The Bible's Timeless Relevance: Trusting God's Word Today

 

Summary

The question of whether the Bible remains relevant today is a profound one, especially in a world where skepticism and doubt often overshadow faith. Reflecting on the simplicity of childhood beliefs, such as "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so," we recognize that as we grow older, we often become more skeptical. This skepticism is reflected in surveys like the 2020 "The State of Theology," where a significant portion of people questioned the literal truth of the Bible. Yet, the Bible's relevance is undiminished because it is written by God, centers on Jesus Christ, and is intended for us.

The Bible's divine authorship is crucial. While human hands penned the Scriptures, the unity and coherence of its message across diverse authors and centuries point to God as the ultimate Author. This divine inspiration means that the Bible is not just a collection of human wisdom but the very Word of God, deserving our attention and trust.

Moreover, the Bible's central theme is Jesus Christ. Contrary to the belief that the Bible is about us, it is fundamentally about Him. The four Gospels provide unique portraits of Jesus, reinforcing the truth of His life and work. These accounts, written by eyewitnesses, strengthen the Bible's credibility and emphasize that the Scriptures are about the good news of Jesus, who offers hope and life.

Finally, the Bible is given for us. It acts as spectacles, helping us see God and the world clearly. It answers life's big questions, reveals God's character, and guides us in righteousness. In times of uncertainty, like Jehoshaphat, we can say, "I do not know what to do, but our eyes are focused on You," trusting the Bible to direct us.

In conclusion, the Bible remains relevant because it is God's Word, centered on Christ, and given for our understanding and guidance. It is a source of hope and truth in a world that often lacks both.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Authorship: The Bible's unity and coherence across diverse authors and centuries point to God as the ultimate Author. This divine inspiration means that the Bible is not just a collection of human wisdom but the very Word of God, deserving our attention and trust. [05:05]

2. Central Theme of Christ: The Bible is fundamentally about Jesus Christ, not us. The four Gospels provide unique portraits of Jesus, reinforcing the truth of His life and work. These accounts, written by eyewitnesses, emphasize that the Scriptures are about the good news of Jesus, who offers hope and life. [12:08]

3. Scripture as Spectacles: The Bible acts as spectacles, helping us see God and the world clearly. It answers life's big questions, reveals God's character, and guides us in righteousness. In times of uncertainty, we can trust the Bible to direct us. [16:06]

4. Relevance in Modern Times: The Bible remains relevant because it is God's Word, centered on Christ, and given for our understanding and guidance. It is a source of hope and truth in a world that often lacks both. [20:25]

5. Trust in the Word: Despite skepticism and doubt, we are encouraged to trust in the Word because it is written by the Lord of lords, telling us about Jesus Christ, and given to us for our good. [21:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:22] - Question of Relevance
- [00:59] - Skepticism and Doubt
- [01:33] - Survey on Belief
- [02:13] - Convincing Relevance
- [03:02] - Human and Divine Authorship
- [03:44] - Diverse Authors and Unity
- [04:24] - Supernatural Delivery
- [05:05] - God as the Ultimate Author
- [05:48] - Scripture as God's Communication
- [06:34] - Main Point of the Bible
- [07:24] - Misconceptions About the Bible
- [08:46] - Four Gospels' Unique Portraits
- [10:06] - Eyewitness Accounts
- [12:08] - Jesus as the Bible's Focus
- [13:42] - Relevance of Jesus
- [14:38] - Bible Given for Us
- [16:06] - Scripture as Spectacles
- [17:42] - Big Questions Answered
- [19:42] - Trust in Uncertainty
- [21:06] - Conclusion and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
2. Luke 24:27
3. 2 Chronicles 20:12

---

Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the purposes of Scripture? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on the Bible being God-breathed and useful for teaching and guidance? [05:48]

2. In Luke 24:27, how does Jesus use the Scriptures to reveal Himself to the disciples? What does this suggest about the central theme of the Bible? [12:08]

3. How does the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:12 illustrate the idea of relying on God’s guidance during uncertain times, as mentioned in the sermon? [19:42]

