The Sufficiency of Scripture
“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.””
Daniel 10:19 (NIV)
Our verses today speak of an incredible time between Daniel and the Lord. Daniel was mourning over the spiritual problems he faced in exile. He fasted and sought the Lord. The Lord told him not to be afraid and then comforted and encouraged him.
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.“ (Hebrews 1:1-2 NLT)
The messages God gave through His prophets were written down and came to us as part of our Bible. God still speaks to us, but it’s through reading Scripture, and as it’s preached and sung in the congregation.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.“ (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)
We don’t need our own special “word” from the Lord. He has revealed all we need to know in Scripture to comfort, strengthen, and prepare us for every decision and activity.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.“ (Colossians 2:8 NIV)
This is where some get into spiritual trouble, when they state that God has spoken to them directly, apart from the Bible. They tell others, “God told me to do this.” Then a few months later they discover that God told them no such thing. They’re embarrassed and confused.
“Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.“ (Galatians 1:8-9 NLT)
The Scriptures are sufficient to provide us with what we need to serve God in faith.
“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.“ (2 Peter 1:21 ESV)
Make it your daily habit to get into the Word, and study carefully its precious and complete message for you.
“The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.“ (John 6:63 NLT)