Embracing the Authority and Trustworthiness of God's Word
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound trustworthiness and authority of the Bible as God's Word. We began by acknowledging God's unchanging nature and His relentless pursuit of us, which forms the foundation of our trust in Him. This trust is not just theoretical but is meant to be lived out, even amidst our doubts and struggles. We delved into the book of Acts, observing how the apostles, despite their imperfections, were part of a divine movement, carrying the message of Jesus to the world. This movement is not based on human ideas but is driven by God's Word and Spirit.
We addressed the skepticism surrounding the Bible's authority, emphasizing that the Bible is not merely a collection of human words but is divinely inspired. The apostles viewed the Old Testament as authoritative, seeing it as authentic prophecy about Jesus. The consistency between the Old and New Testaments further affirms the Bible's divine authorship. We also discussed the apostles' authority in writing the New Testament, given by Jesus Himself, and how their writings were recognized as Scripture.
The message highlighted the importance of understanding the Bible as a reliable eyewitness account, not a legend or myth. The early timing of the texts, the counterproductive nature of the apostles' portrayals, and the detailed accounts all point to the authenticity of the Scriptures. The apostles' willingness to suffer and die for their testimony further underscores their conviction in the truth of the resurrection and the authority of God's Word.
Finally, we were challenged to let the Bible be the authoritative foundation of our lives, allowing it to shape us rather than us shaping it. This requires a surrender to God's Lordship, trusting in His Word even when it challenges us. As we embrace this truth, we become part of God's movement, empowered by His Spirit to live out our faith boldly and authentically.
Key Takeaways:
1. Trust in God's Unchanging Nature: Our trust in God is rooted in His unchanging nature and His faithful pursuit of us. This trust is not just a concept but a lived reality, even amidst doubts and struggles. We are called to embody this trust so that others may see and desire the hope we have in Christ. [13:38]
2. The Bible's Divine Authority: The Bible is not merely a human document but is divinely inspired. The apostles viewed the Old Testament as authoritative prophecy about Jesus, and their writings in the New Testament were recognized as Scripture. This divine authority is foundational to our faith and guides us in truth. [20:32]
3. Consistency and Eyewitness Testimony: The consistency between the Old and New Testaments and the eyewitness nature of the apostles' accounts affirm the Bible's reliability. These texts were written too early to be legends, and the apostles' willingness to suffer for their testimony underscores their conviction in its truth. [42:24]
4. Surrender to God's Lordship: Embracing the Bible as authoritative requires surrendering to God's Lordship. This means allowing the Word to shape us, even when it challenges our preferences and comforts. True discipleship involves trusting God's Word as the ultimate authority in our lives. [34:23]
5. Empowered by the Spirit for God's Movement: As we submit to the authority of God's Word, we become part of His divine movement. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to live out our faith boldly, taking risks and stepping out in faith to share the hope of Christ with the world. [01:07:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:38] - Trust in God's Unchanging Nature
- [15:05] - The Movement of God
- [20:32] - The Bible's Divine Authority
- [22:23] - Prophecy and Fulfillment
- [24:44] - The Odds of Prophecy Fulfillment
- [27:53] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [30:14] - Infallibility of Scripture
- [32:00] - Carried by the Holy Spirit
- [34:23] - Surrender to God's Lordship
- [38:00] - Apostolic Authority
- [42:24] - Consistency of Apostolic Teaching
- [52:15] - Eyewitness Accounts and Legends
- [01:05:13] - The Authority of God's Word
- [01:07:40] - Empowered by the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 1:12-26
2. 2 Timothy 3:16
3. 2 Peter 1:20-21
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 1:12-26, what process did the apostles use to choose a replacement for Judas, and what does this reveal about their view of Scripture? [15:43]
2. How does 2 Timothy 3:16 describe the nature and purpose of Scripture? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the Bible's authority? [33:07]
3. According to 2 Peter 1:20-21, how were the Scriptures produced, and what role did the Holy Spirit play in this process? [32:00]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the apostles' conviction in the truth of the resurrection and the authority of God's Word? [52:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the apostles' willingness to suffer and die for their testimony in Acts 1:12-26 underscore their conviction in the truth of the resurrection? [52:15]
2. In what ways does the consistency between the Old and New Testaments, as discussed in the sermon, affirm the Bible's reliability and divine authorship? [42:24]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of surrendering to God's Lordship, and why is this important for embracing the Bible as authoritative? [34:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to understand and apply Scripture in their lives? [39:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's unchanging nature. How can you embody this trust in your daily life so that others may see the hope you have in Christ? [13:38]
2. The sermon challenges us to let the Bible shape us rather than us shaping it. What specific areas of your life might need to be surrendered to God's Word, even if it challenges your preferences? [34:23]
3. How can you actively participate in God's movement, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to live out your faith boldly and authentically? What steps can you take this week to share the hope of Christ with someone? [01:07:40]
4. Consider the skepticism surrounding the Bible's authority. How can you engage in meaningful conversations with others about the divine inspiration and reliability of Scripture? [15:05]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the Bible as a reliable eyewitness account. How can you deepen your study of Scripture to strengthen your conviction in its truth? [52:15]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of reading and reflecting on Scripture daily to allow it to guide and direct your life? What practical steps can you take to make this a consistent practice? [01:04:47]
7. Identify one aspect of your life where you need to trust in God's Word as the ultimate authority. What changes can you make this week to align your actions with this trust? [36:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Unchanging Nature
In a world that is constantly changing, the unchanging nature of God provides a solid foundation for our trust. This trust is not merely theoretical but is meant to be lived out in our daily lives, even amidst doubts and struggles. God's faithful pursuit of us is a testament to His unwavering character, and as we embody this trust, we become beacons of hope for others. Our lives should reflect the confidence we have in Christ, inviting others to experience the same assurance. [13:38]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are currently experiencing doubt or uncertainty. How can you actively trust in God's unchanging nature in this situation today?
