It is Written Matthew 4:4,
It is written- Proof of Gods Word
It is Finished- Power of Gods Word 3 Part mini series
It is I- Person of Gods Word
Knowing that Gods Word is true and that we are secure in Christ Jesus is very important to our faith in Christ Jesus.
If there was uncertainty about who Jesus is (Son of God – Savior of man) then there would certainly be plenty of room for doubt about the promises he made and his authority to make them.
The hope of heaven (life after death with God) would be invalid.
The peace of knowing that God loves us would be jeopardized.
The strength of our faith that God is in control would be futile and our futures would be bleak and dark.
The Joy of serving would become drudgery or works salvation.
The power of the gospel would be unable to save.
So how do we know? How can we be sure? How can we have confidence?
That the word of God is true and that it works.
That Jesus is who he says he is and can do what he says he can do.
That Hope – peace – strength – joy – power really are available to us!
1. It is written Matthew 4:4
The Word of God is the truth of God and it has been recorded.
Once something is recorded it is established.
Writing is the most common and effective way to communicate.
It allows for thoughts to be developed in words to be arranged for maximum effectiveness and understanding.
It is reviewable – more effective than verbal communication and pictures because it allows for more details.
It is verifiable – as historic or a reference material (fact checks).
It is visual – read it, repeat it, retain it.
The biggest obstacle to reading and writing is vocabulary.
Big words, hard names, definitions misinterpreted, poor punctuation.
Joke: punctuation saves lives! Example: Let’s eat grandma. Let’s eat, grandma.
God’s word is a record of man’s beginning and God’s involvement in the lives of man (personal).
It begins “In the beginning”
God’s word is a record of man’s history and God’s guidance and plan for mankind.
God’s word is a record of God’s promises to man and God’s fulfillment of those promises.
It ends with “Amen” – “so be it”, and it covers everything we need to know about God and his love for man.
“It is written” is the proof and validation of all these truths.
Exhibit A: Satan attempted to tempt Jesus for 40 days in the wilderness.
Just Jesus and Satan – no witnesses.
Jesus used the authority of God recorded words to combat Satan and even he could not dispute it.
Three times Jesus responded to his temptations with “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).
Once it is written (recorded) it cannot be erased.
God has never deleted nor has he revised or amended his word for “modern times”.
Having established the authority of God’s words recorded we can trust that it is valid and true.
We can use it as a weapon against the enemy because “It is written”.
“It is written” for us “No weapon formed against us shall prosper” (Is. 54:17)
Get it in you so that you can use it.
”This book will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from this book” D. Moody
Exhibit B: Nicodemus came to Jesus with questions Jesus responded and John recorded these words.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).
Since these words are recorded in the word of God we can be assured that they are true because “It is written” for us.
These are the words of hope and the message of salvation.
The very words of “God’s Son” in the “Word of God”, verified and written for us that we might know the way of salvation.
Exhibit C: Jesus is in the temple preaching.
John recorded these words. (John 10:27 – 29)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give them eternal life, they shall never perish; neither shall any one snatch them out of my hand. My father who is given them to me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my father’s hand.”
We can know that our faith in God is valid and that God is able to secure us because “It is written”.
These are the words of promise from “The Son of God” in “The Word of God, verified and written for us that we can have faith (believe) that God can and will do as he has promised, to save and secure his people.
“When you know your future is secure you can focus on your present.”
“What Jesus says is more certain than anything we feel.”
Exhibit D: The laws of God, history of man, prophecies and promises of God.
God’s Word records the beginnings of man and God’s plan of salvation.
The 10 Commandments were written and established for God’s people.
The law of first mention – God wrote on stone tablets he is law.
The history of God’s people is recorded as an example for us.
The prophecies of God are recorded so that as his promises are fulfilled we will know that it was God.
The birth of Messiah, his death and resurrection are recorded to establish God’s authority and show us the way of salvation.
Many things have been written: books, news, history, Op-Ed’s, self-help, judgments, hieroglyphics, instructions (often in a foreign language), and prophecies.
But nothing has ever been scrutinized nor has anything ever been more verified than the word of God.
It is the Word of God – “sharper than any two-edged sword… a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12) – “which effectually works also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) – “which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:23).
Jesus said (Luke 4:4) “It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
(Luke 11:28) “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
(Romans 10:17) “So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”
The word of God establishes itself as the authority in the instruction of God.
There are those who doubt and try to discredit and even distort God’s word.
We are warned repeatedly to stay away from “false teachers” and of the dangers that they represent.
God’s word also brings us great truth and hope through its great promises.
Because in it “it is written”. 331X in scripture.
Truth:
(Romans 3:10) “As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.”
(1 John 1:9) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Hope:
(1 Corinthians 2:11) “But as it is written, I have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the hearts of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him.”
Promises:
(Isaiah 41:10) “Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8) “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
(Exodus 14:14) “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
(John 16:33) “I’ve told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(2 Corinthians 12:9) “But he said to me, “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.””.
(Matthew 11:28 – 29) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Exhibit E: The Lamb’s book of life.
This is where those who have received Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior have their names recorded forevermore.
When the book is open those whose names have been written by the blood of Christ will be eternally saved to worship God in his heaven.
When the book is opened those whose names are not written shall be judged and forever separated from God.
(Romans 14:11 – 12) “For it is written, as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Jesus said “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”.
God’s truth can be trusted because “It is written”, it is valid and verifiable (recorded) because it is true and faithful.
Headstones are also written – here lies___________________.
Born date – died date.
It is a record that they were here but not of how they lived.
Is not the end of the story because a name is written on the headstone – it is the beginning of eternal life because that name is or is not written in the Lamb’s book of life. Only two choices – heaven or hell!
“It is written” tells the story.
Conclusion.
You do not have to take my word for it that you are God’s creation and that God’s salvation is for you.
That is what the Bible teaches us, that is what is written in God’s word.
(2 Timothy 3:16 – 17) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
God gave it to man by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and the word of God is inerrant, infallible, and inspired.
“It is written” for you to use as a map and to guide us as you seek after God, and to prove that God is seeking after you.
Invitation.
Am I living according to the word/truths of God?
Its standards of righteousness, integrity, and grace.
Or, has the world infiltrated your life?
Am I trusting in what God has told me and shown me in his word?
Or are you living in fear?
My friends, you can trust the word of God because you can trust God!
Make it the light of your path, and walk in its truths so that you will know the peace of God.
How can you know the God of the Bible if you don’t know the Bible of God?
God has provided written proof “It is written” The proof of God’s word.
God has provided the final chapter “It is finished” The power of God
Creation, Salvation, and Revelation
