Session 3 | Doctrine Two: God’s Word, The Scriptures Big Idea: ● God’s Word, The Scriptures Doctrine 2-The Scriptures The Bible (both Old and New Testament) is the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the product of holy men of old who spoke and wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. We believe the Scriptures are the complete revelation of God’s will for the salvation of mankind and the final authority for all Christian faith and life. The Bible is the most remarkable book ever written. About 40 men from several countries and many occupations did the writing. They wrote over a period of approximately 1,500 years and in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Yet the Bible has a well-organized unity with one great theme and central figure, Jesus Christ. All of this would be impossible unless the Bible had one Supreme Author - and it did - the Holy Spirit of God. The Age of the Bible. The earliest portions of Scripture date back more than 3,300 years. However, its message has been fresh and relevant to men of every age and generation. Its pages are still producing new gems of truth, even for those who study it the most. The Bible. The word “Bible” comes from the Greek word biblion which simply means “book.” The Scriptures. This word is the word we use in our translation of the Greek word graphai, which can also be translated as “writings.” Testament/Covenant. This word is derived from the Latin word testamentum, which was used in early Latin translations of both the Greek and Hebrew words for a “will” or “covenant.” The Bible is for us, but not about us. The Bible is not a list of principles to live by; it reveals a relationship with Jesus. The Bible must be studied around the central figure of God. The Bible is the main way that God speaks to us and directs us. As the Holy Spirit becomes a major part of your life, He will always point back to and align with the Bible. We do not want the bible to be a lifeless book that sits on your shelf at home but rather a living document. Sola scriptura “The Reformation principle of sola Scriptura has to do with the sufficiency of Scripture as our supreme authority in all spiritual matters. Sola Scriptura simply means that all truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual life is taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture. It is not a claim that all truth of every kind is found in Scripture. The most ardent defender of sola Scriptura will concede, for example, that Scripture has little or nothing to say about DNA structures, microbiology, the rules of Chinese grammar, or rocket science. This or that “scientific truth,” for example, may or may not be actually true, whether or not it can be supported by Scripture—but Scripture is a “more sure Word,” standing above all other truth in its authority and certainty. It is “more sure,” according to the apostle Peter, than the data we gather firsthand through our senses (2 Peter 1:19). Therefore, Scripture is the highest and supreme authority on any matter on which it speaks.” -John MacArthur 2 Timothy 3:13-4:5 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Peter 1:20, 21 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason, we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1. The Bible is comprised of words of Eternal Life. John 6:68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Lord: (kurios) - Supreme in authority, master, God, Lord, controller. Eternal: (aionios) - Past, present and future, everlasting, forever. Life: (zoe) - The life of God, life as God lives it. 2. The Bible is the main source of food that feeds our spirit. Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God . . . 1 Peter 2:2 . . . as newborn babies, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby . . . Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts. Job 23:12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. 3. Faith comes through hearing the Word of God. Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 4. The Scripture reveals God’s will, wisdom and direction. Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 5. You can’t just read or hear the Word and expect results, but you must be a doer who practices and exercises the Word. James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Prosperity is not necessarily money.) Close: Psalm 119:11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law, he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Take Away: 1. Do you believe the Bible is God’s inspired word? 2. If not, have you carefully and diligently taken the time to know? 3. If you do believe the Bible is God’s inspired word, how are you consuming it in your daily intimate fellowship with Christ? For more study on the origins of the Scripture, refer to: The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell The Case for Faith or The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. 4 Part Video Series by Michael McDonald |Christianity Commons : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGSMx5keiqUX9-hGbTsaI-PmK1y6FTiHT