2 Corinthians 5:9-10 - Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
Four Principles of Stewardship
1. God owns everything, you own nothing.
2. God entrusts you with everything you have.
3. You can either increase or diminish what God has given; He wants you to increase it.
4. God can call you into account at any time, and it may be today.
3 truths about the Bible which is our sufficient source of truth and authority
I. The Sufficient Character of God’s Word (vv. 7-9)
Psalm 19:7-9 - The law of the Lord is perfect…The testimony of the Lord is sure…The precepts of the Lord are right…The commandment of the Lord is pure…The fear of the Lord is clean…The judgments of the Lord are true.
A. It is perfect
B. It is sure
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
James 1:13 - Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
C. It is right
D. It is pure
E. It is clean
F. It is true
II. The Sufficient Effects of God’s Word (7-11)
Psalm 19:7-11 - …restoring the soul…making wise the simple…rejoicing the heart…enlightening the eyes…enduring forever…they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
A. Restores the Soul
B. Makes Wise the Simple
C. Rejoices the Heart
D. Enlightens the Eyes
E. Endures Forever
F. Warns God’s people
G. Rewards come to those who follow
III. Our Response to God’s Sufficient Word (vv. 12-14)
Psalm 19:12-14 - Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
A. Help us repent for and forsake sinfulness we do not naturally see
Numbers 15:22-25 - But when you unwittingly fail and do not observe all these commandments, which the Lord has spoken to Moses, even all that the Lord has commanded you through Moses, from the day when the Lord gave commandment and onward throughout your generations, then it shall be, if it is done unintentionally, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one bull for a burnt offering, as a soothing aroma to the Lord, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering. Then the priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the sons of Israel, and they will be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their offering, an offering by fire to the Lord, and their sin offering before the Lord, for their error.
B. Helps us avoid open rebellion against the Lord
Numbers 15:30-31 - But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the Lord; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.
C. Encourages us to pray for right speaking and motivating
D. Reminds us of our relationship to the Lord