The Bible's Story: Resurrection, Paul, and Faith
Summary
The journey of understanding the Bible is as crucial as the stories it contains. Many of us grew up with Bible stories, but as we matured, these stories sometimes seemed disconnected from reality, science, or modern education. The challenge is that while we know many Bible stories, we often don't know the story of the Bible itself. Understanding how the Bible came to be is almost as important as knowing its content because the backstory sheds light on the stories within.
The story of the Bible doesn't begin in Genesis but on Easter, with the resurrection of Jesus. This event is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the reason we have the Bible. Without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another first-century figure. But because of the resurrection, the story of Jesus became vital, leading to the documentation of his life in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
As the message of Jesus spread beyond Jewish communities, Gentiles became interested in the Hebrew scriptures, not for their Jewish roots but because they pointed to Jesus. This led to the Hebrew Bible being embraced as Christian scripture, eventually known as the Old Testament. However, there was still no Bible as we know it today.
The Apostle Paul plays a pivotal role in the story of the Bible. Initially a persecutor of Christians, Paul became a key figure in spreading the message of Jesus to the Gentile world. His letters to early churches, which make up a significant portion of the New Testament, were not written as scripture but as guidance for living out the teachings of Jesus. Paul explained the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing that Christians should take their application cues from Jesus's new covenant command: to love others as Jesus loved us.
Paul's writings also authenticate the resurrection, the most crucial event in the Bible. His letters, written close to the time of the resurrection, provide evidence that the belief in Jesus's resurrection was immediate, not a later development. This underscores the authenticity and urgency of the early Christian message.
The Bible, as we have it today, is the result of an event—the resurrection—that created a movement—the church—that produced texts, which were eventually collected and bound into a book. The story of the Bible is a reminder that the most important question is not about being at peace with everything in the Bible but being at peace with the God who sent His Son to die for our sins.
Key Takeaways:
1. Understanding the story of the Bible is crucial for comprehending its content. The Bible's story begins with the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without the resurrection, the Bible would not exist as we know it. [02:19]
2. The Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, became a pivotal figure in spreading the message of Jesus. His transformation and writings highlight the power of redemption and the importance of living out Jesus's teachings. [09:31]
3. Paul's letters provide clarity on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. He emphasized that Christians should draw their application cues from Jesus's new covenant command to love others as He loved us. [14:53]
4. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the reason for the Bible's existence. Paul's writings, close to the time of the resurrection, authenticate this event and its immediate acceptance by early Christians. [23:35]
5. The Bible is the result of an event (the resurrection) that created a movement (the church) and produced texts that were collected and bound into a book. The story of the Bible reminds us to focus on our relationship with God, who offers eternal life through Jesus. [38:50]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Introduction to the Series
[01:16] - The Story of the Bible
[02:19] - The Resurrection as the Beginning
[03:25] - The Importance of Jesus's Story
[04:17] - Gentiles and the Hebrew Scriptures
[05:22] - The Role of Apostle Paul
[06:20] - Paul's Influence on Western Civilization
[07:11] - Paul's Humble Self-View
[09:31] - Paul's Transformation
[10:29] - Paul's Contributions to the Bible
[12:19] - Relationship Between Old and New Testaments
[14:53] - Jesus's New Covenant Command
[23:35] - Paul's Authentication of the Resurrection
[38:50] - The Bible's Creation and Its Significance
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
2. John 13:34-35
3. Acts 9:1-6
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the significance of the resurrection in the formation of the Bible? [02:19]
2. What role did the Apostle Paul play in spreading the message of Jesus according to the sermon? [09:31]
3. How did the early Gentile Christians view the Hebrew Scriptures, and why did they become interested in them? [04:17]
4. What is the new covenant command that Jesus gave, as mentioned in the sermon? [15:22]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is understanding the story of the Bible's formation important for comprehending its content, as suggested in the sermon? [01:16]
2. How does Paul's transformation from a persecutor to a proponent of Christianity illustrate the power of redemption? [09:31]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Paul's letters provide clarity on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments? [14:53]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the immediate acceptance of the resurrection by early Christians, and why is this significant? [23:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your understanding of the Bible's formation. How does knowing its backstory affect your view of its content? [01:16]
