Authority of Scripture: The Heart of the Reformation

 

Summary

In Matthew 15, Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their traditions, highlighting a critical issue of authority that resonates throughout church history. The question of authority—whether it is Scripture, tradition, or both—was central during Jesus' time and became a pivotal issue during the Reformation. The Diet of Worms in 1521 exemplifies this struggle, where Martin Luther stood firm on the principle of sola Scriptura, asserting that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for faith and life. Luther's defiance against the papal bull and his refusal to recant his teachings underscored his commitment to the Word of God over church traditions and councils.

The Reformation was ignited by the doctrine of salvation but was fundamentally rooted in the question of authority. The Reformers, including Luther, sought to return the Church to its original teachings, emphasizing that while tradition and church authority have their place, they are subordinate to Scripture. This distinction between sola Scriptura and the Roman Catholic view, which holds Scripture, tradition, and the magisterium as co-equal authorities, remains a defining difference.

Sola Scriptura asserts that Scripture is the only infallible authority, but it does not dismiss other authorities. It emphasizes the necessity, sufficiency, immutability, and clarity of Scripture. The Reformers believed in tota Scriptura, the whole counsel of God, and rejected the notion of solo Scriptura, which isolates Scripture from the historical teachings of the Church. Sola Scriptura calls for humility, recognizing our need for God's revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpreting Scripture.

This principle also promotes unity among believers, allowing for differences in interpretation while maintaining the essentials of faith. It encourages a servant-hearted approach to Scripture, where we are shaped by God's Word rather than shaping it to fit our desires. Ultimately, sola Scriptura provides security and freedom, protecting Christian liberty from the binding traditions of men and affirming the priesthood of all believers, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Key Takeaways:

- Authority of Scripture: The central issue of authority, whether it is Scripture or tradition, is foundational to our faith. Sola Scriptura asserts that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority, guiding us in faith and life. This principle challenges us to evaluate our beliefs and practices against the Word of God. [01:30]

- Historical Context: The Reformation was not about innovation but a return to the original teachings of the Church. Luther and the Reformers sought to align the Church with the authority of Scripture, challenging the co-equal authority of tradition and the magisterium. [08:38]

- Sola Scriptura vs. Solo Scriptura: Sola Scriptura emphasizes that Scripture is the only infallible authority, while recognizing other subordinate authorities. It rejects solo Scriptura, which isolates Scripture from the Church's historical teachings, leading to misinterpretations and heresies. [14:16]

- Unity and Humility: Sola Scriptura fosters unity among believers, allowing for interpretive differences while maintaining the essentials of faith. It calls for humility, recognizing our need for God's revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture. [21:06]

- Freedom and Security: Sola Scriptura provides freedom and security, protecting Christian liberty from the binding traditions of men. It affirms the priesthood of all believers, guided by the Holy Spirit, and encourages us to stand firm on the authority of God's Word. [23:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Jesus and the Pharisees: Authority Questioned
- [01:06] - The Issue of Authority in Church History
- [01:55] - Understanding the Diet of Worms
- [03:19] - Martin Luther's Stand
- [04:36] - Luther's Dispute with the Church
- [05:40] - Luther's Declaration at Worms
- [07:06] - The Catholic Position on Authority
- [08:38] - Reformers' Return to Original Teachings
- [09:44] - The Reformers' Intent and Challenges
- [11:01] - Scripture's Self-Authenticating Nature
- [12:29] - The Igniting and Foundational Causes of the Reformation
- [13:47] - Understanding Sola Scriptura
- [15:18] - Tota Scriptura: The Whole Counsel of God
- [16:42] - The Necessity and Sufficiency of Scripture
- [18:39] - Rome's View on Scripture's Authority
- [20:01] - The Impact of Sola Scriptura on Believers
- [22:12] - Humility and Servanthood in Scripture
- [23:48] - Freedom and Security in Sola Scriptura

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 15:5-9
2. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3. Hebrews 4:12

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 15:5-9, what specific tradition of the Pharisees does Jesus criticize, and why does He call them hypocrites? [00:20]

