My Job – Instruct from the Scriptures

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When I commenced my ministry here at Oak Flats, I recommitted to doctrines and duties which I agreed to when I was first ordained. The first promise is about the sufficiency of the Bible regarding information for salvation in Christ, and also its sufficiency for ministry purposes. 

Are you convinced that the holy scriptures contain all doctrine required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? And will you instruct the people committed to your care from the scriptures, and teach nothing (as required of necessity to eternal salvation) except what you are convinced may be proved by the scriptures? (AAPB)

The significance of this is that there is nothing else which we hold out as giving us an understanding of God. As Psalm 8 points out, the creation may display that there is a glorious God, but it takes the scriptures to point out our errors and sins before that God, and the scriptures to point to Christ as the way of salvation and restoration with God. To the Bible, again and again we need to go. It is my responsibility to do that for all of us, and ensure that it is happening throughout the church.

This echoes what Paul tells Timothy:

  • On the sufficiency of scripture in content

[T]he Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15)

  • On the sufficiency of scripture in doing ministry

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)

  • The responsibility of elders to teaching scripture to the church

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

Please pray for myself and our whole church, that we trust in the Scriptures to make us wise in Christ, and as truly useful in making ourselves and others disciples of Christ. 

SAM PURSELL