doctrine 1 -...

SUNDAY SEMINARY: Doctrine 1 - Scripture

Feb 2017

DOCTRINE 1SCRIPTURE

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be

competent, equipped for every good work.(2 Tim 3:16-17)

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COURSE OBJECTIVESSince the Bible is the foundation of our faith, every Christians should be thoroughly familiar with the origin, nature and transmission of the Bible and be able to recognize and refute those teachings which undermine it.

By the end of this course you should:

1. Know why the Bible is central to the Christian faith.2. Understand the main ideas relating to the canonicity, inerrancy, sufficiency, clarity and

authority of Scripture.3. Be able to recognize and refute, from the Bible, those teachings which undermine it.4. Know why the Bible is important to your daily life and how you can get the maximum

benefit from it.

The study of God’s Word is an act of worship which should produce a life of worship – so please approach it as such! (Rom 11:33-12:2)

ADDITIONAL READING/ASSIGNMENTSIn order to fully benefit from Sunday Seminary, it is recommended that you formally complete the module by fulfilling the following requirements (in addition to attending classes):

1. Written Assignment 1 (2 hours): Complete FOF lesson 3 “The Revelation of God,” including memorizing the two key Scriptures in the lesson.

2. Additional Reading (2 hours,40 pages): God’s Word-Bibliology (chapter 2) in “Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth” edited by Richard Mayhue and John MacArthur.

If your are unable to obtain or afford the above resource, then you can read the following free e-book as an alternative: “Can I Trust the Bible?” (Crucial Questions Series Book 2 by R.C Sproul; obtainable from http://www.ligonier.org/blog/rc-sprouls-crucial-questions-ebooks-now-free/)

3. Written Assignment 2 (2 hours): For each of the terms below a. Define what the term means in your own wordsb. Give two Scriptures which support this doctrinec. Explain why it is important for Christian life and faithd. Describe how this doctrine is sometimes undermined.

Canonicity Inspiration Inerrancy Biblical Authority Perspicuity/Clarity of Scripture Sufficiency of Scripture Preservation of Scripture

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http://www.ligonier.org/blog/rc-sprouls-crucial-questions-ebooks-now-free/



Feb 2017

COURSE SCHEDULE (6 WEEKS)1: 05 Feb – Cannon. How did we get the Bible?

2: 12 Feb – Translation: How is the Bible translated and why is it important? (special presentation by Wycliffe)

3: 19 Feb – Inerrancy: Can we trust what the Bible says?

4: 26 Feb – Clarity: Can only Bible scholars understand the Bible rightly?

5: 05 Mar – Sufficiency: Is the Bible an adequate source of truth?

6: 12 Mar – Authority: How should we respond to, and use the Bible?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth, edited by Richard Mayhue and

John MacArthur.

“Can I Trust the Bible? Crucial Questions Series Book 2 by R.C Sproul (obtainable from

http://www.ligonier.org/blog/rc-sprouls-crucial-questions-ebooks-now-free/)

The Word of Truth: Scripture, its origin, sufficiency, and relevance by Robert, Sheehan.

Faiths Reasons for Believing by Robert Reymond

Why We Believe the Bible, DVD Series by John Piper, Crossway Publishers, 2009

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LESSON ONE

CANONICITY: HOW DID WE GET THE BIBLE?

1: SYNOPSIS“The doctrine of Scripture is absolutely fundamental and essential because it identifies the only true source for all Christian truth.” (MacArthur and Mayhue, Biblical Doctrine, chpt 1)

If the Bible is not God’s Word, then why should we believe it and obey it; but if it is God’s Word, then how can we not?

Everything we know about God comes from the Bible so we cannot know God apart from it.

2: THE DEFINITION OF CANONICITYIs the Bible one book, or a collection of independent writings?___________________________________________________________________________

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The term “cannon” comes from a similar sounding Greek word which means literally “yardstick or measuring stick.” The “cannon” is therefore the measuring stick or “standard” of what true inspired Scripture is. In simple terms it is the list of all the writings that are regarded as inspired by God and therefore rightly belong in the Bible.

“The Bible is actually one book from one divine author, though it was written over a period of fifteen hundred years through the pens of over forty men. Beginning with the creation account of Genesis 1– 2, written by Moses around 1405 BC, and extending to the account of eternity future in Revelation 21– 22, written by the apostle John around AD 95, God progressively revealed himself and his purposes in the inspired Scriptures. All this raises a significant question: How can one know which supposed sacred writings were to be included in the canon of Scripture and which ones were to be excluded?” (MacArthur, Biblical Doctrine, location 2972, Crossway Kindle Edition)

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3: THE IMPORTANCE OF CANONICITY (DEUT 4:2)According to Deut 4:2, Why is the issue of identifying the cannon of Scripture important?

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4: THE FORMATION OF THE CANNON

4.1 OLD TESTAMENT

4.1.1 Distributed orally, preserved in writing (Deut 31:9-13, 19) Oral culture: Have only a few people who can read and write, so Scripture is passed

on, or disseminated orally. It was, however, preserved by writing down. Ancient cultures would preserve their

most important and binding contracts in writings, some of which we have record of. For example, the ten commandments (Deut 10:5; Deut 31:24-26), which was placed in ark of the covenant, as testimony of the covenant between God and His people.

God said many more things to His people through His prophets, but the core, the most abiding and essential truths were written down – this became God-inspired Scripture.

4.1.2 The written testimony grows with time (Deut 31:24-26; Josh 24:26-27; 1 Sam 10:25; 1 Chron 29:29; Jer 30:2) God commanded His people not to add to His word (Deut 4:2; Prov 30:6). Over a

period of 1500 years, God himself was continually adding to His Word by commanding human authors to write down and preserve what He revealed/ inspired.

The cannon of Scripture continued to grow as God continued to supply prophets to His people with a message for His people and the essence of their message was written down and preserved.

Divine revelation ceased after Malachi – roughly 435 BC

4.1.3 God’s authoritative representatives were to be discerned (Deut 18:15-22) God’s true prophets were authenticated by God through mighty works and

predictive prophecies which could not be duplicated by false prophets (Ex 4:1-9; 1 Kings 18; Acts 2:22).

What is the connection between “signs and wonders” and divine revelation?

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4.1.4 The Old Testament cannon closed 400 years before Christ (Mal 4:5-6; Lk 16:16) Malachi ends with expectation of a coming one, Elijah the prophet. The New Testament opens with John the Baptist, the long awaited prophet to

come, last of the prophets (Luk 16:16). It is almost as if the New Testament continues a sentence begun in the Old Testament.

Between the close of the Old Testament and the start of New Testament writings, the Jews continued to record their history, but these writings were never regarded as Scripture.

There are many extra biblical references that the prophets have ceased (e.g. 1 Macc 9:27). The cannon of the Old Testament was thus closed and recognized by the time of Christ. There seems to be no debate as to what was to be included.

4.1.5 The Apocrypha The Apocrypha refers to writings of Jewish history (for example: Tobit, Judith,

Wisdom of Solomon, Letters of Jeremiah, Maccabees). These were written in the period between the close of the Old Testament and the opening of the New Testament and were included along with inspired Scripture in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament).

These writings were rejected by Jews as Scripture but came to be accepted by Roman Catholics. These writings:

1: Do not claim for themselves the same kind of authority as the Old Testament writings and were not written by an authoritative messenger.

2: Were not regarded as Scripture by God's people, either Jews or early Christians3: Were not considered Scripture by Jesus or other New Testament writers (never

quoted or referred to as Scripture)4: Contain teaching inconsistent with rest of Scripture.

Should Christians read the Apocrypha? Why/why not?___________________________________________________________________________

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4.2 NEW TESTAMENT

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The Old Testament closes with expectation of the coming of the Messiah and the New Testament opens with announcement of the coming of the Messiah. It is understandable, given the fact that the Messiah was the pinnacle or Old Testament prophetic expectation, that a body of literature, or new revelation, would be needed to explain the significance of His person and work. The coming of Christ marks a major change in God's dealing with His people – Israel to Church, Law to Gospel, Old Covenant to New Covenant (Luke 16:16).

4.2.1 Apostles = authoritative messengersThe New Testament was written within a relatively short period of time (50years) which didn’t allow long periods for prophetic predictions to be realized, validating the prophetic messengers. So how did God’s people recognize New Testament “prophets” and Scripture?

They were written or sanctioned by an Apostle (Christ’s specifically appointed, authoritative messengers). ◦ Signs of an Apostle authenticated the ministry of Apostles (Acts 2:43; 2 Cor

12:11-12)◦ The Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the Apostles hands (Acts 8:14-

18)◦ They spoke with authority of Christ (1 Cor 14:37; 2 Cor 13:3)◦ They were specifically commissioned by Christ (Jn 14:26)

Jesus promised to help the Apostles recall His teaching through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26; 16:13-14)

God was recognized to be speaking authoritatively through Apostles (2 Pet 3:2). Believers devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching (Acts 2:41-42) as unto the Lord

The writings of the Apostles are regarded as Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Tim 5:17-18 and quoted as Scripture (first quote from Deut 25:4; second from Luke 10:7)

How/ why are modern day “apostles” and false miracle workers undermining canonicity?

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4.2.2 The marks/ tests of canonicity

There is no definitive explanation for exactly how the church came to universally recognize which writings were truly inspired and therefore part of sacred Scripture, but the following were certainly important elements:

Writings associated with the Apostles who were commissioned by Christ. In other words, they received Apostolic sanction.◦ Mark with Peter; Luke-Acts with Paul; Jude with James, and was brother of Jesus;

Hebrews – only writing whose Apostolic connection is uncertain. The Church recognized, preserved and distributed them as Scripture very early on,

even quoting from other New Testament writers as Scripture (Jn 10:27).

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Agrees with rest of Scripture Comes with authority and power of Scripture

4.2.3 Extra-biblical writings (Heb 1:1-2; Jude 3; Rev 22:18-19)

Some extra-biblical writings from the second and third centuries (or later) claimed Apostolic authorship or sanction, though they were never included in the cannon.

Later New Testament writings (Jude, 3 Jn; Hebrews) speak of “the faith” which was “once for all delivered to the saints” in language which suggests a diminishing of New revelation from God.

The Apostles died out, signs and wonders died out, and in fact, even began to diminish during the life of the Apostles. The authenticating signs of God’s true messengers were thus diminishing, suggesting a decline in new revelation from God.

The church immediately began distributing and collecting the inspired writings in order to distinguish them from other spurious writings.

The Gospel of Thomas, Shepherd of Hermas, etc. were never accepted by church and contain teachings contrary to the rest of Scripture.

4.2.4 The finalization of the canon

The church didn't create the cannon, it merely recognized which books God had inspired. “A book is not the Word of God because it is accepted by the people of God. Rather it was accepted by the people of God because it is the Word of God.” ( The difference between finding a diamond and making a diamond. Cannon was already a diamond, church just recognized it.)

Why did the church begin to finalize or close the canon? Genuine Scriptures were collected because had to be read (1 Tim 4:13; Acts 2:42) in

the corporate worship services. Heretics like Marcion arose (AD 140) and had to be refuted The circulation of spurious writings required that believers differentiate between true

and false Scriptures. The spread and translation of Scripture required the church to know which must be

translated and transmitted. Another wave of persecution arose (AD 303) in believers died in order to preserve

Scripture, not other, merely human writings.

Authoritative lists of inspired writings: Athanasius (AD 367) earliest (extant) list that agrees with the present Canon Augustine and Jerome- other church fathers also produced lists with the 27 books of

the New Testament. Cynod of Hippo in 393 did not confer on them any authority they did not already

have, it simply recognized what had already been recognized.

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5: THE PRESERVATION OF THE CANNON (IS 40:8; MATT 5:18; PS 199:89)It is important to distinguish which ancient writings were inspired/ authored by God and which are not. However, can we be confident that the copies we have of these writings are the same as the originals?

5.1 The Preservation of Scripture (Is 40:8; Mat 5:18; Ps 119:89)Westminster Confession: “The Old Testament in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, being immediately inspired by God and, by His singular care and providence, kept pure in ages, are therefore authentical; so in all controversies of religion, the church is to finally appeal to them.”

God supplies and preserves His Word to His people as a testimony to them and against them (Deut 31:24-26).

God's Word is perfectly preserved in heaven (Ps 119:89) but imperfectly preserved on earth (1 Sam 13:1)

God commands that “approved” copies be made, utilized and treated as His Word (Deut 17:18).

5.2 The Transmission of ScriptureAn oral message, transmitted along a single line of witnesses, is sometimes significantly corrupted. This “broken telephone” illustration is sometimes used to suggest that the Scriptures have been corrupted in their transmission. How does the transmission of sacred writings differ from this illustration?___________________________________________________________________________

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There is good evidence of providential preservation: the more witnesses the greater the confidence we can have.

5,600 Greek mss. of New Testament; even some partial mss from first century. By comparison:◦ 10 mss. of Caesar’s Gallic Wars, the oldest one 900 years after Caesar◦ 8 mss of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian Wars◦ 8 mss of Herodotus’ History◦ Oldest mss of Thucydides and Herodotus are from 1300 years later.

We can trace lines of related manuscripts which allows textual scholars to reconstruct the original with a high degree of confidence. We have the most reliable ancient document in the world. No other religion has an ancient text as well attested to as the Bible.

At least 95% of the variants are insignificant, like spelling, word order.

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Textual scholars affirm that we are able to “reconstruct” the original from the many “textual witnesses” with 99% accuracy. We also know exactly where the discrepancies/ differences lie.

Should we regard our English Bibles as the Word of God given that it does not contain the original inspired Scriptures in the original inspired languages? Why/why not?___________________________________________________________________________

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6: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CANONWhy is it important to identify and subscribe to a specific, closed canon of Scripture? How is the canon being undermined in our modern day?___________________________________________________________________________

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LESSON THREE

INERRANCY: CAN WE TRUST WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?

1: SYNOPSISIf the Bible is not God’s Word, then why should we believe it and obey it; but if it is God’s Word, then how can we not?

Everything we know about God comes from the Bible so we cannot know God apart from it.

2: THE DEFINITION OF INERRANCY“The Scripture, in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact.” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 90)

The Bible always tells the truth about everything it talks about (geography, history, science, biology)

The Bible is truthful, but not comprehensive about every subject. The Bible conveys truth through the medium of ordinary language. We should therefore

not expect 1) scientific accuracy from poetic language (e.g the “sun rising”), 2) mathematical precision beyond the intention of the author (e.g.”800 men died”) 3) verbatim quotations from original sources.

The Scriptures themselves are without error, not the authors or interpreters of Scripture The original manuscripts are without error, not any of the various manuscript copies, or

any particular translation of it. Every word of Scripture is inspired and without error.

What would you say to someone who says that the Bible contains spiritual truth, but is not true history, science, geography, etc.

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3: THE BASIS FOR INERRANCY: The doctrine of inerrancy is derived from the fact that the Bible is God’s Word and God does not, in fact, cannot lie (2 Sam 7:28; Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18). To doubt the complete truthfulness of Scripture is to call into question God’s character and to leave humankind without any reliable, objective standard of authority and truth.

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Numbers 23:19 God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

It is the Scriptures themselves, the original written documents, which have been breathed out by God.

Paul uses a term which means literally “godbreathed” to show that the Scriptures come directly from the mouth of God, they are His words.

How would you answer someone who says that the Bible is basically true, though all the details are not necessarily true?

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4: THE PROOF OF INERRANCYThe Bible itself claims to be completely true and has proved trustworthy over thousands of years of criticism.

4.1 THE BIBLE CONTAINS GOD’S WORDS:

1 Corinthians 2:9 But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"- 10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.

2:9 Man could not have come up with these truths 2:10 The Spirit of God knows and understands the mind of God 2:12 The Spirit helps us understand and believe what God has revealed 2:13 The Apostles imparted God’s revelation in the very words which God’s Spirit had

given them rather than merely human words – verbal plenary inspiration.

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4.2 GOD’S WORDS ARE COMPLETELY TRUE

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

The very words which come from God are completely true

Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

God’s Word is not mixed with any impurities (any falsehoods) and can be fully trusted.

John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

Jesus here indicates that God’s word is not merely true, but is itself the standard of truth.

John 10:33 The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God." 34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your Law, 'I said, you are gods'? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came- and Scripture cannot be broken- 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?

Jesus equates what is written in the Law, with the Word of God which came to them, with the Scriptures – these are synonymous terms.

Jesus affirms that the Scriptures cannot be broken, which means they cannot be false. His argument is based on the plural ending of the Hebrew word.

Matthew 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Not the smallest part of God’s Word, not even the punctuation marks will be overlooked as God’s brings about every detail of what He has promised.

4.3 GOD’S PEOPLE RECOGNIZE HIS WORD

1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.

Paul’s written commands are Christ’s commands. As in 1 Cor 2:13, every believer has the Spirit of God who enables him or her to

understand and believe what the Spirit has revealed in the Scriptures.

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“The Scriptures are self-attesting. They cannot be “proved” to be God’s words by appeal to any higher authority. For if an appeal to some higher authority (say, historical accuracy, or logical consistency) were used to prove that the Bible is God’s Word, then the Bible itself would not be our highest or absolute authority: it would be subordinate in authority to the thing to which we appealed to prove it to be God’s Word. If we ultimately appeal to human reason, or to logic, or to historical accuracy, or to scientific truth, as the authority by which Scripture is shown to be God’s words, then we have assumed the thing to which we appealed to be a higher authority than God’s words and one that is more true or more reliable.” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 78)

4.4 THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THE BIBLE’S CLAIMS ABOUT ITSELFThe many critics from both within and outside Christianity who for thousands of years have been trying to prove that the Bible contains errors or contradictions, have been unable to provide convincing evidence to support this claim. On the contrary, evidence from archaeology, history and literary studies continue to support the truthfulness and reliability of the Scriptures.

Evidence which supports the divine origin and reliability of the Bible falls into 4 categories:

Biographical: The evidence that we have accurate copies of the original manuscripts. “There is not body of ancient literature in the world which enjoys such a wealth of good textual attestation as the New Testament.” (F.F Bruce)

Internal: The evidence that though the Bible was written by over 40 authors and over 1500 years, yet it is remarkably consistent within itself, all its human authors speaking with harmony and continuity such that one is able to construct a single, coherent theology and storyline for the entire Bible.

Fulfilled Prophesy: In no other religious literature do we find such accuracy in fulfilled prophesy e.g. Isaiah 44:28, 54:1 names Cyrus as the king who will order the rebuilding of Jerusalem, 100 years before it was even destroyed and 160 years before it was rebuilt.

External: The theology of the Bible is rooted in actual historical events which can be verified by historical and archaeological data.

o “It is therefore legitimate to say that, in respect to that part of the Old Testament against which the disintegrating criticism of the last half of the nineteenth century was chiefly directed, the evidence of archaeology has been to re-establish its authority, and likewise to augment its value by rendering it more intelligible through a fuller knowledge of its background and setting. Archeology has not yet said its last word; but the results already achieved confirm what faith would suggest, that the Bible can do nothing but gain from an increase of knowledge.” (Sir Frederic Kenyon as quoted in “A Ready Defence” by Josh McDowell,93)

“We may be moved and induced by the testimony of the Church to an high and reverent esteem of the Holy Scripture. And the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, the many other incomparable excellencies, and the entire perfection thereof, are arguments whereby it doth abundantly evidence

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itself to be the Word of God: yet not withstanding, our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts.” (Westminster Confession; 1643-46)

What would you say to someone who says they believe in Christ, but not in the Bible?

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5: THE IMPORTANCE OF INERRANCYIf we don’t trust the Bible completely, we won’t submit to its teaching.

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 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.

1:16 The Apostles testimony about Christ was based on eyewitness evidence. 1:19 The prophetic Word of God is even more sure than personal experience 1:20 God’s prophetic Word was written in the Scriptures for future generations. 1:21 Prophesy ultimately doesn’t have a human, but a divine origin even though God

used human authors to write His word 1:19 We must pay careful attention to what the Scripture says.

To move away from faith in the Bible is to move away from the God of the Bible

6: OBJECTIONS TO INERRANCY The human authorship of the Bible The alleged contradictions within the Bible The supposed inaccuracy of historical, geographical, scientific or cultural “facts.” The corrupt transmission of the text through the centuries

Having accepted the Bible by faith, we may safely pursue answers to the above objections, understanding that in isolated cases a satisfying answer might not be immediately found. In such cases the problem doesn’t lie with the Bible, but with our limited knowledge of all true facts and

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sometimes with our faulty interpretation of the Bible. We can be confident that all true facts will ultimately harmonize with biblical facts.

How would you answer someone who says the Bible is an inspiring book, but not the absolute authority or standard of all truth?

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LESSON FOUR

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SCRIPTURE: CLARITY – CAN ONLY BIBLE SCHOLARS UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE?

1: SYNOPSISGod has given gifted teachers to the church to enable us to correctly understand and apply the Bible. He has also given His Spirit to each believer to illuminate the Scriptures and enable us to apply them. These two “resources” make it possible for every believer to understand and apply the Bible to all of life. The Bible is for all believers, young and old, mature and immature.

Why is the clarity of Scripture an important doctrine?

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2: KEY SCRIPTURE - 2 TIM 3:14-17ESV 2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 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 competent, equipped for every good work.

3: BIBLICAL TEACHING

3.1 THE CLARITY OF SCRIPTURE IN THE OLD TESTAMENTParents/Children (Deut 6:4-6): ________________________________________________________________________

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_Levites:

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Leaders (Josh 1:8): ______________________________________________________________________________

Importance (2 Kings 18:1-7): __________________________________________________________________________

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Worship (Ps 84): _________________________________________________________________________________________

The Nation (Nehemiah 8:1-13): ________________________________________________________________________

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Summary: From youngest to oldest, from least important to most important – were all to know, understand and apply God’s Law. God provided teachers for everyone to help them understand.

3.2 THE CLARITY OF SCRIPTURE IN THE NEW TESTAMENTParents/ Children (Eph 6:1-4): ________________________________________________________________________

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_Importance (Eph 4:13-16):

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_The Sprit-filled community (Eph 5:18-20): _________________________________________________________

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_Leaders (2 Tim 3:15-17):

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Other Scriptures on this topic: Jn 16:13; Heb 5:11-16; 1 Pet 2:1-2; Deut 29:29

What does the Bible itself teach us that we are to do with the Bible?

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4: APPLICATION

4.1 DO DOCTRINE! (JAMES 1:22)

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4:2 WHAT ABOUT DOCTRINAL DIFFERENCES? (DEUT 29:29)If the Scripture is clear, why do we have so many doctrinal disagreements?

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Questions you might ask when approaching doctrine issues

Does this doctrine concern the heart of the gospel? Does this doctrine concern the character of God? Are there a number of major passages which can be studied? What is the application of this doctrine? What difference does it make? Do I have any sinful motivations which might cloud my judgment? Who else holds to this interpretation? What is the fruit of this doctrine in their life/

church?

4:3 TO CONSIDER Do you have a Bible reading plan for every member of your family? How can you bring the Scriptures into your life more? Are you doctrinal convictions clearly rooted in Scripture?

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LESSON FIVE

SCRIPTURE: SUFFICIENCY – IS THE BIBLE AN ADEQUATE SOURCE OF TRUTH?

1: SYNOPSISDefinition of the Sufficiency of Scripture:

“Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 127)

The Reformation principle of “Sola Scriptura” can be summarized as follows: “All truth necessary for our salvation and spiritual life is taught either explicitly or implicitly in Scripture.” (Sola Scriptura: the Protestant Position on the Bible, Don Kistler, 165)

The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture teaches that in the Bible we have all the truth we need in order to be saved and to live for God’s glory.

2: KEY SCRIPTURE - 2 PET 1:3-5ESV 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge,

3: BIBLICAL BASIS

3.1 OLD TESTAMENT (PS 19)

GENERAL REVELATION (1-6)What are the characteristics of general revelation?

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SPECIAL REVELATION (7-11)List what the Law of God is according these verses

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List what the Law of God does according these verses

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If the Law of God was sufficient to accomplish this, then why did God have to send Christ? Why does Paul speak of the “weakness” of the Law in Rom 8?

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3:2 NEW TESTAMENT (2 PET 1:3-5) God has given us everything we need for eternal life and godliness. All God’s gifts come to us through the true knowledge of Him. Through faith in God’s promises we have come to partake in His divine nature and have

escaped the corruption that comes from our sinful desires. God’s abundant supply still requires personal effort.

If the Scripture is sufficient, then why do we need the church?

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SUMMARY:The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is closely related to the other doctrines of Scripture

Scripture is sufficient as a source of revelation/truth about God Scripture is sufficient for God’s purpose – to know and obey Him (Authority of Scripture) Scripture is sufficiently clear (Clarity/ perspicuity of Scripture) Scripture is sufficiently accurate (Inerrancy of Scripture) Scripture is sufficient in scope/content (Canon of Scripture)

Other Scriptures: Ps 119:1; 2 Tim 3:15-16; Deut 4:2; 29:29

4: APPLICATIONHow does the sufficiency of Scripture apply to the area of decision making?

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“The truth of the sufficiency of Scripture is of great significance for our Christian lives, for it enables us to focus our search for God’s words to us on the Bible alone and saves us from the endless task of searching through all the teachings of the church, or through all the subjective feelings and impressions that come to our minds from day to day, in order to find what God requires of us. In a very practical sense it enables us to come to clear conclusions on many teachings of Scripture….Simply stated, the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture tells us that it is possible to study systematic theology and ethics and find answers to our questions.” (Grudem, Systematic Theology, 128)

How does the sufficiency of Scripture apply to the area of sanctification?

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How does the sufficiency of Scripture apply to the issue of legalism?

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