2. According to 2 Timothy 3:14-17, what are the purposes of Scripture as outlined by Paul in his letter to Timothy? [11:30]

3. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Diet of Worms in relation to the authority of Scripture? [01:55]

4. What does Hebrews 4:12 say about the nature and power of the Word of God? [22:56]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees in Matthew 15 highlight the tension between tradition and Scripture? What implications does this have for modern believers? [00:43]

2. In what ways does 2 Timothy 3:14-17 support the principle of sola Scriptura, and how might this passage guide a believer's approach to Scripture? [11:30]

3. The sermon mentions that sola Scriptura promotes unity among believers. How can differing interpretations of Scripture coexist within this framework? [21:06]

4. How does the concept of sola Scriptura challenge the idea of solo Scriptura, and why is it important to consider the historical teachings of the Church? [14:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a tradition or practice in your life or church that might be elevated above Scripture. How can you ensure that Scripture remains the ultimate authority? [01:30]

2. Consider the role of Scripture in your daily life. How can you incorporate the principles of necessity, sufficiency, and clarity of Scripture into your personal study and application? [16:42]

3. Think about a time when you encountered differing interpretations of Scripture within your church community. How did you handle it, and how can you promote unity while maintaining the essentials of faith? [21:06]

4. In what ways can you cultivate a servant-hearted approach to Scripture, allowing it to shape you rather than trying to shape it to fit your desires? [22:35]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel bound by tradition or human expectations. How can the principle of sola Scriptura provide freedom and security in this area? [23:48]

6. How can you actively engage with the historical teachings of the Church to enrich your understanding of Scripture without compromising the principle of sola Scriptura? [14:16]

7. Reflect on the idea of the priesthood of all believers. How can you rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your interpretation of Scripture, and what steps can you take to deepen this reliance? [24:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Scripture as the Ultimate Authority
In Matthew 15, Jesus challenges the Pharisees on their adherence to tradition over God's commandments, highlighting the enduring question of authority in faith. This issue of authority was central during the Reformation, where Martin Luther's stance at the Diet of Worms in 1521 underscored the principle of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone as the ultimate authority. Luther's defiance against the papal bull and his refusal to recant his teachings emphasized the supremacy of Scripture over church traditions and councils. This principle challenges believers to evaluate their beliefs and practices against the Word of God, ensuring that Scripture guides their faith and life. [01:30]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed tradition or personal preferences to overshadow the authority of Scripture in your life? How can you realign your beliefs and practices with the Word of God today?


Day 2: Returning to Original Teachings
The Reformation was not about creating new doctrines but about returning to the original teachings of the Church, aligning with the authority of Scripture. Reformers like Martin Luther sought to challenge the co-equal authority of tradition and the magisterium, emphasizing that while tradition and church authority have their place, they are subordinate to Scripture. This historical context reminds us that true reform is about returning to the foundational truths of the faith, ensuring that our beliefs are rooted in the Word of God. [08:38]

"Thus says the Lord: 'Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you need to return to the "ancient paths" of Scripture? How can you ensure that your faith is aligned with the original teachings of the Church?


Day 3: Sola Scriptura vs. Solo Scriptura
Sola Scriptura emphasizes that Scripture is the only infallible authority, while recognizing other subordinate authorities. It rejects solo Scriptura, which isolates Scripture from the Church's historical teachings, leading to misinterpretations and heresies. The Reformers believed in tota Scriptura, the whole counsel of God, and understood the importance of interpreting Scripture within the context of the Church's historical teachings. This principle calls for humility and a recognition of our need for God's revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture. [14:16]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your understanding of Scripture is informed by the historical teachings of the Church? What steps can you take to avoid isolating Scripture from its broader context?


Day 4: Unity and Humility in Interpretation
Sola Scriptura fosters unity among believers, allowing for interpretive differences while maintaining the essentials of faith. It calls for humility, recognizing our need for God's revelation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding Scripture. This principle encourages a servant-hearted approach to Scripture, where believers are shaped by God's Word rather than shaping it to fit their desires. By embracing this humility, believers can maintain unity in the essentials of faith while allowing for diversity in non-essential interpretations. [21:06]

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility and gentleness in your approach to Scripture and in your interactions with fellow believers? How can you contribute to unity within your faith community?


