Scripture: Our Unshakeable Foundation in a Confused World

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound and unshakeable foundation of the Bible as the absolute and sufficient Word of God. We began by reflecting on the words of Jesus in Matthew 5, where He affirmed the enduring truth of Scripture, declaring that not a single jot or tittle would pass away until all is accomplished. This underscores the trustworthiness of the Old Testament, which Jesus Himself relied upon throughout His life and ministry. From His temptation in the wilderness to His teachings in the synagogue, Jesus consistently turned to Scripture as His source of authority and guidance.

We then examined the beliefs of the Apostles, particularly through the lens of Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3. Paul emphasized that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This divine inspiration assures us that the Bible is not merely a collection of human thoughts but the very breath of God, providing us with wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

As we considered the transition from the Apostolic to the post-Apostolic church, we recognized the critical role of Scripture in equipping believers for every good work. The Apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, penned the New Testament, ensuring that the message of salvation through Christ would reach the ends of the earth and endure through the ages.

In our contemporary context, we face a collapsing culture and a confused church. Yet, the Bible remains our steadfast anchor, offering clarity and truth amidst the chaos. We are called to hold fast to the authority of Scripture, even when it challenges the prevailing cultural narratives. The Word of God is living and active, and it is through its power that we are equipped to proclaim the gospel with boldness and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

- The Enduring Authority of Scripture: Jesus affirmed the absolute trustworthiness of the Old Testament, using it as His guide and authority throughout His life. His reliance on Scripture in moments of temptation and teaching underscores its enduring authority and relevance for us today. [04:54]

- The Divine Inspiration of the Bible: The Bible is not merely a human creation but is God-breathed, providing us with divine wisdom and guidance. This inspiration assures us of its reliability and sufficiency for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness. [13:02]

- The Role of Scripture in the Early Church: The Apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote the New Testament to ensure the message of salvation through Christ would endure. Their writings equip us to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth and through the ages. [11:07]

- Facing a Collapsing Culture: In a world where cultural narratives are constantly shifting, the Bible remains our anchor of truth. We are called to hold fast to its authority, even when it challenges the prevailing cultural norms. [29:56]

- The Call to Proclaim the Gospel: The Word of God equips us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and conviction. As we face the challenges of our time, we are reminded that the Bible is our source of strength and guidance, enabling us to serve the next generation faithfully. [38:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction and Scripture Reading
- [02:11] - The Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
- [03:18] - What Jesus Believed About the Bible
- [04:54] - Jesus' Use of Scripture
- [06:26] - Jesus' Teachings and the Old Testament
- [09:09] - The Road to Emmaus
- [10:49] - The Apostles and the New Testament
- [12:03] - The Inspiration of Scripture
- [15:25] - Timothy's Charge and the Role of Scripture
- [20:18] - The Authority of the Bible in the Church
- [25:59] - What Do We Believe About the Bible?
- [29:56] - Facing a Collapsing Culture
- [34:17] - The Church's Response
- [38:29] - The Call to Proclaim the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:18 - "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
2. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 - "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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. What does Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:18 reveal about His view of the Old Testament? How does this reflect His reliance on Scripture during His life and ministry? [04:01]
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture as outlined by Paul? How does this passage emphasize the divine inspiration of the Bible? [13:02]
3. How did Jesus use Scripture during His temptation in the wilderness, and what does this tell us about the authority He placed on the Word of God? [04:54]
4. In what ways did the Apostles ensure the message of salvation through Christ would endure, according to the sermon? [11:07]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' affirmation of the Old Testament's trustworthiness challenge or support contemporary views of Scripture? What implications does this have for believers today? [04:01]
2. In what ways does the divine inspiration of the Bible, as described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, assure believers of its reliability and sufficiency? How might this influence one's approach to Scripture? [13:02]
3. How did the Apostles' writings contribute to the spread of the gospel, and what role does the New Testament play in equipping believers for ministry today? [11:07]
4. How does the sermon suggest believers should respond to a collapsing culture and a confused church, and what role does Scripture play in this response? [29:56]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on Scripture during a challenging situation. How did it provide guidance or comfort, and how can you continue to turn to the Bible in times of need? [04:54]
2. Consider the cultural narratives that challenge biblical teachings today. How can you hold fast to the authority of Scripture in your personal life and community, even when it contradicts societal norms? [29:56]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need correction or training in righteousness. How can you use Scripture to address this area and grow in your faith? [13:02]
4. Think about the role of Scripture in your spiritual growth. How can you deepen your understanding and application of the Bible in your daily life? [11:07]
5. In what ways can you be more intentional about proclaiming the gospel with boldness and conviction? Identify one person or group you can share the message of Christ with this week. [38:29]
6. How can you support and encourage others in your community to rely on the Bible as their anchor of truth amidst cultural shifts? What practical steps can you take to foster a Scripture-centered environment? [29:56]
7. Reflect on the legacy of faith in your family or community. How can you contribute to passing on the message of salvation through Christ to the next generation? [25:59]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unshakeable Foundation of Scripture
The Bible stands as a profound and unshakeable foundation, affirmed by Jesus Himself in Matthew 5. He declared that not a single jot or tittle would pass away until all is accomplished, underscoring the trustworthiness of the Old Testament. Throughout His life and ministry, Jesus relied on Scripture as His source of authority and guidance, from His temptation in the wilderness to His teachings in the synagogue. This enduring authority of Scripture is not just a historical fact but a present reality, offering us a reliable guide in our daily lives. [04:54]

"For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." (Matthew 5:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the authority of Scripture as your guide and foundation today?


