The Bible: Our Infallible Guide and Authority
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the importance of the Bible as the infallible word of God and its role in guiding our lives as Christians. I emphasized that the Bible, as originally written, is inspired by God and serves as the sole and absolute authority in matters pertaining to Christian faith and practice. I also highlighted that the Bible is a completed revelation of God and whatever is not contained therein is not to be declared as an article of faith. I shared my personal journey of discovering my calling through reading the Bible and how the Holy Spirit revealed God's plan for my life. I also discussed the importance of studying the Bible and understanding its teachings, and how it can help us grow spiritually.
In the second part of the sermon, I addressed the issue of false teachings and prophets, and the importance of discerning the truth from the scriptures. I shared the story of Paul, who was a fervent teacher and follower of Jesus, and how his knowledge and understanding of the scriptures helped him spread the teachings of Jesus. I also emphasized that the Bible is not just a book to be read, but a guide for our lives as Christians. I concluded the sermon by encouraging everyone to keep reading the Bible, ask questions, and seek understanding from the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Bible is the infallible word of God and serves as the sole and absolute authority in matters pertaining to Christian faith and practice ([25:47]).
2. The Holy Spirit reveals God's plan for our lives and helps us understand the teachings of the Bible ([27:30]).
3. Studying the Bible and understanding its teachings is vital for our spiritual growth ([29:05]).
4. We must be aware of false teachings and prophets, and discern the truth from the scriptures ([20:42]).
5. The Bible is not just a book to be read, but a guide for our lives as Christians ([22:22]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Peter 1:19-21 #!!20:42!!#
2. John 17:17-18 #!!20:42!!#
3. Acts 28:23 #!!22:22!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of Peter emphasizing the authority of the prophets in 2 Peter 1:19-21?
2. In John 17:17-18, what does Jesus ask God to do for his disciples and why?
3. What does Paul's approach to teaching about Jesus in Acts 28:23 reveal about his understanding of the scriptures?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Peter's emphasis on the authority of the prophets in 2 Peter 1:19-21 relate to our understanding of the Bible as God's word?
2. How does Jesus' prayer in John 17:17-18 inform our approach to studying and teaching the Bible?
3. What can we learn from Paul's use of the scriptures in Acts 28:23 to persuade others about Jesus?
Application Questions:
1. How can you apply Peter's emphasis on the authority of the prophets in your approach to reading and understanding the Bible?
2. In what ways can you apply Jesus' prayer for his disciples in John 17:17-18 to your own life and interactions with others?
3. How can you follow Paul's example in Acts 28:23 to use the scriptures to share about Jesus with others?
4. Can you think of a time when you felt overwhelmed or confused by the Bible, like the speaker mentioned? How did you handle it and what can you do differently moving forward?
5. What is one way you can prioritize Bible study in your daily routine, considering the speaker's comments about time spent on social media?
Devotional
Day 1: The Bible as a Blueprint for Life
The Bible is not just a book, but a divine blueprint for life. It contains God's plan for His creation, including you and me. It serves as an instruction manual for the life we are to lead as Christians, providing everything we need. It's through the Bible that God reveals His plans, His ways, and His peace that surpasses all understanding ([30:36]).
1 Corinthians 2:7 - "No, we declare God's wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when reading the Bible provided you with guidance or peace. How did that experience deepen your understanding of the Bible as a blueprint for life?
Day 2: The Importance of Studying the Bible
Studying the Bible is not just about reading it, but understanding and applying its teachings to our lives. It's through studying the Bible that we can uncover truths, gain spiritual understanding, and discover our calling. It's a vital practice for our spiritual growth and a way to deepen our relationship with God ([33:47]).
Acts 20:24 - "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your study of the Bible? How can you apply what you learn to your daily life?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Understanding the Bible
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us understand the Bible. It's through the Holy Spirit that we can uncover truths from God's word and gain spiritual understanding. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us to discern God's will and plan for our lives ([35:29]).
John 16:13 - "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding your understanding of a Bible passage. How did that experience deepen your faith?
Day 4: The Danger of False Teachings
The Bible warns us about the danger of false teachings and prophets. It's important to be discerning and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. The Bible is our source of truth, and we must be diligent in studying it to guard against deception ([27:30]).
2 Peter 1:19-21 - "We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How can you guard against false teachings in your spiritual journey? How can studying the Bible help you in this?
Day 5: The Power of Prayer in Understanding the Bible
Prayer is a powerful tool in understanding the Bible. It's through prayer that we can ask God for wisdom and understanding. When we pray, we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to reveal truths and provide guidance ([37:17]).
John 17:17 - "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
Reflection: How can you incorporate prayer into your Bible study routine? Reflect on a time when prayer deepened your understanding of a Bible passage.
Quotes
1. "I never knew God before I picked up the Bible, but I knew I needed him. And there's no better way to build that relationship than reading the Bible because he'll reveal himself to you. You'll know his plans, his ways, his freedom, the peace that surpasses all understanding, even if everything else is going nuts around you." - 29:45
2. "The Bible, which was written those thousands a years ago, actually addresses this as well. And in 2 Peter 119-21, the Apostle Simon Peter is speaking to the church and alerting them to be aware of false prophets and teachers, and to wait for Christ's return, and he emphasizes to the church on whose authority he speaks." - 19:19
3. "This is our source to God. This is how we can keep connected to Him. So keep reading your Bible and if you don't understand something, ask someone else and we have the connect groups where you can gather as a group and really delve into it and dive into it, ask questions in a safe environment where you're not feeling judged." - 34:45
4. "My calling was to be here preaching and it was to be helping others come to Christ and to be going from my credentials to be a pastor. It all became clear to me what my calling was and you'll find yours in here as well." - 25:47
5. "Everyone can understand the Word of God and you get that understanding from the Holy Spirit, not from listening to any voices that tell you otherwise. So here are some ways that help me. Come to church, come here, bring you a pen and paper and write down the verses that we speak or anything that sticks out." - 24:39
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