4. What are some of the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the Bible, and how does this diversity contribute to the unity and coherence of its message? [03:44]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of divine authorship in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 challenge the view that the Bible is merely a collection of human wisdom? What implications does this have for how we approach Scripture? [05:05]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Bible acts as "spectacles" for believers? How does this metaphor help us understand the role of Scripture in our lives? [16:06]

3. How does the sermon’s discussion of the four Gospels as unique portraits of Jesus enhance our understanding of the Bible’s credibility and focus on Christ? [10:46]

4. What does the sermon imply about the relevance of the Bible in addressing modern skepticism and doubt? How does the Bible provide answers to life’s big questions? [19:42]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt uncertain about a decision. How might the story of Jehoshaphat inspire you to seek God’s guidance through Scripture in similar situations? [19:42]

2. The sermon emphasizes the Bible’s central theme of Jesus Christ. How can you make Christ the focus of your daily Bible reading and study? What practical steps can you take to ensure this focus? [12:08]

3. Considering the diverse authorship of the Bible, how can you appreciate the different perspectives and backgrounds of its writers in your study of Scripture? How does this diversity enrich your understanding of God’s Word? [03:44]

4. The sermon mentions skepticism about the Bible’s truth. How do you personally deal with doubts about Scripture? What resources or practices can help strengthen your faith in the Bible’s reliability? [01:33]

5. How can you use the Bible as "spectacles" to see God and the world more clearly in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you need clearer vision or understanding? [16:06]

6. Reflect on the statement, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." How does this simple truth impact your faith today? How can you share this message with others who may be skeptical? [21:55]

7. In what ways can you apply the teachings of 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to equip yourself for good works in your community or church? What specific actions can you take this week? [20:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Authorship and Unity of the Bible
The Bible, though penned by human hands, is ultimately authored by God. Its unity and coherence across diverse authors and centuries testify to its divine inspiration. This means the Bible is not merely a collection of human wisdom but the very Word of God, deserving our attention and trust. The divine authorship assures us that the Scriptures are reliable and authoritative, providing a foundation for our faith and guiding us in truth. As we engage with the Bible, we are invited to encounter the living God who speaks through its pages. [05:05]

"For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize engaging with the Bible this week, trusting it as God's authoritative Word in your life?


Day 2: Christ as the Central Theme of Scripture
The Bible is fundamentally about Jesus Christ, not us. The four Gospels provide unique portraits of Jesus, reinforcing the truth of His life and work. These accounts, written by eyewitnesses, emphasize that the Scriptures are about the good news of Jesus, who offers hope and life. Understanding that Christ is the central theme of the Bible helps us to read it with the right focus, seeing how all of Scripture points to Him and His redemptive work. This perspective transforms our reading and application of the Bible, as we seek to know and follow Jesus more closely. [12:08]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally focus on Jesus as you read the Bible this week, allowing His life and teachings to shape your understanding and actions?


Day 3: Scripture as Spectacles for Clarity
The Bible acts as spectacles, helping us see God and the world clearly. It answers life's big questions, reveals God's character, and guides us in righteousness. In times of uncertainty, we can trust the Bible to direct us. By viewing the world through the lens of Scripture, we gain clarity and insight into God's purposes and our place in His plan. This clarity empowers us to live with confidence and purpose, even amidst life's challenges and uncertainties. [16:06]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: What specific area of your life feels unclear or uncertain right now? How can you seek guidance from Scripture to gain clarity and direction?


Day 4: The Bible's Relevance in Modern Times
The Bible remains relevant because it is God's Word, centered on Christ, and given for our understanding and guidance. It is a source of hope and truth in a world that often lacks both. Despite the skepticism and doubt that may surround us, the Bible continues to speak into our lives with timeless wisdom and truth. By engaging with Scripture, we find answers to our deepest questions and discover the hope and life that Jesus offers. [20:25]

"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 can you incorporate the Bible into your daily routine this week to experience its relevance and find hope in its teachings?


