Embracing the Authority and Truth of Scripture
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone, to the beginning of our new series, "Urban Legends." Today, we are diving into the authority and truth of the Word of God. We live in a world where many people twist the Scriptures to fit their agendas, creating what I call "religious urban legends." These distortions can lead us away from the true authority of God's Word.
We started by pledging our commitment to the Bible, recognizing it as God's holy Word, a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer in John 17, prays for His disciples and for us, emphasizing that we are sanctified by the truth, and God's Word is truth. This sets the foundation for understanding the attributes of the Word of God.
The Bible is not just a collection of stories or historical accounts; it is the living, breathing Word of God. Every passage in the Bible is eternal and literal truth, sharing the same DNA as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible reveals Jesus in every book. In Genesis, He is the Word of God; in Exodus, the Passover Lamb; in Leviticus, the High Priest; and so on, all the way to Revelation, where He is the Alpha and the Omega.
We explored the concept of "sola scriptura," meaning Scripture alone is sufficient for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. The Bible is inspired by God, and every word is God-breathed. This inspiration means that the Scriptures are not just historical records but are alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating our hearts and minds.
The Bible is also authoritative. To disbelieve or disobey any part of it is to disbelieve or disobey God Himself. The Scriptures are sufficient, containing all the words from God that we need to know Him truly, trust Him fully, obey Him perfectly, and enjoy Him abundantly. While the Bible may not tell us everything we want to know, it tells us everything we need to know.
We also discussed the power of the Bible. The Word of God is alive and active, transforming us from the inside out. This internal power, combined with the external power of the Holy Spirit, brings about true transformation in our lives. With great power comes great responsibility, and as Christians, we must be responsible stewards of God's Word.
Finally, the Bible is Christ-centered. Contrary to popular belief, the Bible is not just a collection of moral and ethical stories. It is an amazing story of redemption, with Jesus Christ at its center. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible testifies of Jesus, revealing His character, His love, and His plan for our salvation.
As we conclude, I urge you to become intimate with the Word of God. Just as a successful marriage requires time and intimacy, so does our relationship with Jesus Christ. Let the Word of God transform you, guide you, and bring you closer to Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Bible is Eternal and Literal Truth: Every passage in the Bible is eternal and literal truth, sharing the same DNA as Jesus Christ. This means that the Word of God is not just historical or metaphorical but is alive and active, revealing Jesus in every book from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding this helps us see the Bible as a living document that speaks to us today. [37:59]
2. The Bible is Inspired by God: The Scriptures are God-breathed, meaning that every word is inspired by God and not merely written by men. This divine inspiration makes the Bible unique and authoritative, providing us with the ultimate guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When we read the Bible, we are engaging with the very breath of God. [48:21]
3. The Bible is Authoritative: To disbelieve or disobey any part of the Bible is to disbelieve or disobey God Himself. The Scriptures are not just suggestions but commands from the King of kings. This authority means that we must take the Bible seriously, allowing it to guide our lives and decisions. [55:41]
4. The Bible is Sufficient: The Bible contains all the words from God that we need to know Him truly, trust Him fully, obey Him perfectly, and enjoy Him abundantly. While it may not answer every question we have, it provides everything we need for a godly life. This sufficiency means that we don't need to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance. [57:44]
5. The Bible is Christ-Centered: The Bible is not just a collection of moral and ethical stories but an amazing story of redemption with Jesus Christ at its center. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible testifies of Jesus, revealing His character, His love, and His plan for our salvation. This Christ-centeredness helps us see the Bible as a unified story that points to Jesus. [01:01:15]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:25] - Introduction to Urban Legends Series
[37:59] - The Bible is Eternal and Literal Truth
[41:24] - Pledge to the Bible
[45:35] - Understanding the Attributes of Truth
[48:21] - The Bible is Inspired by God
[55:41] - The Bible is Authoritative
[57:44] - The Bible is Sufficient
[01:01:15] - The Bible is Christ-Centered
[01:06:50] - The Bible is Precious
[01:11:04] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
2. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1, what is the relationship between the Word and God?
