Chapter 8 The Sufficiency of Scripture SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY BY WAYNE GRUDEM Truth Bible Church Sunday School 12 Jun 2011

OVERVIEW A.Definition B.We can find all that God has said on particular topics, and we can find answers to our questions C.The amount of Scripture given was sufficient at each stage of redemptive history D.Practical applications of the sufficiency of Scripture E.Questions

A.DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE “The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contained all the words of God He intended His people ot 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.” - p.127

A.DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE 2 Timothy 3:15-17 James 1: Peter 1:22-25

A.DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE 2 Timothy 3:15-17 “ 15 and that from childhood 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. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”

A.DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE James 1:16-18 “ 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.”

A.DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE 1 Peter 1:22-25 “22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass.The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever."And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” (ESV)

A. DEFINITION OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE There is no “good work” that God wants us to do other than those that are taught somewhere in Scripture: it can equip us for every good work. Psalm 119:1 and Psalm 1! Who is blameless and blessed? Why? To be morally perfect in God’s sight: Simply do all that the Bible commands What must we do in addition to what God commands? NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL!

B. WE CAN FIND… … all that God has said on particular topics, and we can find answers to our questions Because we will never be able to fully obey all God commands we tend to: Overlooked Trivialize Or Disregard This vital yet simple fact

B. WE CAN FIND… The truth of the sufficiency of Scripture: Is of great significance for Christian living Enables us to focus our attention on God’s Word rather than self- help, man’s wisdom, and the plethora of other materials out there - But seek first… Matt 6:33-34 There are subjective factors of God’s prompting but never in opposition to what His Word already says! Acts 16:6-7, Rom 8:9, 14, 16, Gal 5:16-18, 25 These subjective impressions can only remind us, but never add to the commands of Scripture When we do err, we know where to go for correction

B. WE CAN FIND… “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.” - p 129 Answers to questions on every necessary topic: Origins  Finances Relationships  Fashion Ethics  Child rearing Philosophy  Worldview Purpose  Science Prophecy  Salvation  And more!

B. WE CAN FIND… Reliance on what many early Christians experienced, did, thought or wrote… Roman Catholicism has placed on equal footing with Scripture: church tradition Magisterium This is far more important than a differing of opinion! A growing problem in the “evangelical” church as well Emergent church, seeker-driven, new -age spirituality As well as the cults

C. THE AMOUNT OF SCRIPTURE GIVEN … was sufficient at each stage of redemptive history Stage of redemptive history = dispensations God cannot and will not add any more words to those he has already spken to his people Man cannot add on his own initiative any words to those that God has already spoken God Himself has placed this restriction on Scripture and closed His revelation to us Deuteronomy 29:29

C. THE AMOUNT OF SCRIPTURE GIVEN During each stage of redemptive history God revealed exactly what was necessary for that time God’s revelation is progressive This progressive revelation and approximately 1500 years it took is one of the very impressive facts that makes the Bible so miraculous Throughout all of Scripture the message remains consistent and true This allows us to cite Scripture, study it, and apply it regardless of where it appears (within context of course) These verses all apply and are equally true and consistent: Deut 4:2, 12:32, Prov 30:5-6, Rev 22:18-19

D. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE Seven practical applications are given and there are many more: 1.What we are to think and do (2 Tim 3:16-17) 2.We are to add nothing to or consider any other writing of equal value to Scripture (Deut 4:2, 2 Cor 10:5) 3.God does not require us to believe anything about himself or his redemptive work that is not found in Scripture (Acts 4:12)

D. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SUFFICIENCY OF SCRIPTURE Seven practical applications are given and there are many more: 4.No modern revelations from God are to be placed on a level equal to Scripture in authority (Rev 22:18-19) 5.Nothing is sin that is not forbidden by Scripture either explicitly or by implication (1 Cor 10:23, Rom 12:2) 6.Nothing is required of us by God that is not commanded in Scripture either explicitly or by implication (1 Peter 2:15-17, Psalm 119:44-45) 7.Emphasize what Scripture emphasizes and be content with what God has told us in Scripture (Deut 29:29)

E. QUESTIONS 1.How much emphasis have you placed on reading the Bible over other books? 2.What doctrinal or moral questions do you have? Do you know where to go in Scripture? 3.Have you ever wished the Bible said more on a given topic? 4.How would find God’s perfect will for your life? (Ps 1:3 and 1 Cor 7:39)