Lesson 1a in the Personal Bible Study Series

Helpful Hints
This lesson is to be used if the student is reluctant to accept the Bible as our sole standard of authority, whether he/she is inclined to consider other religious writings as authoritative, or is swayed by subjective feelings, or is heavily influenced by the Pentecostal idea of direct guidance from the Holy Spirit. In the latter case, you may want to share “The Work of the Holy Spirit” lessons in the Special Studies series (coming soon).

Lesson 1a: The Final Authority of Scripture (PDF version)

Instructions: Read each passage of Scripture, then answer the questions underneath. For additional Scripture references, refer to the corresponding numbers at the end of the lesson.

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

What does the Bible claim for itself?

How much of Scripture is inspired of God?

Is the word of God complete?

 

WHAT CONSTITUTES “SCRIPTURE”?

2. 1 Timothy 5:18

Does Paul quote from the Old Testament? (cf. Deut. 25:4)

Does he also quote from the New Testament? (cf. Luke 10:7)

Does he refer to both of them as “Scripture”?

3. Jude 3

What is “the faith”? (cf. Acts 6:7; Col. 1:23)

How often has this system of faith been delivered?

4. Galatians 1:6-9

Is any other religious message (“gospel”) acceptable to God?

5. 1 Peter 1:25

Is there a legitimate reason to believe that any part of God’s word, which He intended us to have, is not in the Bible?

 

THE WRITTEN WORD

6. 1 Corinthians 4:6

Is there an emphasis on the written word?

7. 2 Peter 3:1-2

Why is the written word important?

8. John 20:30-31

What is the purpose of the written word?

9. Matthew 7:15, 21-23

Why should we be cautious about those who claim to receive new revelations from God today?

10. Acts 17:11

What standard should be used to determine truth?

 

THE POWER OF THE WORD

11. Hebrews 4:12

Is the Bible a lifeless document?

12. Ephesians 6:17

Which of the following has given life & power to the Bible’s message?

 The paper and ink

 The human writers

 The Holy Spirit

 

THE ULTIMATE STANDARD

13. Matthew 28:18

Who has been given all authority?

14. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Who will judge you on the last day?

15. John 12:48

By what standard will Christ judge you?

 

CONCLUSION

A. Do you believe that the Bible is the complete, inspired word of God?

B. Are you willing to accept whatever the Bible says as truth?

 

Additional Scripture References

1. Ephesians 3:1-5; 2 Peter 1:3, 16-21; Hebrews 4:12; 10:15-17
2. Luke 24:27; 2 Peter 3:15-16; Romans 16:25-26
3. Acts 13:7-12; Galatians 1:23; 2:2; cf. Hebrews 9:27-28
4. Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:5-6; Revelation 22:18-19
5. Matthew 24:35; John 8:31-32; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 John 2
6. Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 14:37; Rev. 1:10-11, 19; cf. Rom. 1:17; 3:4, 10; 4:23; 15:3, 9; 1 Cor. 15:54; 2 Cor. 4:13; Heb. 10:7
7. Exodus 24:4, 7; Deuteronomy 17:18-20; Luke 1:1-4; 1 Cor. 10:11; 2 Cor. 13:10; 1 John 1:1-4; Revelation 1:3
8. Romans 10:17; 1 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
9. Matthew 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:1-2; 1 John 4:1; cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5; 18:20-22; 1 Kings 13:18
10. John 8:31-32; 1 John 2:3-5; 2 John 9; 1 Thess. 5:21
11. Romans 1:16-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:22-23
12. John 14:25-26; 16:12-13; Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:19-21
13. John 5:22-27; Ephesians 1:20-22; Philippians 2:9-11
14. John 5:22; Acts 17:30-31; Romans 2:16; 14:10
15. Romans 2:16; 1 Cor. 14:37; Gal. 1:11-12; Revelation 20:12-15

 

“If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).