Day 5: Freedom and Security in Sola Scriptura
Sola Scriptura provides freedom and security, protecting Christian liberty from the binding traditions of men. It affirms the priesthood of all believers, guided by the Holy Spirit, and encourages believers to stand firm on the authority of God's Word. This principle offers security in knowing that our faith is grounded in the unchanging truth of Scripture, and it provides the freedom to live out our faith without being bound by human traditions. By embracing sola Scriptura, believers can experience the true liberty that comes from being guided by God's Word. [23:48]

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: Are there traditions or practices in your life that have become a "yoke of slavery"? How can you embrace the freedom and security that comes from standing firm on the authority of God's Word?

Quotes


This issue of authority is fundamental to us as Christians. Is Scripture our authority? Or is tradition our authority? Or are both authorities in our lives? That was the rudimentary issue at the time of the Reformation, as it was the rudimentary issue in Jesus' day with the Pharisees. [00:01:19]

When Luther appeared before the royal Diet of Worms and stated what we know well today in his statement, "Unless I'm convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason, for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well-known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves, I am bound by the Scriptures that I've quoted and my conscience is held captive by the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant. For it is neither right nor safe to go against conscience." [00:05:18]

When Luther appeared before the Diet, he remained steadfast in his insistence that the Word of God is the ultimate and only infallible authority for faith and life. For he knew that although he was standing before the most powerful men in Europe, men who could kill him and take his life, he was also standing before God. [00:06:12]

Rome believed that Scripture was an authority. But it only believed that scripture was "an" authority, not "the" final authority. And that, in essence, is the crux of the problem. For Rome, they believed that Scripture, tradition and the magisterium, the magisterium made up of the pope's cardinals, bishops, through the history of the Roman Catholic Church. [00:07:06]

The Reformers did not teach anything new. Luther wasn't teaching anything new; Luther didn't set out to be an innovator. He didn't even set out to be a Reformer, rather what Luther and the other magisterial Reformers sought to do was to return the Church to the original form to what the fathers taught, to what Augustine taught, to what the early church fathers taught. [00:08:17]

We believe that Scripture and Scripture alone is the only infallible and the only ultimate or final rule for faith and life. That fundamental distinction is foundationally what separates us from Roman Catholicism then, and to a large degree, even Roman Catholicism today. [00:09:19]

Firstly, we need to understand that when we speak of sola Scriptura, when we speak of Scripture being our authority, we are not simply saying that it is our "only" authority. We are saying that it is our only "infallible" authority. That it is our only infallible supreme, or final authority. We have other authorities. [00:13:41]

We also affirm, when we affirm sola Scriptura, the sufficiency of Scripture, that all that is needed to know and believe regarding salvation and what pleases God is found in the Bible. We also affirm the immutability of Scripture, the unchangeableness of Scripture, that we are not to add or subtract to the Word of God. [00:17:04]

Sola Scriptura ought to make us more established, more courageous and more firm as we stand on the Word of God alone. It also ought to make us more gracious in our interaction with other believers, knowing that we will sometimes have slightly different interpretations. That according to our theology and our hermeneutics, we will come to different understandings at times, yet we always share the essentials of our faith. [00:20:11]

Sola Scriptura ought to make us greater servants. We're to be shaped by God's Word. It is not shaped by us. When we read Scripture, we don't judge Scripture. We come as servants to Scripture, not as masters over it. And when we read Scripture, it reads us, it judges us. It convicts us by the power of the Holy spirit. [00:22:43]

Sola Scriptura ought to make us feel more secure, more assured, and thus, more free. You see, Sola Scriptura is the guardian against all the binding of consciences, by the church and by traditions of men. By affirming that God's Word is our sole infallible authority, we can rest upon it. It is the protector of Christian liberty. [00:23:22]

The Bibles that we have, that we read are indeed the Word of God: authoritative, infallible, inerrant, necessary, sufficient, clear, and sufficiently clear, and are the only and fallible rule for our faith and life. [00:25:52]

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Transcript
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