STRONG | Authority of Scripture | February 20, 2022
Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NIV)
1) INSPIRED
All Scripture is God-breathed… 2 Timothy 3:16a (NIV)
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
Doctrine of Inspiration:
The work of God where he providentially prepared and moved the human authors enabling them to receive and communicate according to their individual personalities and styles the truth he would have his people know for his glory and human salvation.
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. 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)
2) USEFUL
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
Teaching > What is right
Rebuking > What is not right
Correcting > How to get right
Training > How to stay right
...so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:17 (NIV)
3) RELATIONAL
World View Questions:
Who has the right to tell me what to do?
Who knows me best and knows what is best for me?
Who loves me and wants what is best for me?
Rules without Relationship leads to Rebellion
And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 2 Timothy 1:11-12 (NIV)
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV)
Reflection Questions:
1) How would you describe your view of the Bible’s authority for your life and faith? Who has the right to tell you what to do?
2) How do you decide what is right and true? As you observe the culture around us, what are their sources of authority?
3) Why do you think the simple statement that someone should do this or that “because the Bible says so” does not hold up in our world today?
What is Paul saying about the nature of Scripture in this verse? What are the implications for our view of Scripture?
5) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16a (NIV)
Paul tells us that Scripture is useful for shaping our lives. How have you seen God’s word impact your life? How has God used Scripture to change your life?
6) What questions do you have about the authority of Scripture? What things might make you question the trustworthiness of the Bible?
7) Rules without Relationship leads to Rebellion
Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?
8) Why is seeing the Bible as a relational book helpful to learning to submit to its authority?
9) Two Questions for Bible engagement:
How could engaging God with these questions in our study change the trajectory of our life?
10) What is your plan to create space for God to speak to you through His Word? Who will help you follow through with this?
Next Steps:
Journey Church - June 18, 2017 - King of Hearts: The Life of David #5: Mephibosheth - Bob Schwahn - Lead Pastor
Journey Church - August 4, 2013 ~ Against The Grain #6: Exploits and Aspirations of Us All, Part 2 ~ Derry Long - Chief...
Journey Church - November 11, 2012 ~ Kingdom Come #1: What You Do Matters ~ Brian Hopkins - Lead Pastor
