Upholding Biblical Truth in a Changing Society

 

Summary

In today's discourse, we explored the critical importance of adhering to the Biblical teachings as the ultimate guide for moral and ethical living. We live in a time where societal norms are increasingly diverging from the clear instructions of the Bible, particularly on issues such as premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality. These deviations are often justified under the guise of modern enlightenment and love, yet they starkly contradict the Word of God. The Bible is unequivocal in its condemnation of these practices, and it is essential to recognize that these teachings are not mere suggestions but divine instructions meant to guide us in righteousness.

The root of the problem lies in the tendency to rely solely on personal enlightenment or inner light, neglecting the objective truth of the Scriptures. This imbalance leads to a distorted understanding of love, where physical desires are elevated above the spiritual love that God exemplifies. The Bible speaks of different kinds of love, with agape love being the highest form, characterized by purity and holiness. This divine love is not self-centered but is concerned with the well-being of others, fulfilling the law rather than contradicting it.

Furthermore, the separation of the Spirit from the Word has historically led to disastrous outcomes, as seen in various religious movements that have strayed from Biblical truth. The Word of God is the safeguard against such errors, providing a clear standard by which all teachings and experiences must be tested. It is crucial to maintain the balance between the Spirit and the Word, allowing the Scriptures to guide our understanding and actions.

In conclusion, the call is to remain steadfast in the teachings of the Bible, allowing it to shape our lives and decisions. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will, experiencing true love and righteousness that transcends the fleeting and often misleading notions of modern society.

Key Takeaways:

1. Biblical Authority: The Bible is the ultimate authority on moral and ethical issues, providing clear guidance that should not be contradicted by modern societal norms. It is essential to adhere to its teachings to live a life aligned with God's will. [25:01]

2. The Danger of Inner Light: Relying solely on personal enlightenment without the objective truth of the Scriptures leads to a distorted understanding of love and morality. The balance between the Spirit and the Word is crucial for true spiritual insight. [26:58]

3. Understanding Love: The Bible distinguishes between different types of love, with agape love being the highest form. This divine love is characterized by purity and selflessness, fulfilling the law rather than opposing it. [31:16]

4. Historical Lessons: History shows that separating the Spirit from the Word leads to error and disaster. The Word of God serves as a safeguard against such deviations, providing a clear standard for testing all teachings and experiences. [39:29]

5. The Role of the Scriptures: The Scriptures are essential for understanding doctrine and living a righteous life. They provide the truth about God and His will, guiding us away from the pitfalls of relying solely on personal insights. [40:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:54] - Ethical Decline in Society
- [24:46] - Biblical Teachings on Morality
- [25:40] - The Authority of Scripture
- [26:58] - The Danger of Inner Light
- [27:39] - The Dignity of Man
- [28:23] - Nature's Testimony
- [29:25] - Misunderstanding Love
- [30:15] - Types of Love
- [31:16] - Agape Love
- [32:42] - The Test of Chastity
- [34:10] - Love and Law
- [36:35] - Love as Fulfillment of the Law
- [39:29] - Spirit and Word
- [40:29] - The Role of Scriptures

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. 2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2. Romans 13:10 - "Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
3. 1 Corinthians 13 - The chapter on love, particularly focusing on agape love.

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Timothy 3:16, what are the purposes of Scripture? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the authority of the Bible? [25:21]

2. In Romans 13:10, how is love described in relation to the law? How does this align with the sermon’s discussion on love and law? [36:16]

3. What are the different types of love mentioned in the sermon, and how are they distinguished from one another? [31:16]

4. How does the sermon describe the consequences of separating the Spirit from the Word? [39:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon suggest that modern societal norms conflict with Biblical teachings, particularly on issues like premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality? [24:46]

2. What does the sermon imply about the dangers of relying solely on personal enlightenment or "inner light" without the guidance of Scripture? [26:58]

3. How does the sermon define agape love, and why is it considered the highest form of love according to the Bible? [31:16]

4. What historical examples does the sermon provide to illustrate the dangers of separating the Spirit from the Word, and what lessons can be learned from these examples? [39:29]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be prioritizing personal enlightenment over Biblical teachings? How can you realign your focus to ensure Scripture guides your decisions? [26:58]

2. In what ways can you cultivate agape love in your relationships, ensuring it is characterized by purity and selflessness? Identify one relationship where you can practice this love more intentionally. [31:16]

3. Consider the balance between the Spirit and the Word in your spiritual life. How can you ensure that your spiritual experiences are grounded in Scripture? [39:29]

4. How do you currently respond to societal norms that contradict Biblical teachings? What steps can you take to stand firm in your faith while engaging with the world around you? [24:46]

5. Think about a time when you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking guidance from the Bible. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [26:58]

6. How can you use the teachings of 2 Timothy 3:16 to guide your daily life and decisions? Identify one specific area where you can apply this Scripture more effectively. [25:21]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about love and law. How can you ensure that your expressions of love fulfill the law, as described in Romans 13:10? [36:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as the Ultimate Moral Compass
The Bible stands as the ultimate authority on moral and ethical issues, providing clear guidance that should not be contradicted by modern societal norms. In a world where societal values often shift and change, the Bible offers a steadfast foundation for living a life aligned with God's will. It is essential to adhere to its teachings, recognizing them not as mere suggestions but as divine instructions meant to guide us in righteousness. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will, experiencing true love and righteousness that transcends the fleeting and often misleading notions of modern society. [25:01]

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life, to preserve you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress." (Proverbs 6:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize the teachings of the Bible over societal norms in your daily decision-making?


