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Text: Psalm 19:7–14

Title: Sweeter Than Honey

Introduction: This sermon is designed to be used with an open Bible, looking up the verses as you go along.

Back in 1963 (for some of you that is after Noah’s flood) I was 7,000 feet up in the Alps in Northern Italy. I was part of the 110th Aviation Airborne Division, which consisted of 35 paratroopers. We were attending a mountain climbing school and staying in a little village in the mountains. Each afternoon, we all anticipated the helicopter that would bring in our mail. One day I received a package, which sent my mind dreaming of the possibilities. And to my embarrassment (this was before I was saved), when I opened the package from my mother, I found a Scofield Bible. Later when we were put on alert with the Cuban Crisis, I put it right on top of my bag, as a good-luck charm. Little did I know what a valuable possession I had.

Several thousand years ago, the people didn’t have sweet things like Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Hershey’s Chocolate, and I don’t even think they had Carmel Macchiotos. But the one thing they did have that was sweet was honey. I want to remind us of something that is sweeter than all of the above: the Bible!

Now, if somehow we could get all the gold at Fort Knox, and all the gold in the fine jewelry throughout the United States and put it all in a pile, and then put a Bible ten feet from it, which would you rather have? (Some of you are thinking, I would like the pile of gold, spend it, and then ask for forgiveness and take the Bible!).

Psalm 19:10

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

The Bible you have is the key to our future, our happiness, our joy, our knowledge and wisdom, our forgiveness and freedom, our victory and triumph, our goals and success. Please consider with me several things about God’s Word today that I trust will be helpful and encouraging to all.

I. Solo the Scriptures

A. The Bible uses many synonyms for itself:

• “Law” and “Testimony”—v. 7

• “Statutes” and “Commandment”—v. 8

• “Fear of the Lord”—v.9

• “Judgments,”—v. 9

• Many other words throughout the Scriptures.

B. The Bible is sufficient.

Because the Bible is “Perfect, right, pure, true and righteous,” we need nothing else.

1. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”—2 Timothy 3:16–17

2. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man”—2 Peter 1:20–21

C. The Bible is infallible.

Please do not be confused by a church or religious organization that claims infallibility or equality to God’s Word.

There were no supplementary books given with God’s Word—Psalm 119:128. It is amazing how this Book ends a lot of theological discussion.

D. This Bible stands alone!

SOLO SCRIPTURES.

II. Surety of the Scriptures

A. What a blessing it is in a world of uncertainties that we have something that is sure and dependable—v.7.

B. Knowing and meditating on God’s Word, guarantees us of success if we obey it—Joshua 1:8. Be careful about any line of reasoning or any institution that eliminates the Scriptures.

C. Psalm 119:130, 133 tell us how to know God’s will for our lives.

III. Statutes of the Scriptures

A. They rejoice the heart and enlighten the eyes—v. 8.

There is also “great reward” (v.11b) in keeping His Word.

B. They give joy.

How sad that so many people think if they subject themselves to God and the Bible they will have to kiss “enjoyment of life” good bye! Not so! God has given me great joy, excitement, and zest for life ever since I received His Son as my Saviour. No guilt, no misery, and no evil habits. Instead, He gives complete forgiveness—who wouldn’t be rejoicing!

1. There is not a teenager or adult who is committing immorality, doing drugs or alcohol, smoking, or otherwise living contrary to God’s Word who is happy and rejoicing: not ONE!

2. “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way…” (Psalm 119:9–10).

3. “Sanctify them through thy truth…” (John 17:17).

4. “Blessed is the man that…” (Psalm 1:1–3).

IV. Search the Scriptures

A. We should desire God’s Word—v. 10.

1 Peter 2:2

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

B. God has given us everything that has to do with life and hundreds of promises as well—2 Peter 1:3–4.

This should be enough incentive to search His Word, as for hid treasures, looking for His promises and blessings.

V. Study the Scriptures

A. Through studying the Scriptures, we can find God’s will regarding sin and things we should stay away from, as well as enjoy the reward of obeying His Word—v. 11.

B. There are five ways to learn more of the Bible, or to get a better grip on it.

1. Hear God’s Word “Faith cometh by hearing…” (Romans 10:17).

2. Read God’s Word “These were more noble…” (Acts 17:11).

3. Study God’s Word “Study to show…” (2 Tim 2:15)

4. Memorize God’s Word “Thy Word have…” (Psalm 119:11)

5. Meditate on God’s Word “I will meditate in Thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:15).

VI. Salvation through the Scriptures

A. Salvation comes through God’s Word—v.7.

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

B. The Bible tells us Christ died for our sins.

Paul told the church at Corinth, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

C. There is no argument with God’s Word. On what are you basing your beliefs?

Conclusion: there are many different ways to study the Bible, but I would like to challenge you that in addition to whatever Bible study you do, to read through your Bible each year. It takes commitment: “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12).

Buy a good study Bible: the Old Scofield and Life Application Bible are two good ones.

It does no good to read and study God’s Word if you don’t apply it: “But be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

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