Companion, and is still my morning and evening Chaplain.

CONCLUSION—Scripture alone is to be our absolute and final authority in all areas of life. It is necessary for salvation, for Christian living, for knowing God’s will, and for glorifying and enjoying God now and into eternity. Is your conscience held captive by the Word of God? THE GRASS WITHERS, THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, BUT THE WORD OF ENDURES FOREVER (1 Pet.1:24-25).

HOMEWORK – Read and meditate on Ps. 119.

BLESSING—Col. 3:16-17