The Christian and his Bible, Video preaching

The Christian and his Bible, Pt7: Comfort

Scripture: Romans 15:4

Sermon notes

The Christian and his Bible #7: Our comfort

The Bible is described here as a comfort. The word is one that indicates encouragement and support. It is not simply a kind of ‘cheering up’ that we might need on occasion. Comfort is the tangible communication of enabling grace. It is the same term that gives is the title Comforter that is used of the Saviour and specially of the Spirit, John 14:16-17. It is a word though which the Holy Ghost ministers the supporting power and strength of Christ to His people, coming alongside in their time of need.

God’s people are called to live in a manner in this world that means their only true comfort comes from the Scriptures. While we may derive limited encouragement from other things—circumstances, friends etc—the reality is that these all will fail at some point. They are insufficient for the challenge of true Christian living in an evil world. Cp Ps 119:50.

I  THE CHRISTIAN’S COMFORT IS DERIVED FROM ALL THAT IS WRITTEN.

  1. The Scriptures. The Bible is clearly in view. The written word of God is our comfort. The fact that we have a written comfort rather than one orally communicated is important. Cp 2Pet 1:19. There is substance and certainty to this comfort. It is a revelation that exists outside of us and is capable of objective analysis and verification.
  2. All that is written. The Apostle references whatsoever things were written. Everything! At this point most of the written Scripture was incorporated in the Old Testament. Every part of the inspired Scriptures is for our comfort. Cp 2 Tim 3:16—it is all…profitable. We should be careful to include all that is written in our spiritual diet.
  3. An ancient comfort. In the original Paul twice refers to the fact that these words were ‘written before’. The words in view are ancient words—but this fact does not interfere with their ability to support and encourage the saint. Cp 1 Cor 10:11. The comfort given to God’s people is the same now as it ever was. From the dawn of time the redeemed have drawn comfort from a common source. We do not need to look for anything new!

II  THE COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES ARISES FROM A CONSIDERATION OF THE CHRISTIAN’S HOPE.

  1. An immediate comfort. It is important to see that Paul speaks of a present benefit to the saint from the word. We come to possess something: hope. In Scripture the word hope is a settled, confident expectation. It involves a present assurance. We may have that now, even in the midst of trial. Cp Ps 31:24, 42:5.
  2. Yet hope is decidedly future. Cp Titus 2:14. What the Scripture reveals about the future of the saint brings present comfort. There is relief, encouragement and support from considering what the Bible teaches us about the future.
  3. The method of encouragement is to reveal and apply the hope set before us. The Bible keeps a glorious prospect ahead of the believer. Cp 1Pet 1:10-11. Here is an underlying principle theme of all Scripture—the glory that should follow. It is to be noted here that the statement of v4 is a reference back to the example of Christ and how we are to apply that to ourselves. Our hope is embodied in Christ’s own experience! We follow in His steps in His suffering and His glory.

III   THE COMFORT OF THE SCRIPTURES IS ENJOYED BY THOSE WHO LEARN AND PATIENTLY PERSEVERE.

  1. Instruction. The learning in view here is systematic instruction. The Christian is to be schooled in the Scriptures if this comfort is to be realized to the full. The word is derived from ‘master, teacher’. This is the role the Scriptures are to play. They must master us. We must learn to apply Scriptural doctrine to find the support/benefit of the word. This is an indication of the approach to Bible study we must adopt. Cp 2Tim 3:15-16. The Bible brings no real comfort to those unwilling to submit to its instruction.
  2. A steadfast obedient response. A steadfast, persevering response to the doctrine of the Bible is in view. It is as we do so by faith in the hope set before us that the comfort of the book is known. Cp Rom 2:7. The comfort and encouragement of the Holy Ghost in the Christian life is never experienced apart from obedience of God’s word. It is given to the obedience to produce further obedience.

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