Doctrine Lesson 3

Introduction

Many will dispute the infallibility of the word of God in the form of the Bible. They believe that because man wrote the Bible then it is inherently flawed and cannot be wholly trusted as the word of God. Even worse, some people will say they believe parts of the Bible, but other parts are embellished, or not true at all. If we cannot trust all of God’s word, then how can we trust any of the Bible at all? And if we cannot trust the Bible at all, then how in the world can we expect to recieve eternal life at all? We can’t that’s how! We must trust the Bible regarding salvation, and so we must trust the Bible as the infallible word of God.

The Lord is perfect Psalm 19:7-9, 12-13

First, if the word is expected to be perfect, then we must assume that God is perfect, otherwise how could an imperfect being create a perfect thing? Because God is perfect, His word is perfect, pure, and endures forever.

What attributes of God’s Word are highlighted in these verses, and why are they significant in the life of a believer?

How does the Psalmist describe the impact of God’s Word on an individual’s soul, wisdom, joy, and understanding?

Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable 2 Timothy 3:16-17

If you have any doubt about the Bible, then these two verses (if you’re a believer) should put a stop to that doubt. All of the Bible is available to all men and is available for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. So what does that mean for us? It means the Bible is the basis for our doctrine, it is how we lead people to Jesus Chrit, it is what we use to correct fellow believers when they are turning from God toward sin.

What does it mean for Scripture to be “breathed out by God” in this passage, and why is this important in understanding its authority?

How does this passage emphasize the practical benefits of Scripture for believers in terms of teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness?

Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:19-21

I feel that verse 21 encompasses the whole meaning of today’s lesson. It says “no man has ever produced prophecy, rather, they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to pen the Bible.”

How does Peter describe the importance and reliability of the prophetic word in these verses?

What does it mean when Peter says that “no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man”?

How can we as believers apply the metaphor of the lamp shining in a dark place to our spiritual lives?

The Word became Flesh John 1:1-14

In the beginning of John’s Gospel he makes the bold, yet accurate statement that Jesus Christ is not only part of the Godhead, but also is the Word made flesh. He was there in the beginning when God (the Father) created the universe. As the spoken word is a manifestation of our thoughts, Jesus is the physical incarnation of God. He is fully human in His divinity. As the physical incarnation of the Godhead, Jesus has all the authority and power of God.

In John 1:1-14, the prologue to the Gospel of John, the concept of the Word (Logos) is introduced. What is the significance of referring to Jesus as "the Word," and how does it connect to the divine nature of Jesus?

The passage mentions that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us”. How does this statement relate to the doctrine of the Incarnation? What are the theological implications of the Word taking on human form?

John 1:12-13 speaks of those who received the Word and believed in His name, becoming children of God. What is the realtionship between belief in Jesus and the experience of becoming children of God, and how does this impact a Christian’s identity and relationship with God?

The Word is alive and active! Hebrews 4:12

Not only did the Word come to dwell among us in the flesh; but it is still alive and active in the world today! Jesus conquered the grave and offers each of us eternal life. Because Jesus conquered the grave, the Word is true and divine in nature. The Word is the most powerful force in this world, and continues to lead, inspire, and correct children of God all over the world. Because of God’s grace, and the bravery of a few men and women throughout history God’s Word is available to anybody who desires to read it and follow its teachings.

In what ways does Hebrews 4:12 describe the power and impact of the Word of God?

How does this passage depict the Word of God as a discerning and penetrating force in the lives of believers?

How might believers apply the imagery of the “two-edged sword” in their understanding of the Word of God?