HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE BIBLE
Copyright © Rosemary Bardsley 2004
STUDY THREE: ACKNOWLEDGE THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE
Acknowledging the absolute authority of the Bible opens up its ability to impact our understanding and our lives. If we approach the Bible as if it a mere human book, or one of many authentic 'words' from one among many authentic 'gods', then its teaching will lack authority, is message will lack relevance. It will be merely one option among many.
The Bible however presents itself as authoritative, and expects to be read, believed and obeyed on that basis.
A. THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE IS GROUNDED IN ITS INSPIRATION
Go back to Study One and review the teaching on the inspiration of the Bible.
The Bible is God's word. Repeatedly we find the words:
- 'the Lord spoke'
- 'the Word of the Lord came'
Hebrews 1:1 states:
'In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways'
Task 1: Check these references: Exodus 20:1; Isaiah 1:1,2; Jeremiah 1:2; Ezekiel 1:1,2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1; Amos 1:2,3,6,9,11; 2:1,4,6; 3:1,12; 4:1; 5:1; 7:1; 8:1; Obadiah 1; Micah 1:1; 6:1; Zephaniah 1:1; Zechariah 1:1; Malachi 1:1.In what ways do these verses give authority to the messages of these prophets? |
B. THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE IS CONFIRMED BY JESUS CHRIST
If we believe the claims of Jesus Christ
- to equality with God, [John 10:30],
- to be the truth [John 14:6],
- and to be the light [John 8;12],
then we also acknowledge that he knows what the truth is. If he, who claimed to be the truth, acknowledges the authority of the Scriptures, we who acknowledge him can do no less, for we have committed ourselves to his trustworthiness.
Task 2: Personal challenge: Write out your personal commitment to Jesus Christ and his authority. How does this commitment put a boundary around your attitude to the Bible? |
B.1 Jesus Christ upheld the authority of the Bible
Task 3: Read the references below. Discuss and comment on the way Jesus acknowledges the authority of the Old Testament scriptures in these passages.
|
Matthew 5:17-19 |
|
|
Matthew 15:1-9; |
|
|
Mathew 19:1-6 |
|
|
Matthew 22:34-40 |
|
|
Mark 11:17 |
|
|
Luke 16:17,18 |
|
|
Luke 18:18-20 |
|
|
John 10:35b |
B.2 Jesus Christ personally submitted to the authority of the Scripture
Although he is the Lord of all, the Author of the Word, during the time of his incarnation Jesus Christ submitted to the authority of that Word.
Task 4: Compare the following Scriptures. Discuss what it meant for Jesus Christ to submit to these regulations |
||
|
Genesis 17:12 Exodus 13:2 |
Luke 2:21-24 |
|
|
Exodus 20:12 |
Luke 2:51 |
|
|
Deuteronomy 8:3b |
Matthew 4:4 |
|
Add further examples from your knowledge of the Scriptures |
||
B.3 Jesus believed the Old Testament records, treating them as fact
Task 5: Look up the references below and describe Jesus' attitude to the Scriptures.
|
Matthew 19:1-6 |
|
|
Matthew 11:20-24 |
|
|
Matthew 12:1-8 |
|
|
Matthew 12:38-42 |
|
|
John 3:14 |
|
|
John 6:49 |
B.4 Jesus deliberately aligned himself with the prophecies of the Old Testament
Task 6: Compare these references, and comment on Jesus' acknowledgement of their validity and authority, evidenced in his personal alignment with them.
|
Matthew 12:15-21 |
Isaiah 42:1-4 |
|
|
Matthew 13:10-17 |
Isaiah 6:9,10 |
|
|
Matthew 21:42-44 |
Psalm 118:22,23 |
|
|
Matthew 26:31-35 |
Zechariah 13:7 |
|
|
Matthew 26:53-56 |
Isaiah 53:7-10 |
|
|
John 5:39 |
Luke 24:24ff |
C. THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE IS AUTHENTICATED BY THE FULFILMENT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE NEW
Task 7: Check out these Scriptures. In what way does this fulfilment of the Scriptures authenticate their authority? Discuss the implications for our confidence in the Scriptures.
Old |
New |
Comment and implications |
|---|---|---|
About the birth of Jesus Christ |
||
|
Isaiah 7:14 |
Matthew 1:22-23 |
|
|
Micah 5:2 |
Matthew 2:5,6 |
|
|
Hosea 11:1 |
Matthew 2:13-15 |
|
|
Jeremiah 31:15 |
Matthew 2:16-18 |
|
About John the Baptist |
||
|
Isaiah 40:3 |
Matthew 3:3 |
|
About the ministry of Jesus Christ |
||
|
Isaiah 9:1,2 |
Matthew 4:12-16 |
|
|
Isaiah 29:18,19 Isaiah 35:4-6 |
Luke 7:22 |
|
|
Isaiah 61:1,2 |
Luke 4:16-21 |
|
|
Isaiah 43:4 |
Matthew 8:16,17 |
|
|
Isaiah 42:2-3 |
Matthew 12:14-21 |
|
|
Zechariah 9:9 |
Matthew 21:1-5 |
|
|
Psalm 128:16 |
Matthew 21:9 |
|
About the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ |
||
|
Zechariah 13:7 |
Matthew 26:31 |
|
|
Jeremiah 32:6-9 Zechariah 11:13 |
Matthew 27:7-9 |
|
|
Psalm 22:18 |
John 19:24 |
|
|
Psalm 69:21 |
John 19:28 |
|
|
Exodus 12:46 |
John 19:31-36 |
|
|
Zechariah 12:10 |
John 19:37 |
|
|
Psalm 16:10 |
John 20:9 |
|
D. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss these questions in your study group, or personally consider their relevance to your Christian faith.
|