Day 2: The Bible's Divine Authority
The Bible is not just a collection of human writings but is divinely inspired, carrying the authority of God Himself. The apostles recognized the Old Testament as authoritative prophecy about Jesus, and their writings in the New Testament were acknowledged as Scripture. This divine authority is foundational to our faith, guiding us in truth and shaping our understanding of God's will. As we engage with the Bible, we are invited to submit to its authority, allowing it to direct our lives and decisions. [20:32]
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a decision you are facing. How can you seek guidance from the Bible, trusting in its divine authority to lead you in truth?
Day 3: Consistency and Eyewitness Testimony
The consistency between the Old and New Testaments and the eyewitness nature of the apostles' accounts affirm the reliability of the Bible. These texts were written too early to be considered legends, and the apostles' willingness to suffer for their testimony underscores their conviction in its truth. The Bible stands as a reliable eyewitness account, inviting us to trust in its message and the reality of the resurrection. [42:24]
"For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty." (2 Peter 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you doubted the reliability of the Bible. How can the consistency and eyewitness testimony of Scripture strengthen your faith today?
Day 4: Surrender to God's Lordship
Embracing the Bible as authoritative requires a surrender to God's Lordship, allowing His Word to shape us even when it challenges our preferences and comforts. True discipleship involves trusting God's Word as the ultimate authority in our lives, leading us to live in alignment with His will. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to submit to God's guidance and direction. [34:23]
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to surrender to God's Lordship. What steps can you take today to submit this area to His authority?
Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit for God's Movement
As we submit to the authority of God's Word, we become part of His divine movement, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith boldly. This empowerment calls us to take risks and step out in faith, sharing the hope of Christ with the world. We are invited to be active participants in God's mission, allowing His Spirit to guide and strengthen us in our journey of faith. [01:07:40]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a way you can step out in faith to share the hope of Christ with someone today. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to guide and support you in this endeavor?
Quotes
"If you want to open up your worship folder to follow along there in the outline as we continue this series of ascent. And we're in the book of Acts and we're seeing the disciples, the apostles, who are sent by Jesus to carry on this message to the ends of the world. And they're sending and they are making a movement. We talked about that last week, about this is a movement of God. God working through his people, how broken, how messed up. But he does that and creates these movements. And movements move. We are either part of that movement or we're not. And God is inviting us to be part of this movement. But this is a particular movement. It's a God movement. It's not a man movement. And therefore, it's not a movement of a man's ideas. This is a movement of God. And so a part of God's movement that we know it's his, that is by his word." [00:14:12] (53 seconds)
"And so Peter is saying, look, the Old Testament was prophecy concerning Jesus, and it had to be fulfilled. The events had to happen. Judas had to do what Judas did, so Jesus would die on the cross. This was prophesied, and then it had to be fulfilled amongst us. This was God's will. The Holy Spirit predicted, it was written down for us. We have known it. We have seen it in our own eyes, our own experiences with Jesus. We have in our own lives. So therefore, this is authoritative." [00:22:43] (34 seconds)
"God was fulfilling. And the apostles saw this, and therefore, the Scriptures have authority, and that's what Peter's doing. They had authority, and so Peter's looking at them and responding and saying, this is what we got to do, because here's what the Scriptures say. And what's part of that authority that Peter says? B, that they believe, again, the Old Testament Scriptures had authority, because B, the words were from the Holy Spirit." [00:27:34] (28 seconds)
"Peter says it this way. It's our memory verse. 2 Peter 1, 2, 3 together. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man. But men spoke from God as they were carried along. By the Holy Spirit. So the key word, you want to circle two words. Carried along. Carried along. In the Greek, carried along is to Pharaoh. Pharaoh. It means that it is the wind that blows a sailboat. The sailboat can't go anywhere on its own. It has no power. But the wind directs it. The wind takes it to the right destination. It fares it. It carries it along. And so what Peter is saying is, the Holy Spirit carried us along and spoke through us the words it wanted to say and wanted to be remembered and given." [00:31:50] (53 seconds)
"See, they knew Jesus was Lord. They surrendered their life to Jesus. Jesus fully surrendered it. They sold everything. They followed him for years. They gave it all up to carry on this mission that they were given. They are not out writing out their preferences and say, you know what? I've been wanting to get this in, or I want to change this because I don't like this. I'm not comfortable with that. I don't want to suffer through that. They all died for it. They were used to suffering. So for them to, they didn't come with an agenda. They were agendalists." [00:34:23] (35 seconds)
