Finding Truth: The Bible as Our Foundation

 

Summary

In a world filled with uncertainty and skepticism, the human heart longs for a firm foundation of truth. Many have sought infallibility in various places, such as the papacy or church councils, but these are flawed and fallible. The true infallible foundation is found in the Word of God, the Bible. It is the ultimate standard of truth, providing clarity and guidance in a world of confusion. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is a living, breathing testament of God's will and wisdom, relevant and powerful for every believer.

The Bible is our spiritual weapon, as demonstrated by Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness. Despite having access to divine power, Jesus chose to rely solely on the Word of God, using the phrase "it is written" to counter Satan's temptations. This teaches us that the Word is sufficient for all our spiritual battles. It is a weapon that is effective for both the young and mature in faith, providing strength and guidance in times of trial.

Jesus' use of Scripture shows us how to handle it with reverence and readiness. We must have the Word stored in our hearts, ready to be used in any situation. It is crucial to understand its true meaning and apply it personally to our lives. The Word of God is not just for public teaching but is a personal guide and comfort in our private struggles. It is a source of strength and stability, enabling us to stand firm against the enemy's attacks.

The Bible is not just a tool for defense but also for maintaining our spiritual health and direction. It helps us resist temptations, guides our decisions, and keeps us aligned with God's will. We must not rely on circumstances or personal advantages to guide us but on the infallible truth of Scripture. In doing so, we follow the example of Christ, who remained steadfast and victorious through His reliance on the Word.

Key Takeaways:

- The Bible is the ultimate infallible foundation for truth, providing clarity and guidance in a world of confusion. It is not just a historical document but a living testament of God's will and wisdom, relevant for every believer. [06:12]

- Jesus demonstrated the sufficiency of Scripture during His temptation, using "it is written" to counter Satan's attacks. This teaches us that the Word is our spiritual weapon, effective for all believers, regardless of their maturity in faith. [08:23]

- We must handle Scripture with reverence and readiness, storing it in our hearts and understanding its true meaning. It is a personal guide and comfort in our private struggles, providing strength and stability against the enemy's attacks. [39:18]

- The Bible is not just for defense but also for maintaining our spiritual health and direction. It helps us resist temptations, guides our decisions, and keeps us aligned with God's will, following the example of Christ. [31:52]

- We must rely on the infallible truth of Scripture rather than circumstances or personal advantages. By doing so, we remain steadfast and victorious, following the example of Christ, who relied solely on the Word. [36:20]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - The Search for Infallibility
[01:06] - The Misguided Quest for Papal Infallibility
[02:06] - The Fallibility of Church Councils
[04:08] - The True Infallible Foundation
[06:12] - The Bible as Our Rock
[07:37] - The Word as Our Spiritual Weapon
[08:23] - Jesus' Example in the Wilderness
[11:27] - The Word for All Believers
[13:20] - Scripture in Personal Trials
[16:37] - The Word's Sufficiency in Temptation
[20:49] - Hiding God's Word in Our Hearts
[31:52] - Scripture as Our Guide
[36:20] - The Word Over Personal Advantage
[39:18] - Reverence and Readiness for the Word

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 4:4 - "But he answered, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
- Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "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."

#### Observation Questions
1. How did Jesus respond to Satan's temptations in the wilderness, and what does this reveal about the power of Scripture? ([08:23])
2. What are some examples given in the sermon of how people have sought infallibility outside of Scripture? ([01:22])
3. According to the sermon, why is the Bible considered the ultimate infallible foundation for truth? ([06:12])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Scripture in personal spiritual battles? ([13:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the sufficiency of Scripture in spiritual warfare, and how does this relate to Jesus' example in the wilderness? ([08:23])
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of having Scripture "stored in our hearts," and what might this look like in practice? ([20:49])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that relying on Scripture can help maintain spiritual health and direction? ([31:52])
4. How does the sermon address the potential pitfalls of relying on personal advantages or circumstances instead of Scripture? ([36:20])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you faced a challenge or temptation. How might relying on Scripture have changed your response? ([16:37])
2. What are some practical ways you can begin to store Scripture in your heart and mind? Consider setting a goal for memorizing specific verses. ([20:49])
3. Think about a decision you need to make. How can you ensure that your choice aligns with the teachings of Scripture rather than personal gain or circumstances? ([36:20])
4. Identify a personal struggle or area of confusion in your life. How can you seek clarity and guidance from the Bible in this situation? ([06:12])
5. How can you use Scripture as a source of comfort and strength in your private struggles? Share a verse that has been meaningful to you in difficult times. ([13:38])
6. Consider a time when you felt spiritually weak or under attack. How can you prepare yourself to use Scripture as a weapon in future spiritual battles? ([08:23])
7. How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for the Word of God in your daily life? What changes might you need to make to prioritize Scripture? ([39:18])

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as the Ultimate Foundation of Truth
The Bible stands as the ultimate infallible foundation for truth, offering clarity and guidance in a world filled with confusion. Unlike human institutions or leaders, which are inherently flawed, the Bible is a living testament of God's will and wisdom, relevant to every believer. It is not merely a historical document but a source of divine truth that speaks to the heart of humanity's deepest questions and needs. In a world where many seek certainty in fallible sources, the Bible provides a firm foundation that does not waver. [06:12]

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you seeking truth and guidance from sources other than the Bible? How can you begin to turn to Scripture as your primary source of truth today?


