What is it? The Authority of Scripture How do I live it?

DQ1 In what way should your life be affected if we agree that the Bible is true? DQ2 Revisiting our Discussion Questions

We can categorically state that: All authority in heaven and earth is found in the one true God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Bible is a living deposit of revealed truth which serves as an authoritative pattern for our lives God’s revelation to man is the story of His authority being demonstrated in the world – we are part of his ongoing story “Authority of Scripture is shorthand for God’s authority exercised through scripture” (N.T. Wright) Defining Authority

God’s authority is delegated to Jesus Christ and demonstrated through his church (Mat. 28:18-19; Phil 2:9-11) All things in God’s economy point away from themselves toward God - Jesus(Jn. 8:39-40); the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:25-26); the Scriptures (John 5:39); the church (Mt. 28:19-20); the disciple (Acts 1:8, John 8:31-32) The authority of God in the Scriptures is communicated through story and narrative - “How can a story be authoritative?” (N.T. Wright) Story communicates more effectively than rules and commandments – Jesus used parables God is communicating the story of his power and efficacious authority to bring restoration and redemption to the world – This is the “Authority of Scripture” Defining Authority

God’s authority is often seen in the Bible as the breaking-in of God’s kingdom through healing power and authoritative teaching Two fold tension – God has always been sovereign over the world yet that sovereignty must break afresh in this fallen world of corruption, decay, death, and human rebellion – God is renewing creation This is the ongoing demonstration of His power, authority, and limitless love – He is redeeming the world and restoring man according to His purposes. Jesus said the Kingdom of God (God’s sovereignty) in now among you. Will we submit to his authority and be renewed? The Scriptures are the story of God’s restoration of the world Kingdom Sovereignty

“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” (Mt. 6:10) “In Scripture itself God’s purpose is not just to save human beings, but to renew the whole world” (N.T. Wright) “This is the unfinished story in which we are invited to participate” (N.T. Wright) It’s enormously important that we see the role of scripture not simply to provide information and running commentary upon the work of God in salvation and new creation, but as us taking an active part within that ongoing purpose. (N.T. Wright) Kingdom Sovereignty

“Scripture is more than simply revelation in the sense of conveying information, more than even divine self-communication, more, certainly than simply a record of revelation.” (N.T. Wright) This would lead us to view God us distant from our daily lives, a detached God sending us a message about himself and his purposes This incarnate, living Word gives us a different picture – It’s alive in our midst, working out the ongoing restoration. It’s his sovereign kingdom breaking into our world here and now, daily offering us the chance to come follow him. The authority of Scripture and the self-revelation of God are always to be understood in the context of God’s renewal of all creation through Jesus Christ Transcending Revelation

God’s Authority and Plan for Renewal God’s ongoing renewal of creation God’s power and authority making all things new Transformation, new Life Acknowledgement of the Authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ Jesus is the conduit for God’s authority making the choice giving us a chance to chose life Demonstration of God’s authority through the church, through disciples The restoration of God’s plan for me. I become his ongoing story God’s ongoing renewal of creation God’s power and authority making all things new Transformation, new Life Acknowledgement of the Authority and Lordship of Jesus Christ Jesus is the conduit for God’s authority making the choice giving us a chance to chose life Demonstration of God’s authority through the church, through disciples The restoration of God’s plan for me. I become his ongoing story God’s Authority interacting with our lives Logos The Word The Seed God’s Authority The Holy Spirit gives us the power and the authority to help us receive and live God’s Word Obedience / Denial of Self The seed remains or dies Acts 1:8 John 14:15; Luke 9:23 John 12:24

The Bible is the story of God’s Authority at work The Kingdom of God is the realm of God’s authority breaking into the world God’s purpose is the renewal of all creation through Jesus Christ Key Points