What are the consequences for believing and proclaiming the Word of God?
(Heb. 4:12-13; Acts 2:11; Deut. 32:45-49; Psalm 22:12-18; 1 Pet. 1:23-25; 2 Pet. 1:19-21) Blog Mar. 29-Apr. 4, 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
INTRODUCTION: This quarter we would like to consider how to understand the Bible. Some refer to this subject as “How to interpret the Bible.” Since the Bible is its own interpreter and since Peter warns us that Holy Scripture “is of no private interpretation” we will attempt to find how best to understand the Bible. As Protestants we believe in sola Scriptura, the Bible alone as the only authoritative foundation of our faith and doctrines. This week we will examine how the Bible is uniquely different from other religious writings.
It is alive (Heb. 4:12-13; 2 Kings 22:8-20; Rev. 1:9; John 16:13-15; 17:17; Rom. 15:4; Deut. 8:3; 32:45-47; Dan. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:16)
1. What does Paul mean when he says that the Word of God is “quick” (alive) in Hebrews 4? That the Bible is equally applicable in every generation & meets every contemporary need even giving life to those who read it.
2. What does Paul mean when he says that the Word of God is “powerful” (effective) in Hebrews 4? That the Bible is superhuman having the ability to discern the real issues & deal with them from a divine perspective.
3. What does Paul mean when he says that the Word of God is “sharper than any two-edged sword” in Hebrews 4? That the Bible penetrates beneath the surface revealing the thoughts & intents of the heart & has the power (through the Holy Spirit) to transform lives.
4. What does John 17:17 tell us about the transforming power of the Bible? That it sanctifies those who immerse themselves in it.
5. What brought entire transformation to the nation of Judah during Josiah’s reign? The discovery, reading, & putting into practice the Word of God.
6. While other books bring transformation to the lives of their readers, how is Biblical transformation unique. Biblical transformation brings increased holiness & the power of the Holy Spirit to produce this holiness is inherent in the Word.
7. What does the investigation into Daniel’s life in the first year of Darius tell us about the transforming power of the Bible. That the lives of those who believe it will be free from deception & vice.
8. According to John’s testimony in Revelation what had belief in and proclamation of the Word of God brought to him as to many others throughout history? Persecution & banishment.
9 What should we learn from the fact that over 40 authors (both young and old) from a wide variety of backgrounds in sixty-six books written in three continents over 1500 years make up the Bible? That it is divinely inspired as 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us & that its complete consistency makes it an infallible guide for living & a sufficient source of truth for all time & all cultures.
10. In Deuteronomy 8 and 32 what did Moses say that giving heed to the entire written word would do for the people? It would give them life.
11. Besides giving both temporal and eternal life what does Paul tell us in Romans 15 that the Bible gives us? Understanding & hope.
It is historical (Acts 2:11,22-36)
12. In contrast to the cyclical view of history found in most world religions what is the Biblical view? That history is progressive having a beginning & moving consistently forward toward a promised future.
13. On the Day of Pentecost what did the people hear from the mouths of the disciples? The wonderful works of God.
14. On the Day of Pentecost what did Peter relate to the hearers using Scripture to support his testimony? He related the history of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, ascension, & exaltation.
15. What books of the Bible do not contain a major portion dedicated to historical narrative? Very few – possibly Psalms; Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; Lamentations; Joel; Micah; Nahum; Zephaniah; Malachi; most of the Pauline epistles; James; 1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2, & 3 John; Jude; & Revelation – this showing that the major portion of both the Old & New Testament is historical narrative.
16. Of what do each of the for gospels speak? Each of the four gospels tells the story of Jesus’ life death, & resurrection – historical narrative all corroborated by evidence.
It foretells the future (Amos 3:7; John 1:1-5; 13:18; Matt. 12:40)
17. Apart from historical narrative what other category makes up a large portion of Holy Scripture? Prophecy.
18. Of the 65 direct prophecies concerning the coming Messiah in the Old Testament how many of them were fulfilled when Jesus came? Every one of them.
19. What should the 100% accuracy of Messianic prophecies tell us about the Bible? That it is entirely unique for no other book can claim that record & we should expect every Bible prophecy yet unfulfilled to be fulfilled in its order.
20. What was Jesus’ attitude toward the historical narratives and predictive prophecies of the Old Testament? He repeatedly referred to the history as literally true & to all its prophecies as requiring fulfillment.
21. Why does John begin his gospel by referring to Jesus as “the Word”? Because he is God’s Word to humanity & both the Old & New Testament are about him – the Old pointing forward to his first coming & the New telling of the redemption he accomplished here on earth & of its application to our lives & to our future.