2. How does John 1:14 describe the incarnation of the Word?
3. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose and usefulness of Scripture?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor mean by "religious urban legends"? ([32:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that "the Word became flesh" (John 1:14) impact our view of the Bible as a living document?
2. What does it mean for Scripture to be "God-breathed" and how does this affect its authority in our lives? ([48:21])
3. Why is it important to recognize the Bible as both eternal and literal truth, as mentioned in the sermon? ([37:59])
4. How does the concept of "sola scriptura" influence our approach to other sources of spiritual guidance? ([46:14])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor emphasized the importance of being intimate with the Word of God. What specific steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with the Bible? ([43:58])
2. Reflect on a time when you might have twisted Scripture to fit your own agenda. How can you ensure that you are interpreting the Bible correctly in the future? ([32:02])
3. The sermon mentioned that the Bible is sufficient for knowing God and living a godly life. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking guidance outside of Scripture? How can you refocus on the Bible for answers? ([57:44])
4. Considering the Bible's authority, what changes do you need to make in your life to align more closely with its teachings? ([55:41])
5. The pastor talked about the power of the Bible to transform us from the inside out. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need transformation? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work through Scripture in that area? ([59:40])
6. How can you share the Christ-centered message of the Bible with someone who views it merely as a collection of moral stories? ([01:01:15])
7. The pastor urged us to be responsible stewards of God's Word. What does responsible stewardship of the Bible look like in your daily life? ([01:00:49])
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible is Eternal and Literal Truth
The Bible is not merely a collection of historical accounts or metaphorical stories; it is the living, breathing Word of God. Every passage in the Bible is eternal and literal truth, sharing the same DNA as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This means that the Word of God is alive and active, revealing Jesus in every book from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding this helps us see the Bible as a living document that speaks to us today, guiding us in our daily lives and drawing us closer to God.
From Genesis, where Jesus is the Word of God, to Revelation, where He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Bible consistently reveals the character and mission of Jesus Christ. This eternal truth is not just for the past but is relevant and applicable to our lives today. As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we are engaging with the very essence of Jesus, allowing His truth to transform us from the inside out. [37:59]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you allow the eternal and literal truth of the Bible to guide your decisions and actions today?
Day 2: The Bible is Inspired by God
The Scriptures are God-breathed, meaning that every word is inspired by God and not merely written by men. This divine inspiration makes the Bible unique and authoritative, providing us with the ultimate guide for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. When we read the Bible, we are engaging with the very breath of God, allowing His Spirit to speak to us and transform our hearts and minds.
This inspiration means that the Bible is not just a historical record but is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates our hearts and minds, revealing the truth of God and guiding us in our daily lives. As we study the Scriptures, we are not just reading words on a page but are encountering the living God who desires to speak to us and lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. [48:21]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you make time today to engage with the God-breathed words of the Bible and allow them to transform your heart and mind?
Day 3: The Bible is Authoritative
To disbelieve or disobey any part of the Bible is to disbelieve or disobey God Himself. The Scriptures are not just suggestions but commands from the King of kings. This authority means that we must take the Bible seriously, allowing it to guide our lives and decisions. The Bible's authority is rooted in its divine inspiration, making it the ultimate standard for truth and righteousness.
As Christians, we are called to submit to the authority of the Scriptures, recognizing that they are the words of God Himself. This submission requires humility and a willingness to be corrected and guided by God's Word. When we align our lives with the teachings of the Bible, we are living in obedience to God and experiencing the fullness of His blessings and guidance. [55:41]
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to submit to the authority of the Bible, and how can you take practical steps to do so today?
Day 4: The Bible is Sufficient
The Bible contains all the words from God that we need to know Him truly, trust Him fully, obey Him perfectly, and enjoy Him abundantly. While it may not answer every question we have, it provides everything we need for a godly life. This sufficiency means that we don't need to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance. The Scriptures are complete and provide us with the wisdom and knowledge necessary for living a life that honors God.
