The Scriptures hold a place of unparalleled reverence and authority in the life of a believer. For the saints, the Word of God is not merely a collection of ancient texts but the living and active revelation of God's will, character, and redemptive plan for humanity. Esteeming the Scriptures above all things is a hallmark of true discipleship and devotion.

The Nature of the Scriptures

The Scriptures are divinely inspired, as affirmed in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 : "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the belief that the Bible is not of human origin but is the very breath of God, providing everything necessary for a life of godliness.

The Role of the Scriptures in the Life of the Saints

For the saints, the Scriptures are the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." This metaphor illustrates the guiding role of the Scriptures, illuminating the path of righteousness and providing clarity in a world often shrouded in moral and spiritual darkness.

The saints are called to meditate on the Scriptures continually. Joshua 1:8 exhorts, "This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do." This verse highlights the importance of constant engagement with the Word, ensuring that it permeates every aspect of life.

The Esteem of the Scriptures Above All Things

The esteem of the Scriptures above all things is evident in the attitude of the saints towards the Word of God. In Psalm 19:10 , the Scriptures are described as "more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." This vivid imagery conveys the incomparable value and desirability of God's Word, surpassing even the most treasured earthly possessions.

The saints' esteem for the Scriptures is also reflected in their obedience to its precepts. James 1:22 admonishes, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." True esteem for the Scriptures is demonstrated through a life that aligns with its teachings, evidencing a heart transformed by the truth.

The Transformative Power of the Scriptures

The Scriptures possess a transformative power that is central to the sanctification of the saints. Hebrews 4:12 states, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This dynamic nature of the Word enables it to penetrate the deepest recesses of the human heart, effecting change and growth in holiness.

The transformative impact of the Scriptures is further emphasized in Romans 12:2 : "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." The renewal of the mind through the Scriptures empowers the saints to live in accordance with God's will, distinct from the patterns of the world.

The Eternal Nature of the Scriptures

The eternal nature of the Scriptures is a source of comfort and assurance for the saints. Isaiah 40:8 affirms, "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." In a transient world, the enduring truth of God's Word provides a steadfast foundation for faith and life.

In conclusion, the esteem of the Scriptures above all things is a defining characteristic of the saints, reflecting their recognition of its divine origin, authority, and transformative power. Through diligent study, meditation, and obedience, the saints demonstrate their reverence for the Word, allowing it to shape their lives and guide them in the path of righteousness.Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Some Scriptures for Daily Practise.
... SOME SCRIPTURES FOR DAILY PRACTISE ... thereunto with all perseverance and supplication
for all saints." Eph.6 ... but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better ...
/.../orr/how to live a holy life/some scriptures for daily practise.htm

Concerning the Scriptures.
... are the believers, [our] that are the saints; concerning such ... 162] I answer, First,
That the scriptures ought to ... checks them here for too high an esteem of the ...
/.../proposition iii concerning the scriptures.htm

How, While the Whole Heart is Employed in Sacred Love, yet one May ...
... is possible, and that the end of the Saints is crowned ... to the expression of the holy
Scriptures, to do ... more, has more power, and deserves more esteem, than all ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iii how while the.htm

Summary
... Thus the entire scriptures have everywhere preached and inculcated ... but gladly to
learn, hear, and esteem it holy ... and say: Let all the wise and saints step forth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/summary.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... all that are esteemed the greatest saints have not ... in the sight of God to esteem
them worthy ... nevertheless abundantly enjoined in many places in the Scriptures. ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Introduction to the Work, with Some Account of the Nature of ...
... I durst not have thought of the saints' preferment in this ... in the blessed soul an
inconceivable esteem and sense ... Is this the glory which the Scriptures spoke of ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter i the introduction to.htm

So Likewise Ye, when Ye Shall have done all those Things
... defers most rewards until He glorifies saints after this ... the heart, which He wishes
to esteem God aright ... with the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures, with the ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 10 so likewise ye.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... in hypocrisy they still are who esteem themselves prominent ... But tell me, where do
the Scriptures speak thus ... mysterious way Christ is in his saints, and beware ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.htm

How to Discern Our Title to the Saints' Rest.
... readiness, either in memory or writing, some scriptures, containing the ... pleasure
on the one hand, and the saints' rest on ... yet thy heart doth not so esteem him. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter viii how to discern.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... rest is very suitable to the saints' necessities also ... are well, tomorrow sick; today
in esteem, tomorrow in ... All dark Scriptures shall be made plain; all seeming ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

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