"Lastly well the skeptics and you may be considered the apostles claim to authority and you say you know what there are many people who came and collected uh who have claimed authority uh for god's word that they speak for them maybe it's um david koresh joseph smith muhammad and you're saying look uh it's just like them and just because they claim to have the word of god i'm just not going to believe it you know let's go back again and and look what peter claims again verse 21 22 he says what uh what men who have accompanied in other words eyewitness who experience these things during the time of jesus is in and going beginning the baptism of john all the way to he's taken up from us one of these men must become a witness to his resurrection in other words like the qualification of witnessing experience this all personally and some of these guys remember gentiles they don't have the old testament but yet they witness all these events and they're going to be a witness to his resurrection and they're going to be a witness to his resurrection events that showed over and over again he's christ and so they're eyewitnesses to the resurrection ministry of jesus and what is acts i mean acts again is a two -volume set and it started with luke and what does luke say again in so much as i've undertaken a compelling narrative of things that have been accomplished among us just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us so just an accurate account it seemed good to me also having a witness to his resurrection and so they're eyewitnesses to the resurrection so what does he mean he's he's taken all these eyewitness accounts and he's put them together all the different details and he made an orderly account so you could research them you could fact check them taken multiple eyewitness accounts and and compiled them into one and say look you know so maybe you have trouble and you run into somebody has trouble saying hey the bible's the word of god that's it's so okay you know what i'm going to do is i'm going to do a little bit of a if you can't dine at hill yet fine why don't you look at scripture as all eyewitness accounts and say like this is too important too significant this is a big decision of your life and you ought to look at and say look there what is what does the eyewitnesses say that person that was there because you weren't there what do they say it is and then you can evaluate and say is this reliable eyewitness testimony you can fact check it through history by the way there's more notes for jesus in in history historical public records than julius caesar you can look at the geography there's more geography that keeps proving scripture you know jesus said the rocks are going to cry out and the rocks do cry out they give testimony to jesus to doa's ark all these things that just keep getting pushed and submerged denied and kept from you because nobody wants to acknowledge that there's authority and there's power in the word of god because if there is that means there might be something different in my life that there truly is a lord and he has a message that's worth reading" [00:50:55] (0 seconds)
"so give me an example i mean if you go through every page of the gospels right what do we see over and over again the apostles who are disciples they're they're like three stooges they don't get it they mess up they make big mistakes over and over again i mean peter is the leader of the church right and what's he known for oh you're leader of the church for jesus and what did jesus call you peter he's the leader of the church for jesus and what did jesus call you peter he's the leader of the church for jesus and what did jesus call you he called you satan there's a nice compliment for you peter put that on your resume oh jesus called me satan that's nice no so you if you're building a legend you would not you would edit that out you can't be the leader and also be the satan anti -leader of it or if you're writing a legend and a fairytale myth why why when jesus resurrected did you have women be the ones who proclaim jesus resurrection at first because in those times women's testimony was not even allowed in court if you're making a legend up you would have had men do it to prove the fact that this was true but it wasn't about the messenger it was about the message that made it true because jesus truly rose from the dead the other reason c is detailed the accounts are way too detailed people think that maybe these are written up fictitious parables that have a true moral meaning but they were never intended to be taken literally they were never taken to be real i mean about but the problem is the bible has so many random details in their stories that have nothing to do with the point of the story or if you were to say the overarching moral lesson and a great example of this is mark 14 in mark 14 you have a very serious story moment jesus in the garden can send me i mean he's praying he's wrestling he's sweating blood he's really struggling with what's going to happen next and and here comes the guards to arrest him and what is mark right in mark 14 uh somebody fled naked from the scene that has nothing to do with it but i can tell you if you were there and saw a naked guy it's going to work its way into the story right come on i mean if my wife says hey go to the outlet mall and buy jeans and i go to the outlet mall and there's a guy who runs out of the store naked i'm going to come home i'm not going to talk about the jeans she's gonna say how did this shop go it was great i saw this guy run naked" [00:55:34] (157 seconds)
"why you not believe in the word of god i mean do you read it i mean if you really believe it you devote you read it you devour it you say god this is the authority this is how you reveal yourself there's power in this and so this is going to shape me instead of me shaping you instead of me saying oh you're not really serious about that are you i mean i think life would go better if i take you where and adapt to the world and i'm not going to be a Christian i'm not going to be a Christian i'm not going to be a little bit you know oh my goodness giving nah nah we can just kind of give it into tipping it doesn't have to be giving it doesn't have to be serving doesn't have to be sacrificial i mean god i just like those verses of comfort i mean i don't want to have sacrifice and after all it's a bunch of contradictions in fact frank mead said this it's pretty interesting he said men do not reject the bible because it contradicts itself it they reject it because it contradicts them ini so many people are against the bible because it contradicts them and had never even read it." [01:03:38] (58 seconds)
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