The sufficiency of the Bible assures us that we have all we need to navigate the complexities of life and grow in our relationship with God. We don't need to rely on external sources or additional revelations; the Bible is enough. As we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, we find the answers, guidance, and encouragement we need to live a life that is pleasing to Him. [57:44]
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Reflection: How can you rely on the sufficiency of the Bible to address a specific challenge or decision you are facing today?
Day 5: The Bible is Christ-Centered
The Bible is not just a collection of moral and ethical stories but an amazing story of redemption with Jesus Christ at its center. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible testifies of Jesus, revealing His character, His love, and His plan for our salvation. This Christ-centeredness helps us see the Bible as a unified story that points to Jesus and His redemptive work on the cross.
Understanding the Christ-centered nature of the Bible transforms the way we read and interpret the Scriptures. It helps us see that every story, prophecy, and teaching ultimately points to Jesus and His mission to save humanity. As we study the Bible, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us, leading us to worship and adore Him more fully. [01:01:15]
Luke 24:27 (ESV): "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."
Reflection: How can you focus on the Christ-centered message of the Bible in your personal study and devotion today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Bible is the most valuable treasure in all the universe. The Bible is our food. It's our life, our comfort, our strength. It is our guidance. It is our desire, our hope, our love. It's our joy. Because scripture, the Bible, is our treasure. So the question I have for you today is, you have Jesus Christ in your hand and in your lap. What are you going to do with it? What are you going to do with him today?" [01:08:12]
2. "The Bible is a door that Jesus Christ says, I am the door that opens up to a deeper understanding of the heart of God. And what's sad is that so many of us never open the word of God and learn about the true heart of God. You see, when we open the word of God, we are opening up the precious heart and the mind and the will and the intentions of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When you open the word, you are having intimacy with Jesus Christ through his word." [43:58]
3. "So let me give you your foundational point because I'm going to help you understand how we can determine what is true and what is subjective. So our serious foundational point is this. And we're going to carry this through this entire series. Every passage in the Word of God is eternal and literal. Let me repeat that. Every single passage in the Word of God is eternal and literal truth. And here's why. Because it shares the same DNA as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." [37:59]
4. "The Bible is an amazing story but it's not just a story. It's words that God has breathed that are alive. He wants to breathe them into your life so they will become alive in you and the story is more than just a story. Listen to this. After Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, if you remember, he appeared to the 11 disciples because one of them took a high road and he left from there. But Jesus said to them, He says, this is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me." [01:02:04]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Scripture teaches us that the Bible is Christ-centered. The Bible, God's word is Christ-centered. Contrary to the belief of many people, the Bible is not a collection of stories of ethical and moral aptitude and principles. It's not just abstract lessons on life and how to do better and be better and the things that you don't do and the things that you need to do as a Christian. The Bible is an amazing story of God." [01:01:15]
2. "Scripture teaches us that the Bible is sufficient. That word sufficient simply means this, the Bible is enough. It's enough. Because the Bible is truth and because the Bible is absolute, so scripture contains all the words from God all throughout here that you and I need to know. All you've got to do is open it and God will reveal it to you to know Him truly, to trust Him fully, to obey Him perfectly, and listen, to enjoy Him abundantly." [57:44]
3. "Scripture teaches us that the Bible is authoritative. God created the universe. He didn't manufacture the universe. He didn't make the universe. He created the universe. In other words, He made something out of nothing. He created it into existence. It is His. And in His loving authority through all the creation that He verbalized into existence, He is using it today through His word that everything will be intended for our good. God is so, I guess the word, identified Himself with Scripture that to disobey the authority of Scripture would be to disbelieve and disobey God Himself." [55:41]
4. "The Bible is inspired by God. When Christians claim, that the scriptures, the holy scriptures, are the inspired word of God, what do they mean? Well, that's a picture of the relationship between God the Father and the men who penned His words. God spoke this out of His mouth into the hearts of men, and then they put it on the paper. I love Paul's words to Timothy in the second letter to this young preacher. He says these words, all scripture is God breathed." [47:53]
5. "The Bible is powerful. The word of God is alive and active or powerful, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. That's the internal power that he has given you. Same source, but it's when we allow the external of our lives to be broken down by the power of the Holy Spirit that then internally he can do a work and transform you from the inside out." [59:40]
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