Trusting the Bible: Evidence of Divine Inspiration
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the trustworthiness of the Bible, focusing on both internal and external evidence. I began by discussing the internal evidence, which is what the Bible says about itself. I explained that all arguments for a worldview must be self-attesting, meaning they appeal to their highest authority. In the case of Christianity, that highest authority is God, so I used scripture to affirm scripture. I also clarified what scripture is, describing it as God's revelation to us about Himself through the written word. I emphasized that scripture is different from other writings about God because it is directly inspired by God, meaning God directed a human author to compose His message to humanity.
In the second part of the sermon, I discussed the external evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture. I explained that the New Testament was most likely written between 40 A.D and 96 A.D, within a few decades of Jesus' death and resurrection. I also pointed out that in the New Testament, there are 283 direct quotations of the Old Testament, demonstrating the continuity and consistency of God's word. I concluded the sermon by encouraging listeners to have confidence in the authority and truth of scripture, and to see the beauty of Jesus in it.
Key Takeaways:
- All arguments for a worldview must be self-attesting, meaning they appeal to their highest authority. For Christians, that highest authority is God. ([34:13])
- Scripture is God's revelation to us about Himself through the written word. It is directly inspired by God, meaning God directed a human author to compose His message to humanity. ([36:18])
- The New Testament was most likely written between 40 A.D and 96 A.D, within a few decades of Jesus' death and resurrection. This close proximity in time lends credibility to the accounts recorded in the New Testament. ([44:46])
- In the New Testament, there are 283 direct quotations of the Old Testament, demonstrating the continuity and consistency of God's word. ([43:18])
- Jesus affirmed that His teachings were not His own, but those of the one who sent Him, attesting to the fact that He spoke the very word of God. ([44:04])
Study Guide
Main Points from the Sermon:
1. The Bible is not primarily a story about things that we have to do, but it's primarily a story about what God has done and continues to do. The hero of that story is Jesus and he shows up on every single page. #!!32:11!!#
2. The scriptures, meaning the Old and New Testament, are the inspired word of God that are authoritative, trustworthy, and true. #!!32:57!!#
3. The Old Testament has been preserved and there's no compelling evidence that it has been altered from its original writing. #!!53:49!!#
4. The New Testament was written in koine Greek, the language of the Roman Empire. We can have a very high degree of confidence that the New Testament is accurate because we can compare all of these texts and they're relatively close to when it was originally written. #!!01:00:18!!#
Bible Chapters for the Group to Read:
1. 2 Timothy 3
2. John 1
Discussion Guide:
Observation Questions:
1. In 2 Timothy 3, what does Paul say about the nature and purpose of Scripture?
2. How does John 1 describe Jesus in relation to the Word of God?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus showing up on every page of the Bible, as mentioned in John 1, relate to the idea that the Bible is primarily a story about what God has done and continues to do?
2. How does the preservation and accuracy of the Old and New Testaments, as discussed in 2 Timothy 3, affirm the authority and trustworthiness of the Bible?
Application Questions:
1. How does understanding the Bible as a story about what God has done and continues to do, rather than a list of things we have to do, change your approach to reading and applying the Bible in your life?
2. How does the knowledge of the preservation and accuracy of the Old and New Testaments strengthen your trust in the Bible as the inspired word of God? How can you apply this trust in your daily life?
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in the Authority of Scripture
The sermon emphasizes the importance of having faith in the authority of Scripture. It is through this faith that we can see the truth and beauty of Jesus. The pastor encourages us to wrestle with the authority of Scripture and its claims, and through this wrestling, our faith is strengthened. [01:09:21]
Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
Reflection: How can you deepen your trust in the authority of Scripture in your daily life?
Day 2: The Lord's Table
The Lord's Table is an intimate family table given to us by Jesus. It is not open to everyone, but only to those who call Jesus their Master, King, Champion, and Savior. The efficacy of this meal is not in the bread or juice, but in the spiritual nourishment we receive when we come to Jesus's table in faith. [01:11:50]
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 11:26 - "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How can you approach the Lord's Table with a deeper sense of reverence and expectation?
Day 3: The Trustworthiness of Scripture
The sermon addresses the trustworthiness of Scripture, both internally (what Scripture says about itself) and externally. The pastor affirms that the Scriptures are the inspired word of God, authoritative, trustworthy, and true. [34:55]
Bible Passage: Psalm 119:160 - "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper trust in the trustworthiness of Scripture?
Day 4: Scripture as God's Revelation
Scripture is God's revelation to us about Himself. It is directly inspired by God, meaning that God directed a human author to compose His message to humanity. This understanding of Scripture's inspiration sets it apart from other writings about God. [37:04]
Bible Passage: 2 Peter 1:21 - "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."
Reflection: How does understanding Scripture as God's direct revelation impact your reading and application of it?
Day 5: The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper is a time to remember Jesus' sacrifice for us. As we partake in the bread and juice, we are reminded of His body given for us and His blood shed for us. This act of remembrance is a proclamation of the Lord's death until He comes again. [01:15:19]
Bible Passage: Luke 22:19-20 - "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'"
Reflection: How can you approach the Lord's Supper with a deeper sense of remembrance and proclamation?
Quotes
1. "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. This is the word of the Lord." - 31:33
2. "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 be found a liar. The Old Testament is necessary to understand God and to understand our condition and to understand why do we need Jesus." - 42:31
3. "Heaven and Earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. Jesus didn't say heaven and Earth will pass away and my words might get distorted. He said my words will not pass away." - 44:04
4. "I want you to read scripture because it's your story. It's all of our story. It's the story of humanity and it tells us how God entered into that story through Jesus. I want you to know him. I want you to know Jesus and experience his love for you." - 01:06:23
5. "In this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world. Friends, those words are true and trustworthy. That's why knowing about scripture, believing in scripture is so important because Jesus' very words and heart for you are in Scripture." - 01:08:36
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