The purpose of this series
Jesus warns His disciples about the future
• Jesus said those who stand firm will be saved – Matthew 24:10-14 (NIV)
Jesus made it clear that Gods Word was reliable (protected)
Real Life’s stance on scripture:
We believe the Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, the Bible is infallible, inerrant, and absolute truth. It is the ultimate and final authority for Christian beliefs and living. All scripture is God breathed—inspired by God.
Inerrancy: The historic Christian teaching on the Bible is that the Word is both inerrant and infallible. It is without error (inerrant) because it is impossible for it to have errors (infallible) just as God is. Inerrancy means freedom from error or untruths. It is without error in concept and truth. Infallible is incapable of error. Being infallible denies the possibility of error. Error comes from two things; deceit or ignorance, Scripture tells us God in incapable of either.
3. The right interpretation of scripture leads to the right “faith”
Tertullian (140-230)
“I say that my gospel is the true one. Marcion ( a leading gnostic teacher) says his is. I say that Marcions gospel is adulterated. He says mine is. Now, how can we settle this stand-off, unless we use the principle of time. According to this principle, authority lies with the one who is prior in time. Its based on the elemental truth that corruption (of doctrine) lies with the one who is shown to have originated later in time. Since error is falsification of truth, truth must necessarily proceed error.”
David W. Bercot (Historian and author)
Tertullian’s “principle of time” is one of the main criteria modern historians use to evaluate conflicting historical accounts. The one written closes to the actual events is normally given credence over the one written much later…Why then do we choose doctrines that were first taught 1,400 years or more after the deaths of the apostles over ones that were taught within a few decades of their lives?
What do we do?
1. Live committed lives as the Family of God no matter what
2. Live wisely amongst unbelievers
3. Live in unity on issues of secondary importance
For discussion with your small group, family and friends.
Passages: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 26:8-10.
Questions to discuss:
1. What stood out to you in the sermon? What about it was significant to you?
2. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Hebrews 4:12. What do these passages tell us about God and his word to us?
3. What role does God’s word have in your daily life and understanding of how to live?
A) When you don’t understand something in the bible what do you do?
B) How does God’s word help you make sense of the world you live in?
4. Read Psalm 119:97-112. What do you see about the author’s relationship to God?
A) What role does God’s word play in that relationship?
B) What can you personally glean from this passage?
5. In what way do you want to grow in how you interact with God and his word?
6. Try praying this prayer several times this week:
“God, Creator and Lord of all the world, you who reveals himself through the Bible and displays himself in creation, give me a heart to know you through your word. Give me a hunger to seek truth, give me wisdom to discern your ways, give me humility to seek you and to see the world through your eyes. May your word be a lamp to my feet, guiding me in these times I live in. Amen.”