1. Authority of Scripture Lesson 10 Power

2. The quality vested in Scripture by the Holy Spirit, whereby it is able to: bring people to a true knowledge of their own sinfulness convince them of the saving efficacy of Jesus Christ empower them to lead lives of increasing holiness

3. 2 Timothy 3:15-16 …you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable….

4. Authority of Scripture It is invested with power by the Holy Spirit.

5. 2 Peter 1:20-21 …men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

6. This investment occurs upon its composition by its human author.

7. Isaiah 55:11 …so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

8. This investment occurs upon its acquisition by its individual reader.

9. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

10. John 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth….

11. It is foolish for us to think that we will experience the power of God for sanctification apart from the ministry of the Spirit through the Word.

12. Authority of Scripture It brings them to a true knowledge of their own sinfulness.

13. The Holy Spirit convicts people of sin through the reading and proclamation of the Bible. Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) John 16:8-13 And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin….

14. James 1:23-25 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror….

15. Authority of Scripture It convinces them of the saving efficacy of Jesus Christ.

16. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes….

17. Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

18. 2 Timothy 3:15 …the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation….

19. Authority of Scripture It empowers to lead lives of increasing holiness.

20. James 1:21-22 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

21. Acts 20:32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

22. 2 Peter 1:3-4 …seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness….

23. Thinking that we can grow in our faith apart from a devoted attention to the Word of God is as ludicrous as an athlete trying to strengthen himself by eating nothing but candy.

24. Authority of Scripture Challenges to the Power of Scripture

25. Scripture can only address spiritual problems, not “real world” problems.

26. “Real World” Problems… -Psychological Issues -Chemical Imbalances -Conflicts -Church Government -Social Issues -Governmental Issues

27. Scripture alone is not enough to convince a lost person of the truth of Christianity.

28. Scripture alone is not sufficient to transform me into the person I want to be.

29. Scripture alone is not able to grow our church.

30. The Core of the Problem: A fundamental disbelief that the Holy Spirit will work through the Bible.