Day 2: The Divine Breath of God
The Bible is not merely a human creation but is God-breathed, providing us with divine wisdom and guidance. Paul, in his exhortation to Timothy, emphasized that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This divine inspiration assures us of its reliability and sufficiency, equipping us with wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. As we engage with Scripture, we are invited to experience the very breath of God, transforming our hearts and minds. [13:02]

"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: How can you create space in your daily routine to allow the God-breathed words of Scripture to transform your heart and mind?


Day 3: The Apostolic Legacy of Scripture
The Apostles, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wrote the New Testament to ensure the message of salvation through Christ would endure. Their writings equip us to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth and through the ages. This legacy of Scripture is a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His Word for every generation. As we read the New Testament, we are connected to the early church and the timeless truth of the gospel. [11:07]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How does the legacy of the Apostles' writings inspire you to share the message of salvation in your own context today?


Day 4: Anchored in Truth Amidst Cultural Chaos
In a world where cultural narratives are constantly shifting, the Bible remains our anchor of truth. We are called to hold fast to its authority, even when it challenges the prevailing cultural norms. The Word of God offers clarity and truth amidst the chaos, equipping us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and conviction. As we navigate a collapsing culture and a confused church, Scripture provides the steadfast anchor we need. [29:56]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What cultural narratives are you currently facing that challenge your faith, and how can you anchor yourself in the truth of Scripture to stand firm?


Day 5: Equipped to Proclaim the Gospel
The Word of God equips us to proclaim the gospel with boldness and conviction. As we face the challenges of our time, we are reminded that the Bible is our source of strength and guidance, enabling us to serve the next generation faithfully. The call to proclaim the gospel is not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer, empowered by the living and active Word of God. [38:29]

"But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the hope of the gospel, and how can you prepare yourself to share it with gentleness and respect today?

Quotes


Truly I say to you until heaven and earth pass away not a jot or a tittle or an iota nor a dot will pass from the law until all is accomplished and then in the words of Paul when he writes to Timothy in chapter 3 as for you Timothy continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed knowing from whom you learned it. [00:00:45]

Jesus in those words there on that mountainside he provides us with a very straightforward and clear statement of his own view of Scripture he says that the Old Testament is absolutely trustworthy even down to the smallest detail now it is one thing for someone to make a declaration like that and then it is another for us to be able to walk with that person and see that kind of conviction. [00:03:56]

When he is tempted in the wilderness by the evil one he refutes the temptations of the devil by using the Scriptures man will not live by bread alone he says but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God he knew that the words of the proverb was absolutely true every word of God proves true and so when he is confronted his immediate resource is to the Word of God itself. [00:04:37]

The Lord Jesus himself used his Bible to decipher the Providence's of God in his own life the Lord Jesus used his Bible in order to grant him assurance in the face of all that was yet before him no surprise then that he had spoken so clearly on the mountainside and what about on the roadside when after the resurrection we have that amazing encounter with those two characters. [00:06:50]

Jesus endorsed the authority of the Old Testament and then he in turn made provision for the New Testament by authorizing his apostles in the task to which they were called in an actual fact in writing the New Testament the Apostles were actually making it possible for them to do what Jesus had asked them to do in writing the New Testament they were making it possible for them in and through the Scriptures to go to the end of the earth. [00:10:44]

All Scripture is breathed out by God now as we came in here today we passed a number of galleries and museums filled with all kinds of splendid things that are for most of us utterly inspiring in other words for us to view them or read them or enjoy them is to be aware of the effect that it has upon us so we refer to it that it has been inspiring. [00:12:11]

Timothy knew the scriptures he'd known them from infancy he had been brought up in the Old Testament he was familiar with the fact that this is God's Word this is how God has spoken and now Timothy is about to take on the responsibility that falls to him as a result of the departure of Paul the time in which he is engaged is not the easiest of times in fact it's frankly difficult. [00:13:24]

The primary reason we come together is not for us to say things to God but it's to listen to what God has said to us in the Bible what we have to say to God in praise is of importance we're arts to it but it's not as important that's what God has said to us in the Bible because it is God's Word. [00:20:31]

It is possible to be formally committed to the fact that the Word of God is living and authoritative without being ourselves arrested by it summoned into its presence and bowing in reverence before the one to whom it points now with that said I want to make some comments that I'm glad I'm leaving directly after I've made them what do you and I believe. [00:26:44]

The wonderful thing about the Bible when you teach it because it's not like any other book any other book for there is a textbook or a novel or whatever it might be we sit down whether we get a cup of tea or we said I'm gonna see if I can understand this book now when we come to the Bible of course we do not come to the Bible initially with views about infallibility or inerrancy. [00:27:56]

The issues tonight in Western culture relating to gender and to human sexuality and to personal identity are matters concerning which the authority of the scripture must be brought to bear collapse in culture confuse church gets a little worse before we finish cowardly and compromised clerics Paul's charge to Timothy and all the Timothy's to follow was clear. [00:37:14]

The pulpits of our nations require men convinced that the Word of God does the work of God by the Spirit of God research history in the city of Cleveland in the city of London actually from Cleveland as well there's never been a strong pulpit in Cleveland in all that I've been able to research but here in London there has it was here in London that Spurgeon preached. [00:38:29]

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Transcript
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