Herald of the Hills
May 06th, 2007 Leakey
church of Christ Weekly
Bulletin
SUFFICIENT TO MOTIVATE : JOHN W. MOORE-SWSBS
The Word of God is all-sufficient in its information about man's salvation. Within the pages of Holy Writ, man
can learn and know about how to become a Christian, live as a Christian, and think as a Christian. He can know how to worship and organize
the church. He can know what to preach regarding marriage, parenting, and daily living. Paul told Timothy that the Scripture was profitable
in making man spiritually complete (II Tim. 3:16,17). By means of the written Word, man has available to him everything pertaining to
life and godliness (II Pet. 1:3). This I believe and preach, and will with the same breath and conviction believe and preach that God's
Word is sufficient to motivate man to carry out the directives provided in the informationally-designed Word.
The Bible is truly informative in that it provides not only specific directives and principles by which to govern
the individual and the church, but it is also informative in that it provides foundational teaching. This teaching makes the commands
of God both understandable and possible for man. For example, God's law regarding the subjection of women to their husbands (Eph. 5:22)
is made clear and possible by an explanation in I Corinthians 11 and I Timothy 2. In these passages Paul reveals that woman's role in
the family exists partly because of design (I Tim. 2:13) and partly because of consequence (I Tim. 2:14). Knowing there is a historical
explanation and purpose for woman's subjection will help the woman of God to fulfill what He has demanded. Foundational teaching does
not impose an obligation but does help to motivate a person to fulfill his or her obligation.
Further, it can be said that the Word of God is all-sufficient to motivate by virtue of its essence. Essence is
the basic and essential property and content of any object or concept. The essential element of the Holy Bible is that it is indeed holy.
It is like no other book. The Bible is God's Word. It is inspired (literally God-breathed) from beginning to end and should
capture the attention and imagination of every hearer. U. S. citizens listen to and are motivated by the Constitution because of its
authority and prestige. Likewise, all of creation should listen to and be motivated by the Creator's Word because its Author has all
authority, prestige, honor, and preeminence. Because of the mere fact that God is God man listens and responds to His
Word. Every time I pick up the Bible, I am motivated because I know that I am reading an actual letter, document and law book straight
from God. As a result, I long to read it every day. I take it with me wherever I go. I know that I have a prized possession.
Still further, it can be said that the Word of God is all-sufficient to motivate by virtue of its examples.
Paul wrote that the Old Testament was written "for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might
have hope." (Rom. 15:4) In the New Testament, Christians are often motivated by the example of Christ. Consider the command
to patiently endure suffering (I Pet. 2:20). The Scripture motivates us by the example of Christ by reminding readers that Jesus never
sinned or faltered even when He was reviled or suffered. In face of fierce and harsh treatment, He never waned in His commitment.
Consider also the motivation of Hebrews 11:12. In chapter eleven, heroes of faith are paraded before our minds
as examples of patience and faith. If they could remain faithful and true to God in difficult circumstances, then so could the
Christian. In 12:2, further encouragement is provided by means of another allusion to Jesus and His endurance. Informationally, in the
first few chapters the writer demonstrated the inferiority of the Old Covenant in comparison to the New Testament. In chapters eleven
and twelve, specific motivation is given to remain faithful to what the readers knew intellectually.
The Word of God is replete with examples that motivate. On every page, God motivates the reader to greater service
and dedication. The Bible is a remarkable book that will indeed build up (Acts 20:32), sanctify (John 17:17), cleanse (John 15:3), save
(Jas. 1:21), complete (II Tim. 3:16,17), and make wise the man of God (II Tim. 3:15). It is truly sufficient and powerful enough to instruct
and motivate. |
Anniversary - May
Ouida & Leo McCaleb 4th
Truman & Patsy Holbrook 18th
Doyle & Kathy Brooks 20th
Bill & Mary Holbrook 25th
LUNCHEON SUNDAY WILL BE MAY 20TH-3RD SUNDAY DUE TO MOTHERS DAY ON 2ND SUNDAY.
Bobby Burris and Diana have a new baby girl. Her name is Isabella.
The baby shower for Adalynn Viola Sollers will be May 19th. 2:00pm
The Senior Supper will be May 21st. Meeting to be announced.
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