2. Consider Paul's transformation. Is there an area in your life where you feel a need for redemption or change? How can you seek that transformation? [09:31]
3. How can you apply Jesus's new covenant command to love others as He loved us in your daily interactions? Think of a specific relationship where this could be challenging. [15:22]
4. The sermon highlights the resurrection as the cornerstone of faith. How does this event impact your personal faith journey? [23:35]
5. The early Christians embraced the Hebrew Scriptures because they pointed to Jesus. How can you find connections to Jesus in your own Bible reading? [04:17]
6. Paul's letters were not initially written as scripture but as guidance. How can you use his writings as practical advice in your life today? [11:14]
7. The sermon suggests focusing on a relationship with God rather than being at peace with everything in the Bible. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God this week? [40:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Resurrection as the Foundation of Faith
Understanding the story of the Bible begins with the resurrection of Jesus, which is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. This pivotal event is not just a historical moment but the very reason the Bible exists as we know it today. Without the resurrection, Jesus would have remained a notable figure in history, but not the Savior whose life and teachings are documented in the Gospels. The resurrection transformed the narrative, giving birth to a movement that would spread across the world, leading to the creation of the Bible. This event is a reminder that our faith is rooted in the reality of Jesus's victory over death, which offers hope and purpose to believers. [02:19]
1 Corinthians 15:14-17 (ESV): "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more fully in the light of this truth today?
Day 2: Transformation and Redemption through Paul's Journey
The Apostle Paul, once a fierce persecutor of Christians, became a pivotal figure in spreading the message of Jesus. His transformation is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God and the impact of living out Jesus's teachings. Paul's life and writings highlight the possibility of change and the importance of embracing one's calling to share the Gospel. His letters, which form a significant part of the New Testament, were written to guide early Christians in their faith journey, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus's love and grace. [09:31]
Acts 9:20-22 (ESV): "And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.' And all who heard him were amazed and said, 'Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?' But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced a significant transformation in your life. How can you use your story to encourage others in their faith journey today?
Day 3: The New Covenant Command of Love
Paul's letters provide clarity on the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing that Christians should draw their application cues from Jesus's new covenant command: to love others as He loved us. This command is central to the Christian faith and serves as a guiding principle for how believers are to live and interact with others. It challenges us to move beyond mere adherence to rules and to embody the love and grace that Jesus demonstrated. This love is not passive but active, calling us to serve, forgive, and uplift those around us. [14:53]
John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the love of Jesus through you today? What specific action can you take to demonstrate this love?
Day 4: The Resurrection's Immediate Impact
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the reason for the Bible's existence. Paul's writings, composed close to the time of the resurrection, authenticate this event and its immediate acceptance by early Christians. This underscores the authenticity and urgency of the early Christian message, which spread rapidly despite opposition and persecution. The resurrection was not a later development but a foundational truth that transformed the lives of those who witnessed it and those who heard about it. It continues to be the source of hope and assurance for believers today. [23:35]
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."
Reflection: How does the immediacy and authenticity of the resurrection impact your confidence in sharing your faith with others? What can you do to strengthen your understanding and communication of this truth?
Day 5: The Bible as a Testament to God's Relationship with Us
The Bible is the result of an event—the resurrection—that created a movement—the church—and produced texts that were collected and bound into a book. This story of the Bible reminds us to focus on our relationship with God, who offers eternal life through Jesus. The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but a living testament to God's love, grace, and desire for a relationship with humanity. It invites us to engage with its stories, teachings, and truths, allowing them to shape our lives and draw us closer to God. [38:50]
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: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God through engaging with the Bible this week? What specific steps will you take to make this a priority in your daily routine?
