The Bible Has No Substitute - 2 Tim. 4:2
The sermon emphasizes the irreplaceable role of the Bible in preaching and personal faith.
Bernard Fell emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word of God at all times, urging believers to be ready to share the message of the Bible regardless of the circumstances. He reflects on a time when Sunday school lacked the true teachings of the Bible, using 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' as a substitute, highlighting the need for the genuine Word of God to be proclaimed. Fell contrasts the powerful impact of God's Word in setting people free from sin with the limited influence of earthly writings, emphasizing the eternal value and significance of Scripture in guiding and transforming lives.
Text
Preach the Word;
be instant in season,
out of season.
2 Timothy 4:2
When Sunday was kept, God's sweet day of rest,
In happy times past, the brightest and best,
Our parents decreed, come wind, rain, or snow,
Their dutiful children to Sunday school go.
We gathered on time, our teacher was fair;
No Bible appeared, the boys can declare;
With "Uncle Tom's Cabin," her text-book, alas,
A few chosen chapters she read to the class.
Among the poor slaves, none nobler was found;
Tom's spirit so brave, could never be bound,
Till death's kindly hand from sad torture set free,
From cruelty incarnate-that monster Legree.
Our feelings were stirred. but not by God's Word;
From that holy Book no message was heard,
Which tells of a thralldom more bitter within,
A tyrant more ruthless-the bondage of sin.
Sweet comfort it brings to poor dying slaves,
A gospel of hope from Jesus Who saves;
A captive Himself when impaled on a tree,
Bequeathed by His dying the song of the free.
How could that fair lass the Bible displace?
A two-edged Sword, the Word of His grace;
It shines like a beacon till God's work is done;
Earth's authors are candles compared with the sun.
The Scriptures live on: O let them now speak
A word to the weary, the strong or the weak.
This Book of rare treasures transcends in its worth,
All libr'ies combined, and all writings on earth.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - '{''A'': ''Preach the Word in all circumstances.'', ''B'': ''The necessity of scripture in teaching.''}' - The Importance of Preaching the Word
- II points: - '{''A'': ''The Bible as a source of hope and comfort.'', ''B'': ''Comparison of the Bible to other literary works.''}' - The Role of the Bible in Our Lives
- III points: - '{''A'': ''The dangers of substituting other texts for scripture.'', ''B'': ''The impact on spiritual growth and understanding.''}' - The Consequences of Displacing the Bible
- IV points: - '{''A'': ''The Bible as a two-edged sword.'', ''B'': ''Its enduring relevance and authority.''}' - The Power of God's Word
- V points: - '{''A'': ''Inviting the weary to find strength in the Word.'', ''B'': ''The Bible''s unmatched worth in our lives.''}' - Encouragement to Engage with Scripture
Key Quotes
“Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season.” — Bernard Fell
“A two-edged Sword, the Word of His grace.” — Bernard Fell
“This Book of rare treasures transcends in its worth.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- Engage with the Bible daily to strengthen your faith.
- Avoid substituting other texts for scripture in teaching.
- Share the hope found in God's Word with others.