The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1919-09-18

GOLDEN TEXT-Thy word is a lamp
unto my feet. and a light unto my path.
Psalm 1896.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL-Psalm 1ls;
Matt. 4:1-ll: Luke 4:l6-22; John 5:sS9-47.
PRIMARY TOPIC-The best book in
the world.
JUNIOR ToP1c-what the Bible con.
tains.
INTERMEDIATE. ToPIc-The author.
ity Of the Bible.
SENIOR AND ADULT ToP1c-The in.
SEPARATION of the Bible.
I. The Characteristics Of the Word
OF God psalm 19:7-11).
1. The law Of the Lord is perfect
". y. The law here means the fun
damental principles which God as a
moral being reveals to the consciences
Of men as binding upon the soul.
These principles are free from all
omissions and redundancies, perfect
as a moral code. 1t perfectly accom-
plishes its design, namely, the convert
ing of the soul. The effect Of the
law of God is to turn men to God him
self, to righteousness and holiness.
2. The testimony of the Lord ". y.
~ lSStilIOuS ii I1lCOu lllc . "lllVSS
which God hears as to his attributes
and against mans sins. This testi-
mony is plain and infallible. Those
who receive it are made wise. Those
who with open and teachable minds
receive Gods testimony are wiser
than the greatest intellectuals of the
earth.
3. The statutes Of the Lord are
right ". 81. His statutes are the
principles given to us to fit us for the
different relationships of life. These
are just and equitable, because they
are from the righteous God. They re-
joice the heart, because the true heart
rejoices in justice and equity.
4. The commandment of the Lord
". 81. This brings into view the per-
SOnal God who stands back of His
law to enforce. it's demands. This
commandment is free from error and
deceit, and it e%n1ightens the eyes. The
effect of Gods law is to give man
ability, not only to understand hfs love
and salvation, but to be wise as to the
things about him. -
5. The fear of the Lord is clean
". 81. The reading Of the Word Of
God produces reverential fear in the
heart of the reader. Those who have
this godly fear have their hearts
cleansed from sin. The life and rela.
tionship founded upon this fear abide
forever.
Tho 31,1ur,nr%r ~ <1>1 or3 49,
true and righteous wv. 9-11).
Ely judgments is mean the sen.
fences pronounced by Gods Word.
These penalties are absolutely true
and righteous; they are conformable
to the intuitive moral sense of man.
These judgments serve as warnings;
they prevent mans shipwreck upon
life's sea and bring just return to
those who obey.
u. A Prayer to God ". 12-14).
1. For cleansing from secret faults
". 12). Those who reverently study
the Word OF God realize in themselves
the presence Of hidden faults from
which they need cleansing, and they
cry out to God for this cleansing.
2. Kept back from presumptuous
sins ". 13).
The sins which result from proud
defiance of Gods laws need to be
eradicated by Gods special grace and
help.
3. Words acceptable with God
". 14).
The godly man is concerned with
even his words and desires them to be
under Gods control.
4. Meditation Of the heart ". 14).
III. The Inspiration Of the Holy
Scriptures III Tim. 3:14-1D.
Inspiration near G~od-breathed. By
the scriptures is meant the Ole Tesla
ment. If Paul's testimony be accept.
ed, then the whole Old Testament is
God-breathed, regardless of what the
skeptical critics say. Because they
are God-breathed they are profitable
for
1. Doctrine, that Is, teaching.
2. Reproof.
3. Correction.
4. instruction in righteousness.
s. Thorough equipment of the man
Of God for his work.