Day 2: Scripture as Our Spiritual Weapon
During His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus demonstrated the sufficiency of Scripture by using the phrase "it is written" to counter Satan's attacks. This act teaches believers that the Word of God is a powerful spiritual weapon, effective for all, regardless of their maturity in faith. Jesus, despite having access to divine power, chose to rely solely on Scripture, showing that it is sufficient for all spiritual battles. The Word is not only a defense against temptation but also a source of strength and guidance in times of trial. [08:23]

"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: What specific temptations or challenges are you facing today? How can you use Scripture as a weapon to confront and overcome these challenges?


Day 3: Reverence and Readiness for the Word
Handling Scripture with reverence and readiness is crucial for every believer. Jesus' example shows the importance of having the Word stored in our hearts, ready to be used in any situation. Understanding its true meaning and applying it personally to our lives is essential. The Bible is not just for public teaching but serves as a personal guide and comfort in private struggles, providing strength and stability against the enemy's attacks. [39:18]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for Scripture in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that the Word of God is readily available in your heart and mind?


Day 4: Scripture as Our Guide
The Bible is not just a tool for defense but also for maintaining our spiritual health and direction. It helps believers resist temptations, guides decisions, and keeps them aligned with God's will. By following the example of Christ, who remained steadfast and victorious through His reliance on the Word, believers can find direction and purpose. The infallible truth of Scripture should be the guiding force in our lives, rather than circumstances or personal advantages. [31:52]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:105-106, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways are you currently seeking guidance for your life decisions? How can you more intentionally use Scripture as your guide in these areas?


Day 5: Relying on the Infallible Truth of Scripture
Believers are called to rely on the infallible truth of Scripture rather than on circumstances or personal advantages. By doing so, they remain steadfast and victorious, following the example of Christ, who relied solely on the Word. The Bible provides a stable foundation that enables believers to stand firm against the enemy's attacks and navigate the complexities of life with confidence and assurance. [36:20]

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar." (Proverbs 30:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What personal advantages or circumstances are you tempted to rely on instead of Scripture? How can you shift your reliance to the infallible truth of God's Word today?

Quotes



thoughtful Minds anxiously desire some fixed point of belief the old philosopher wanted a fulcrum for his lever and believed that if he could only obtain it he could move the world it is uncomfortable to be always at Sea we would Fame discover Terra Firma and plant our foot upon a rock we cannot rest till we have found out something which is certain sure settled decided and no longer to be questioned [00:00:18]

we have a more sure word of testimony a rock of Truth upon which we rest for our infallible standard lies in it is written the Bible the whole Bible and nothing but the Bible is our religion of this inspired book we say this is the judge that ends The Strife when wit and reason fail [00:06:08]

first I commend to every Christian the constant use of the infallible word because it was our Champions chosen weapon when he was assailed by Satan in the wilderness he had a great choice of weapons with which to fight with Satan but he took none but his sword of the spirit it is written [00:08:26]

our Lord might have defeated the tempter by unveiling his own Glory the brightness of the Divine Majesty was hidden within the humility of his manhood and if he had lifted the veil for a moment the fiend would have been as utterly confounded as bats and owls when the sun blazes in their faces [00:09:57]

now beloved if our Lord and Master with all the choice of weapons which he might have had nevertheless selected this true Jerusalem blade of the word of God let us not hesitate for a moment but grasp and hold fast this one only weapon of the Saints in all times Cast Away the wooden sword of carnal reasoning [00:10:45]

you young Christians lately converted have probably already been tempted or how long you will be for I remember that the very first week after I found the Savior I was subjected to a very Furious spiritual Temptation and I should not wonder if the like happens to you now I charge you do as Jesus did and grasp firmly it is written [00:11:51]

the severe struggles of a true Christian are usually unknown to any but himself not in the family do we meet the most subtle Temptations but in the closet not in the shop so much as in the recesses of our own Spirit do we wrestle with principalities and Powers for these dread duels it is written is the best sword and shield [00:13:49]

our Lord was tempted in all points like as we are and therein he sympathizes with us but he resisted The Temptations and therein he is our example we must follow him fully if we would share his triumphs observe that our savior continued to use his one defense although his adversary frequently shifted his point of attack [00:18:40]

our Lord next used the scripture to defeat temptation he was tempted to distrust they lay stones at his feet for all the world like loaves there was no bread and he was hungry and distrust said God has left you you will starve therefore leave off being a servant become a master and command that these Stones be made bread [00:27:25]

our Lord was not guided as to what he should do by the circumstances around him anyone but our holy Lord would have obeyed the tempter and then have said I was very hungry and I was sitting down in the wilderness and it seemed such a Providence that his Spirit should find me out and courteously suggest the very thing that I needed [00:32:30]

how often have I heard people say I do not like to remain in a church with which I do not agree but my usefulness would be quite gone if I were to leave it on this system if our Lord had been a mere man he might have said if I fall down and perform this small Act of ritualism I shall have a noble sphere of usefulness [00:34:56]

I love to think of the calmness of Christ he is not one wit flour it he is hungry and he is told to create bread and he answers it is written he is lifted to the temple Summit but he says it is written just as calmly as you or I might do sitting in an easy chair [00:37:50]

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Transcript
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