Purpose

To establish the scriptures as the standard for our lives.

  • Is the greatest selling book in history
  • Contains 66 books (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament)
  • Was written over a period of about 1,500 years
  • Was written by more than 40 authors from varied backgrounds (shepherds, fishermen, kings,
  • theologians, a doctor, a tax collector, etc.)
  • Contains hundreds of fulfilled prophecies
  • Is historically accurate – archaeology continues to affirm the biblical story

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

  • Through scripture, we learn about faith and salvation.
  • The Bible is God-breathed – from God himself; communicated through the personalities of chosen men such as Moses, Paul, John and Luke.

Q: What does it mean for scripture to be “God-breathed”?

Q: Do you believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God?

  • The scriptures are useful – they teach, correct, rebuke and train us in righteousness.
  • The scriptures equip us – they can be used in every aspect of our lives: areas such as marriage, parenting, work, finances, decision-making, relationships, etc.

Q: Do you see the Bible as relevant and useful to you?

JAMES 1:21-25

  • A call to humility – humbly let the word of God expose our imperfections.
  • A call to action – God expects us to look intently into his word and obey it, and he blesses

    those who do this.

  • A call to examine – the Bible, like a mirror, exposes who we really are.

Q: What is the function of a mirror and how does this apply to our spiritual lives?

MATTHEW 15:1-9

  • Many of us have grown up learning and practicing religious traditions, some of which may contradict scripture.
  • Following scripture is always more important than honoring our traditions. If our traditions contradict scripture, Jesus says we are worshipping “in vain.”
  • God wants more than lip service and religious traditions. He wants our hearts! God is looking for hearts that value his commands over man-made traditions.

Q: How might tradition come between us and doing the will of God?

ACTS 17:10-11

  • What qualities listed in this passage indicate that the Bereans were noble
    • Eagerness – they were eager to hear God’s word.
    • Digging deep daily – they examined the scriptures every day.
    • Personal pursuit of truth – they did not just accept what the religious leaders were saying; they checked the scriptures themselves.
  • Take the “Berean Challenge” and imitate these characteristics.

1 TIMOTHY 4:16

  • God cares about our life (how we live and the choices we make) and our doctrine (what we believe). So we need to pay careful attention to both.

Q: Consider an airplane in flight. Which of the two wings is most important?

  • If we are to be saved and to help save those around us, we must persist in knowing the truths of the scriptures and living out those truths in our daily lives.

JOHN 8:31-32

Holding to his teachings goes beyond mere obedience – it is to “abide” or “remain” or “continue” in his word. We hold God’s word close to our hearts and live our lives immersed in it.

Q: Jesus claims that his words are a source of truth and freedom. Do you see the teachings of Jesus as a source of freedom or constraint?

Q: Are you willing to humbly let the Bible expose your heart?

Q: Are you willing to accept the Bible as the standard for your life?

Q: Are you willing to eagerly study God’s word every day?

FURTHER READINGS

Psalm 119:97-104 The word of God gives us tremendous wisdom

Isaiah 66:1-2 The word of God is worthy of deep respect

Romans 10:17 Faith is developed through reading God’s word

1 Peter 1:22-25 We are born again through the word of God

2 Samuel 22:30-32 The word of God is flawless

Isaiah 55:6-11 God’s ways are higher than our own

VIDEO: “Can you Trust the Bible? A look at Messianic Prophecies (DT Video)

VIDEO: “Can you Trust the Bible? 3 Reasons to Consider (DT Video)