The Basics: Sola Scriptura

Memorization Verses:Is 40:8 The grass withers…Ps 119:105 Your Word is a lamp…Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living… 1 Jn 5:13 I write these things…2 Ti 3:14-17 But as for you, continue…

Lord Jesus Christ, giver and perfecter of our faith, we thank and praise You for continuing among us the preaching of Your Gospel for our instruction and edification. Send Your blessing upon the Word, which has been spoken to us, and by Your Holy Spirit increase our saving knowledge of You, that day by day we may be strengthened in the divine truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Give us strength to fight the good fight and by faith to overcome all the temptations of Satan, the flesh, and the world so that we may finally receive the salvation of our souls; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and forever. LSB

Opening Prayer

Luther on Scripture Alone The authority of Scripture is greater

than the comprehension of the whole of man's reason.

Years ago all the pope's pronouncements were called Christian truth and articles of faith, yet this was simply based on man. And then it happened that people sank into the abyss and lost everything that pertains to the Word of God and Christ. Therefore, we must now declare: 'Pope, council, and doctors, we will not believe you; but we will believe in the Divine Word." (LW. 23.297; Q. in Ibid.)

Quote of Opposition  I am going to bear my testimony to this assembly, if I never do it again in my life, that those men who laid the foundation of this American government . . . were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. These were choice spirits, not wicked men. General Washington and all of the men that labored for the purpose were inspired of the Lord . . . . Everyone of those men that signed the Declaration of Independence with General Washington called upon me as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ in the temple at St. George two consecutive nights and demanded at my hands that I should go forth and attend to the ordinances of the House of God for them. . . .Conference Report, April 1898, pp. 89, 90]

gra/mma (Gramma): A letter of testimony or authority.Jesus said unto them, Did you never read in the

scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?

Jesus answered and said unto them, you do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

The scriptures, according to Christ, are the sole authority concerning the Will of God

Word Study:

"Greek Lexicon." StudyLight.org - Plug In, Turn on and Be Enlightened! Web. 14 May 2010. <http://www.studylight.org/lex/grk/>.

What is Sola Scriptura?1. That scripture has an internal

witness, based on specific criteria, which distinguishes it from fallible sources.

2. The value placed on God’s word as the highest authority in all matters of Church teaching and practice.

3. The foundation by which our hope, rest, and salvation are announced to all who listen: the Gospel of Jesus ChristConference Report, April 1898, pp. 89, 90]

Review: Doctrine of InerrancyGiven correct context and

exegetical voice, the scriptures speak authoritatively and without error on that which they mean to speak.

Inerrancy does not mean that we take a literalistic view, nor does it mean that everything is metaphorical or “spiritualized.”Is the mustard seed the smallest

seed?Does the sun revolve around the

earth because it “stood still”?

Review: Formal/Material PrinciplesFormal Principle: That which grounds

the main beliefScripture AloneScripture and personal experienceScripture and the Papacy

Material Principle: That which is the main belief of a religionGod’s salvation through faith Alone

in ChristGod’s salvation through obedience of

Faith in ChristGod’s salvation through faith and

sacramental works in Christ

Why Sola Scriptura?Luther recognizes that the

definition of rational discourse within Christianity must be grounded in an objective rule and standard.

No one can be a master of that which he is continually a servant.

The scriptures themselves make it clear that the authority of doctrine lies in those books that are regarded as the OT and NT

When Sola Scriptura is Undermined…When the testimony concerning Christ

originates outside of scripture Personal experience Extra-biblical books (LDS) Man-made rituals

When a rational or communal authority presides over scripture Protestant Liberal Criticism Christian Naturalism Papacy

When Scripture is handled in a way that destroys proper understanding Out-of-context bible verse Applying scripture to personal situation it

does not address Applying scripture to suit preconcieved

doctrinal positions

God’s Contract, Love Letter, and WillNo other authority exists in a

community, in nature, in my heart, that communicates the depths of God’s knowledge as found in scriptureHe gives us his contract promiseHe gives us hope in His active

love and gracious rememberanceHe imparts this love through the

obedience of Christ on our behalf, and documents this act for all generations.

Sola Scriptura and ComfortGod’s word is one that brings:

joy and restKnowledge and powerHope of rescue

This word is meant to be proclaimed, not simply read and internalized.Importance of reading, singing, and

praying pure scriptureImportance of active church

fellowship that breaths scriptureWhere scripture is proclaimed, the

Spirit of God is working

A Sola Scriptura MosaicThe voice to a gardenerThe promise of a sonThe travels through the seaThe flames of SinaiThe writing on the wallThe searing of the lipsThe name that cannot be cut offThis is my sonThe Rabbi’s word on IsaiahThe blood of the matryrs The name of the victorious one

Questions:What does it mean to rely on

scripture alone?How is scripture work?How does scripture work in us?S Scripture Alone: Pure, Sure,

InspiredM Illuminating Light and Joyful

TreasureT Enlivening Power in our HeartsW Key to SalvationTh Teaching and Preaching

Research Teams

SS Scripture Alone: Pure, Sure, InspiredReview 3/12 Holy Scripture NotesDeuteronomy 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them,2 Samuel 7:25 And now, O Lord God, confirm forever the word that you have spoken concerning your servant and concerning his house, and do as you have spoken.1 Kings 8:56 “Blessed be the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.Psalm 19:8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;Psalm 89:34 I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips.Psalm 93:5 Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore.Psalm 119:89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.Psalm 119:140 Your promise is well tried, and

your servant loves it.Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.Isaiah 42:21 The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness' sake, to magnify his law and make it glorious.Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?Ezekiel 12:25 For I am the Lord; I will speak the word that I will speak, and it will be performed. It will no longer be delayed, but in your days, O rebellious house, I will speak the word and perform it, declares the Lord God.”Matthew 5:18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.Romans 4:16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,Romans 7:12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

M Illuminating Light and Joyful Treasure1 Chronicles 22:12 Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God.Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.Proverbs 2:6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life,

Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.Luke 24:32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Philippians 2:16 holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.1 Peter 2:2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—2 Peter 1:19 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

T Enlivening Power in our heartsDeuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.Deuteronomy 6:6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.Deuteronomy 11:18 “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.Deuteronomy 30:14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.Isaiah 58:14 then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of

the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’Ephesians 6:17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.James 1:18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

W Key to SalvationPsalm 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.Psalm 119:174 I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight.Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.John 5:39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.Acts 13:27 For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not recognize him nor understand the utterances of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.Acts 18:28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the

gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.Romans 16:26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—Ephesians 1:9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ1 Peter 1:23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;1 John 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Th Teaching and PreachingDeuteronomy 4:10 how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’Deuteronomy 11:19 You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.Psalm 68:11 The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host:Psalm 119:172 My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.Isaiah 2:3 and many peoples shall come, and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.Isaiah 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.Mark 4:26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground.Acts 5:20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”Acts 19:20 So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.1 Corinthians 10:11 Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.

2 Corinthians 9:10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.Colossians 1:26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.2 Timothy 3:14-17 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.Titus 1:9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.1 Peter 1:25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.Revelation 22:19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Questions:What does it mean to rely on scripture alone?How is scripture work?How does scripture work in us?

S Scripture Alone: Pure, Sure, InspiredM Illuminating Light and Joyful TreasureT Enlivening Power in our HeartsW Key to SalvationTh Teaching and Preaching

Conclusion

O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandment. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that, being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Closing Prayer

The Basics: The Solas: Solas Christus

Next Week…