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The Bible Clarity, Necessity, Sufficiency. 1. Clarity of Scripture The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings.

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Presentation on theme: "The Bible Clarity, Necessity, Sufficiency. 1. Clarity of Scripture The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Bible Clarity, Necessity, Sufficiency

2 1. Clarity of Scripture The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who read it seeking God’s help and being willing to follow it. A. The Bible affirms its own clarity 1. Jesus’ teachings, conversations, disputes – Luke 24:13-49 2. Deut. 6:6-7 3. Ps. 19:7; Ps. 119:130 4. Gal. 1:2; Cor. 1:2; Phil. 1:1 B. 2 Pet. 3:15-16 1. While some parts of the Bible are hard to understand, it would be a mistake to think that Scripture in general is difficult to understand C. The moral and spiritual qualities needed for right understanding 1. 1 Cor. 2:14 2. Can non-believers understand Scripture? 2 Cor. 3:12-18; 4:3-4

3 1. Clarity of Scripture D. Practical encouragement from this doctrine – if there is disagreement: 1. We are seeking to make affirmations where Scripture itself is silent 2. We have mistakes in our interpretation of Scripture 3. Understanding the Bible is not only for those who know Greek and Hebrew, but for ordinary people like us 4. While there is disagreement, there is an amazing amount of agreement on the most central truths of Scripture throughout the history of the church E. The role of scholars – is there a role for those who are experts in Greek and Hebrew? 1. They can teach Scripture clearly – office of teacher (Eph. 4:11) 2. The can explore new areas of understanding the teachings of Scripture 3. They can defend the teaching of the Bible against attacks by cults, sects 4. They can supplement the study of Scripture for the benefit of the church

4 2. Necessity of Scripture The Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God’s will, but is not necessary for knowing that God exists or for knowing something about God’s character and moral laws. A. The Bible is necessary for knowledge of the gospel 1. Rom. 10:12-17 – 5 assumptions 2. What about believers in the OT? Heb. 11:13, 26; John 8:56 B. The Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life 1. Matt. 4:4 2. Deut. 32:47 3. 1 Pet. 2:2

5 2. Necessity of Scripture C. The Bible is necessary for certain knowledge of God’s will 1. Deut. 29:29; Psa. 119:1; Psa. 1:1-2; 1 John 5:3 2. The Bible is necessary for certain knowledge about anything - If we don’t know everything about a certain subject, then how do we know that we have correct information about any one fact? D. The Bible is not necessary for knowing that God exists 1. Psa. 19:1 2. Acts. 14:16-17 3. Rom. 1:19-21 E. The Bible is not necessary for knowing something about God’s character and moral laws 1. Rom. 2:14-15; general revelation – why is this a good thing? 2. Non-believers by nature know that they have broken God’s law

6 3. Sufficiency of Scripture The Bible contained all the words of God he intended his people to 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. 2 Tim. 3:10-17; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23 A. We can find all that God has said on particular topics, and we can find answers to our questions 1. Sola Scriptura 2. Do other sources have authority over us? B. The amount of Scripture given was sufficient at each stage of redemptive history 1. Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel 2. Noah 3. Abraham 4. Moses and the Israelites

7 3. Sufficiency of Scripture C. Practical applications of the sufficiency of Scripture 1. We should search out everything that God wants us to think and do. -Heart surgeon 2. We are to add nothing to Scripture, and we are to consider no other writings of equal value of Scripture -Book of Mormon 3. God does not require us to believe anything about himself or his redemptive work that is not found in Scripture 4. No modern revelations from God are to be placed on a level equal to Scripture in authority -Charismatic and Pentecostal groups -Whenever challenges have come from other documents to be placed alongside Scripture – teachings of the Bible are deemphasized; teachings are given that are contrary to the Bible

8 3. Sufficiency of Scripture C. Practical applications of the sufficiency of Scripture 5. Nothing is sin that is not forbidden by Scripture either explicitly or by implication -Can things that are not forbidden become sin for us in some cases? 6. Northing is required of us by God that is not commanded in Scripture either explicitly or by implication -Be careful when people tell you that they have a message from God 7. In your doctrinal and ethical teachings emphasize what Scripture emphasizes and be content with what God has said in Scripture -What do we do with different understandings of church government, the Lord’s Supper, proper subjects for baptism?


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