The Importance of Scripture as a Source of Revelation Psalm 19 Introduction Definition of Revelation: Revelation is the disclosure of that which is previously unknown. Definition of general revelation. General revelation is that revelation of God which comes to all people. General revelation comes in two ways. It is the revelation of God which comes through nature and the revelation of God which comes through the human conscience. Theme: Today we are only going to consider the revelation of God that comes from nature and the surpassing revelation of God that comes through His word. I. The value of general revelation that is found in the creation. A. The creation reveals the magnificence of God. Psalm 19:title (ESV) TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. Psalm 19:1 (ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. B. The creation reveals the creator. Psalm 19:1 (ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. C. The creation is a continual source of revelation about God. Psalm 19:2 (ESV) Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. D. The revelatory work of creation extends to all peoples at all times. 1. The revelatory work extends to all peoples and languages. 1
Psalm 19:3 (ESV) There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. General revelation transcends the limitations of speech. 2. The revelatory work of creation extends to all places. Psalm 19:4 (ESV) Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, 3. The revelatory work of creation sheds light on all people, Psalm 19:4 (ESV) Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, Psalm 19:5 (ESV) which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. E. The revelatory work of creation renders mankind without excuse. Psalm 19:6 (ESV) Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, Rom 1:19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. F. Conclusion: While general revelation is very important for it reveals the reality of God's existence and power, it does not reveal the message of salvation. II. The surpassing value of special revelation that is found in God's word. Definition of special revelation. 2
Special revelation is that revelation of God that comes through the special means of the scriptures. A. An overview of the surpassing value and benefits of special revelation. 1. The value of God's special revelation. Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Psalm 19:9 (ESV) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. 2. The benefits of God's special revelation. Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Psalm 19:9 (ESV) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. B. An in depth consideration of the correlation between the surpassing value and benefits of special revelation. Note that each of the thoughts come in the form of a couplet. The benefit of God's word flows out of the value of God's word. 1. The word of God surpasses the value of general revelation because it is complete Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, The word perfect here means to be complete. 2. The word of God surpasses the benefit of general revelation because it is able to bring the message of salvation. Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul Psa 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: Rom 10:14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not 3
believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 3. The word of God surpasses the value of general revelation because it is trustworthy. Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; 2 Pet 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Pet 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 4. The word of God surpasses the benefit of general revelation because it gives wisdom to the uninitiated who are easily led astray. Psalm 19:7 (ESV) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; Note how the people were led astray through the suppression of general revelation. Rom 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Rom 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 5. The word of God surpasses the value of general revelation because it is immensely profitable or useful Psalm 19:8 (ESV) the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The word translated right here means to be fitting or appropriate. 4
Thus comes the idea of profitable or useful. 6. The word of God surpasses the benefit of general revelation because it brings satisfaction to the inner being. Psa 19:8 (NIV) The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. a. A beautiful sunset can bring a sense of wonder, awe and beauty to the heart. b. The word of God brings a sense of confidence, contentment, resolution, hope and joy to the heart. 7. The word of God surpasses the value of general revelation because it contains no error. The concept of pure is to be unmingled or uncontaminated. The truth of God's word is not contaminated with error in any form. 8. The word of God surpasses the benefit of general revelation because it enables one to have clear understanding of moral and ethical issues. a. The word of God allows us to see the moral issues clearly. b. Furthermore, the word of God sheds light on the consequences of our actions. III. Conclusion: A. General revelation is of great value and benefit. 1. General revelation is of great value. 5
a. General revelation reveals the reality of God. b. General revelation reveals the reality of a creator. c. General revelation reveals these realities to all people. 2. General revelation is of great benefit. a. General revelation forms a common denominator for apologetics. b. General revelation serves as a confirmation of special revelation. B. Special revelation is of surpassing value and benefit. 1. Special revelation is of surpassing value to general revelation because it is so much more detailed in its revelation of God. 2. Special revelation is of surpassing benefit to general revelation because it reveals everything that is needed for life and godliness. IV. Application from Psalm 19 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:17 (ESV) that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. A. Application regarding the value of God's word. God's word is to be valued above all else. Psalm 19:10 (ESV) More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. B. Application regarding the benefits of God's word. Psalm 19:11 (ESV) Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. C. Application in response to God's word. 6
Psalm 19:12 (ESV) Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Psalm 19:13 (ESV) Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. 7