Quotes
The story of the Bible, the reason we have the Bible, is because Jesus's followers discovered that his tomb was empty, and they assumed initially that someone had stolen the body. Nobody assumed a resurrection. But later that same day, the women and his closest male followers saw Jesus, and suddenly, there were Jesus sightings all around Jerusalem, the very city in which he had been arrested and tried and eventually crucified. [00:02:24]
And once Jesus rose from the dead, and once people knew that he rose from the dead, suddenly, instantly, the story of Jesus became very, very, very important. But it wasn't until the resurrection, and that's why we said throughout this series, if there had been no resurrection, there would be no Bible, because the story of Jesus would not have been worth telling. [00:02:51]
When Gentiles, when non-Jewish people, became enamored with Jesus, they became enamored with the sacred texts that told of his coming. We would call it or they would call it the Hebrew Bible, or we would call it the Old Testament. But they called it the Law and the Prophets. And so, the early church got really interested in this book, not because they were interested in Judaism, but because they were interested in Jesus, and this was the backstory to his story. [00:04:01]
The apostle Paul explains the relationship between the parts of the Bible. In fact, if you ever get confused about how does the Old Testament and the New Testament work together, why does it seems to say one thing here and one thing there, the apostle Paul is your guy. He explains how Christians should view and how Christians should use the Old Testament, and he should know, because he was an expert in the law. [00:11:45]
The apostle Paul had extraordinary, extraordinary, extraordinary clarity about the relationship between the Jewish scriptures and what would eventually be called the New Testament. This is the Jewish scripture. This is my Greek New Testament from seminary. I will confess, this got a lot more use than this, because Hebrew is such a difficult, difficult language. But the apostle Paul knew this backward and forward, and it would eventually be used to write much of this. [00:12:34]
The second piece of advice to us, I think, would be this: you should take your application cues from Jesus's new covenant command. Then when it comes to application, you get inspiration and motivation here, and the stories are fascinating, and it points in the direction of Jesus, but when it comes to knowing how to live your life, how to manage your money, how to manage your marriage and your relationships, the apostle Paul clearly teaches that we should take our application cues from Jesus's new covenant command. [00:14:54]
As I have loved you, you are to love one another. In fact, by that unique kind of love, the entire world will know that you are my follower. In other words, don't love as you've been loved by others, and don't even love others the way you want them to love you. That's the golden rule. We're moving beyond that. This is the platinum rule. I want you to treat people that you meet, I want you to treat people in your family, I want you to treat people at school and at work and at play, I want you to treat every single person you are ever eyeball-to-eyeball with, face-to-face with, I want you to treat them in light of the way that your heavenly Father treated you through me. [00:16:12]
The apostle Paul authenticates the most important event recorded in this book. The apostle Paul authenticates in a way that no one else does the most important event in the Bible, because the most important event in the Bible is the reason we have the Bible. It's the resurrection. Again, if there was no resurrection of Jesus, there would be no Bible. [00:23:27]
Paul's letter, Paul's letter to Christians living in Corinth, Paul's letter to Corinthian believers is indisputable evidence that Jesus's resurrection was accepted immediately, immediately after it supposedly happened, not eventually, that just because this one letter in I Corinthians is indisputable evidence that the Jewish community in Jerusalem immediately, not the Jewish community, the Christian-Jewish community in Jerusalem, accepted the idea of Jesus's resurrection immediately, not many, many, many years later. [00:25:42]
If the Christian community created and fabricated the life and the message of Jesus, and if they fabricated the story of the resurrection, then how in the world did the apostle Paul know about it so close to the time of the resurrection? In his letter to Christians living in Corinth, he said there are, he writes to them. He says there are currently hundreds, hundreds of people in the city of Jerusalem that saw Jesus alive from the dead. So again, belief in the resurrection was immediate, not eventual. [00:27:36]
The Bible, as fabulous as it is, did not create Christianity. The Bible did not create Christianity. Christianity, the Christian faith, is the result of an event that launched or created a movement that produced texts that were collected and protected and bound into a book. Christianity is the result of an event, the resurrection, that created a movement, the church, that produced texts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, the epistles of Paul and Peter and others, that were collected to the years and protected through the years because they were considered so valuable, and then eventually bound together into a book that we call the Bible. [00:38:26]
The story of the Bible reminds us that the most important question is this: are you at peace with the God who sent his Son into this world to die and to pay for your sins so that you could have what Jesus promised, eternal life, and a relationship with your Father in heaven, because that's where the story of the Bible intersects with your story, and that is the story of the Bible. [00:40:17]
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