Day 5: Trust in the Word Amidst Skepticism
Despite skepticism and doubt, we are encouraged to trust in the Word because it is written by the Lord of lords, telling us about Jesus Christ, and given to us for our good. The Bible's divine origin and focus on Christ provide a solid foundation for our faith, even when faced with questions and uncertainties. By trusting in the Word, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's truth and love, allowing it to shape our lives and guide us in righteousness. [21:55]

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5, ESV)

Reflection: What doubts or questions do you have about the Bible? How can you bring these to God in prayer, asking for faith to trust in His Word?

Quotes

The Bible is relevant for you and me because it is written by God, it is all about Jesus Christ, and it is for us. It is written by God, all about Jesus Christ, and it is for us. To say that the Bible is written by God is something that perhaps you and I believe and many people have said. [00:02:28]

The fact that the Bible is written by the hands of men is actually true, and that is actually a remarkable thing for us to consider. The Bible was written in three continents. You might remember it is written in three languages: Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. It is written by over three dozen authors and individuals, many coming from different backgrounds: shepherds, kings, doctors, and fishermen. [00:03:30]

But while acknowledging that human hands participated in the writing of the book, the reason the Bible is so unified, the reason that Bible tells a coherent story is because ultimately the Author of the Bible is God. It is God who reveals. It is God who writes through human hands. God from the beginning, you may remember well, spoke. [00:05:05]

Friends, if the Creator of the universe and the Lord of all nations desires to speak to us, don't you think we should listen? The very fact that the Bible is written by God, the Word of God, should remind us that the Bible is relevant for us even today. [00:06:44]

The four Gospels represent four unique portraits of Jesus. You know what that is, right? It is not a picture, but these are paintings of Jesus' life from four different angles. I grew up in a family of five kids. It is a big family, and a pastor's kid. And there are times now that we get older, when we get together, we start reminiscing about the past. [00:09:26]

What we have with the Gospels and the four portraits is four pictures of the life of Jesus given by four different authors. Instead of taking away from the truthfulness of the Bible, it actually strengthens it. And what makes it even more interesting for us is that because we have four people giving a portrait of Jesus, we have four eyewitnesses. [00:10:32]

What does Jesus say the Bible is all about? The Bible is all about Him. The very same author of Luke, later on when he wrote his second book, the book of Acts, in chapter 8 there is this unique scene when Philip goes to the Ethiopian eunuch and he opens up the Bible and teaches the eunuch about the Bible. [00:12:45]

There is no more relevant thing to believe than what the Bible teaches about our human condition and about us and where hope and life can be found. It is relevant not only because God wrote it and the Creator of the universe speaks to us even today, it is relevant because in it is found Jesus who offers hope and life in this generation where hope and life are very difficult to find. [00:14:02]

John Calvin who lived about five centuries ago, a name perhaps familiar to some of you, he was a Reformer; and as he reformed the church, he reminded us of how important Scripture is, that for all that we do and live, it should be done through the Scripture alone, Scripture alone. And the way he described the power and the necessity of Scripture is by teaching us that the Scripture functions as our spectacles. [00:16:14]

For you see, the Bible answers the big questions that you and I have. It answers questions about where did the universe come from and for what reason was it created. Those are big questions, right? The Bible answers questions like that. It tells us the greatest love story ever written and acted, actually focusing on the Person of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. [00:17:05]

There is this wonderful prayer lifted up by Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles chapter 20. When he was facing trouble, he lifts up this prayer when he says, "I do not know what to do." That was his honest confession, "I do not know what to do." If you and I are honest on those moments often we say to ourselves, "I do not know what to do." [00:19:24]

Friends, the Bible is relevant for us today because it is written by God, the Lord of the universe, and He speaks to us even today. It is relevant for us because it is all about Christ, and Christ is the only One who offers hope and purpose in our lives. It is relevant because it is intentionally written for us, lenses and glasses provided, so that we can know God and His will for us. [00:21:06]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Oct 29, 2020. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?