Day 2: The Perils of Relying Solely on Personal Enlightenment
Relying solely on personal enlightenment without the objective truth of the Scriptures leads to a distorted understanding of love and morality. This imbalance can cause individuals to elevate physical desires above the spiritual love that God exemplifies. The balance between the Spirit and the Word is crucial for true spiritual insight, as the Word of God provides a clear standard by which all teachings and experiences must be tested. It is crucial to maintain this balance, allowing the Scriptures to guide our understanding and actions. [26:58]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you ensure that your personal beliefs and insights are aligned with the objective truth of the Scriptures?


Day 3: Agape Love as the Fulfillment of the Law
The Bible distinguishes between different types of love, with agape love being the highest form. This divine love is characterized by purity and selflessness, fulfilling the law rather than opposing it. Agape love is not self-centered but is concerned with the well-being of others, exemplifying the love that God has for humanity. Understanding and practicing this form of love allows individuals to live in accordance with God's will, experiencing a deeper and more meaningful connection with Him and others. [31:16]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate agape love in your interactions with others today?


Day 4: Learning from Historical Deviations
History shows that separating the Spirit from the Word leads to error and disaster. Various religious movements that have strayed from Biblical truth serve as cautionary tales of the consequences of neglecting the Scriptures. The Word of God serves as a safeguard against such deviations, providing a clear standard for testing all teachings and experiences. By remaining grounded in the Scriptures, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of relying solely on personal insights and maintain a strong foundation in their faith. [39:29]

"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: What lessons can you learn from historical deviations from Biblical truth, and how can they inform your spiritual journey?


Day 5: The Essential Role of the Scriptures
The Scriptures are essential for understanding doctrine and living a righteous life. They provide the truth about God and His will, guiding individuals away from the pitfalls of relying solely on personal insights. By allowing the Scriptures to shape our lives and decisions, we align ourselves with God's will and experience true love and righteousness. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illuminating the way to a life that honors Him. [40:29]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:105-106, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of Scriptures into your daily routine to ensure that your life is guided by God's truth?

Quotes


The Bible is perfectly clear on these three points it condemns the three so that they don't hesitate to contradict the Biblical teaching the where does the Biblical teaching come from it comes from God all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine and reproof and instruction in righteousness says the Apostle Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16. [00:25:26]

They've arrived in this position for this one reason, that they are going on what they call the inner light only and not checking it by the word they're putting all the emphasis on one and not keeping the balance and putting the equal emphasis upon the other so you see you trust your own feeling your own understanding your own Enlightenment more than you do the the objective word of God. [00:26:56]

The Bible talks about three kinds of love if you like putting love in inverted commers one of them it calls AOS which is animal physical it's in all of us of course God's put it there there's nothing wrong in it in and of itself but then there's another one which Rises to a higher level the kind of love which we normally denote as friendship. [00:30:01]

The New Testament goes on and it invents a new word to describe love in terms of God's love to men and the love that men becomes capable of in return to God agap and this is something that's in a different realm all together this isn't physical this is the love of God himself full of benignity full of Purity full of Holiness God's holy love to men. [00:31:07]

The church has emphasized Chastity why well for this reason that it is a test of love you tell the difference between OS and Agape ultimately by the test of Chastity but you see These Foolish people put them as opposites they contrast law and love they say they're opposit I mustn't go back over this. [00:33:42]

The New Testament says is this that if the love that you talk about is not chased well then It Isn't Love it's AOS now let me give you my Authority for saying this the Apostle Paul has put it in the epistle to the Romans in Chapter 13 and in verse 10 where he deals with this whole matter. [00:34:50]

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor therefore love is the Fulfillment of the law and yet these people will come up and say oh you mustn't put Chastity in the supreme position love must go there love and Chastity are opposites you see love and law have become opposites by now the answer is that love is the fulfilling of the law. [00:36:16]

There is nothing which is more fatal than to separate the spirit from the word that's been the whole tragedy of the Quakers from beginning to end it led to certain excesses at the very beginning it has continued to do so and now we've got it in this most refined intellectual sophisticated manner but it's revealed the cloven hoof. [00:39:39]

The word where has the word come from it is the spirit who has indicted it prophecy says Peter in his Second Epistle in chapter one no word of Prophecy in ancient time came by the will of men it's not of any private interpretation it isn't what a man thinks that's his whole definition of scripture. [00:41:14]

The scriptures are able to make thee wise and to Salvation all scripture is given by inspiration of God God breathed profitable for Doctrine for reprove you won't know your Doctrine anywhere else you can't work out your Doctrine it isn't what you and I think about the Lord Jesus Christ that matters it's what's been revealed about him. [00:40:29]

The whole of church history is stwn with the tragedies which have followed when men have divided the word from the spirit and have ignored the word and said it doesn't matter I've had this light I've had this illumination I think I have referred before from this Pulpit to a book written back about 25 years ago on this whole theme. [00:41:43]

If you keep true to the word you can't follow Cults like that all the Cults do the same thing but you can't if you keep true to the word the word will pull you up it'll condemn you it'll say look here the word says Thou shalt not this Thou shalt not that therefore whatever light you claim to have it's not of God it's of the devil. [00:44:48]

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Transcript
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