369. 1TH 2:13. RIGHT RECEPTION OF THE SCRIPTURES

1Th_2:13. Right Reception of the Scriptures

"Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God."’971Th_2:13.

The Christian must necessarily have a great deal to do with the Holy Scriptures. To be intimate with them is both a duty and privilege; to neglect them is highly criminal and injurious; yet, how few read them as they ought to do; how few give their soul’s supreme affection to them. The text places the subject in an important light before us.

I. The Subject spoken of

"The word of God."

II. The Reception we should give it.

I. The Subject spoken of.

"The word of God." Now I shall no attempt at this time to prove that the Scriptures are the word of God; with my present congregation unnecessary; you admit this truth, &c. Then allow me to remind you,

1. That this description applies to all Scripture, &c.

The historical books; scripture narratives, prophecies, &c. Every word of God is pure and precious, yet,

2. Some parts of the Scriptures are confessedly more important to us than others.

Generally the New Testament must be more so than the Old. Here we have the substance of the types and shadows; prophecies realized; promises fulfilled. Here we have the Messiah the great subject of revelation.

3. Next to the gift of Jesus and the Spirit, the word of revelation is the most invaluable gift of God to man.

Without it, we should know nothing fully of God, of ourselves, of eternity, of heaven, &c. Without it, we should be like the mariner, out at sea, without a compass or chart, "driven hither and thither," &c. Oh, how indescribably precious this book Notice,

II. The Reception we should give it.

Now, it must be "received by us," into our understanding, judgment, affections memory, &c. But it is to be received as the "word of God," &c.

1. With supreme veneration.

Not as the word of a fellow worm, or creatures, however exalted. The word of Jehovah, whose word shakes the heavens and the earth. Angels are said to hearken to the voice of his word. We should bow before him, and say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth."

2. With implicit confidence.

We may doubt and hesitate when fallible erring man addresses us; not so when God speaks. He is truth, unchangeableness itself. Not to believe, is to suspect him of falsity, &c.

3. With grateful and humble affection.

Affection to the Giver; gratitude for the gift; humility of soul; not to carp or quarrel with it.

We must receive it for all spiritual purposes; for faith, practice, comfort, &c.

We must receive every word of it. All pure, precious, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS