the authority of the word of god
II Timothy 3:14-17
II Peter 1:16-21
II Timothy 4:2-4
I. The Bible
A. Necessary and sufficient for salvation and Christian living.
B. Our Authority.
1. Not fables.
2. Not an eye witness.
3. Not a dead man. (Luke16:30-31)
4. John 5:39-40 tells us the scriptures testify of Jesus.
5. Acts 17:11 tells us we should receive the word of God and search the scriptures to make sure our doctrine is sound according to the Word.
C. We must hear the preached Word.
II. Three Teachers
A. Bible.
1. Explicit statements.
2. Implicit principles.
3. Applies to all cultures, races, places, and times.
B. Godly leaders (pastors and teachers), Ephesians 4:11-15.
1. Must not add to or take away from the Word of God.
2. Explain and apply the teachings of Scripture.
3. Authority to preach, teach, and counsel is based on the Bible, not personal opinions or preferences.
4. The pastor as “angel,” messenger for God, Revelation 2:1-2
C. The Holy Ghost
1. Will not contradict the Word of God.
2. Nature of holiness; internal prompting in time of need, I John 2:27.
III. Improper Alternatives
A. Tradition: councils, creeds, practices.
B. Human leaders: official leaders, messianic figures, authoritative interpreters.
C. Extrabiblical “revelation”: books, teachings, “revelation knowledge.”
D. Spiritual signs and gifts.
E. Mysticism: emotions, personal experiences.
F. Rationalism: theological systems; hypotheticals based on human reasoning.
G. While some of these sources are helpful (e.g., tradition, books) and necessary (e.g., human leaders, spiritual gifts, reason), the Bible must always be our supreme authority.
IV. Conclusion, II Thessalonians 2:8-17
Love, believe, and obey the Word.
Portions of this Bible study are from Pastor David K. Bernard
