Why should we care more about what Scripture says than what a preacher or even Paul says?
Scripture is what counts because it is what God says; human preachers, and even Paul, are not the final authority. God's Word must speak before anyone can believe, as Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. So the only reliable standard is what Scripture says.
Les explains that the critical question is not what Paul says, or even what a preacher says, but what God says—and that is where Scripture comes in. He asks, “What saith the Scripture?” because that is what counts. Abraham is the example: God said something, Abraham believed it, and his faith was imputed to him for righteousness. Since faith comes by hearing, God must speak first; therefore Scripture, not human opinion or preaching, is the measure.