Church Vibes 101: Discipleship Series • The Authority of the Word of God

Review & Overview

1. Discipleship Series Overview

Welcome to Church Vibes 101: A Discipleship Series!

I hope you are you ready to dive deep into what it means to be a part of the Church and explore what Jesus has established?

This series is all about understanding the core of our faith and how we can live it out in today's world.

We’ve designed this series to be engaging, relevant, and impactful, specifically for you.

So, what is Church Vibes 101?

Church Vibes 101 is more than just a series of lessons; it’s a journey into the heart of the Christian faith.

Throughout this series, we will explore:

**The Authenticity and Reliability of the Bible**: Discover why the Bible is our trusted guide and how it has stood the test of time.

**Church Government**: Understand the structure and purpose of church leadership and how it helps us grow together.

**Qualifications of a Servant**: See what it means to be a true servant of God and how you can step into this vital role.

**The Trinity**: Dive into the mystery of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and how each plays a unique role in our faith.

**The Holy Spirit**: Get to know the Holy Spirit more personally and understand His work in our daily lives.

**The Gospel of Grace**: Embrace the life-changing power of God’s grace and how it shapes our lives.

2. Previous Study’s Review

Last time we were together we looked at the topic of Spiritual Warfare…

We looked at Ephesians 6:10-13 and we learned several things:

Be Strong in the Lord - Not strong in ourselves but in the Lord.

Get Ready for a Fight - Because satan is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.

Get Ready for the War - Because there is a whole world out there that we do not see called the spiritual realm.

Stand on Jesus - We need to be a well armed soldier of Christ. Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Current Study’s Overview

That brings us to today’s study and topic of discussion: The Authority of the Bible or Word of God.

Today, we’re going to get into the authority of the Word of God, a cornerstone of our faith.

II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all Scripture is 'God-breathed,' meaning it is inspired by the Holy Spirit, not merely human words.

The Bible’s transformative power, changes lives and has withstood relentless attacks throughout history.

Its unity, consistency, and central theme—Jesus Christ—set it apart.

Archaeological discoveries also confirm its historical accuracy, unlike other texts that frequently need revisions.

The Bible guides us in truth, corrects our lives, and instructs us in righteousness. It serves as our moral compass, ensuring we walk in a straight path aligned with God’s will.

Let’s open our hearts to God’s Word today, trusting the Holy Spirit to teach and guide us in all truth. Let’s pray…

1. The Bible is Inspired Vs. 16a

The Bible is the record of God Breathed words recorded by the inspiration of the Spirit!

Inspiration Greek - Theopneustos – a compound word used only here in the Bible – God Breathed…

2 Peter 1:21 NKJV

21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

How do we know that the Bible is from God?

1. The Evidence is found in the Word’s transforming ability.

Hebrews 4:12 NKJV

12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1 Peter 2:2 NKJV

2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,

The lives of people are transformed through the power of the Word of God…

No book has been more attacked – and stood the test of time…

No book has been translated into more languages (1000+ languages)

No book has been more published – over 6 billion copies!

2. The Evidence is Found in the Unity of the Bible

66 books / written over 1,500 years / 40 authors / 3 Languages

Although there are hundreds of topics – it is all about Jesus…

One problem – Sin / One Solution – the Savior (from Genesis to Revelation)!

3. The Evidence is Found in the Archeological Discoveries

No archeological discovery has ever contradicted a biblical reference…

All sorts of archeological findings have been made which confirm the Bible…

Every time an archaeologist puts a shovel in the dirt he proves the Bible true!

History book are constantly changing / Science books get revised every year… But the Bible says...

Isaiah 40:8 NKJV

8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”

2 The Bible is the Truth Vs. Vs. 16b

The only way to know the truth is by being men and women of the Word... Jesus’ Word is the only Truth – it is how we know a lie from the Truth!

John 17:17 NKJV

17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

ILLUSTRATION: About truth one huge ball in between us two…

3. The Bible Corrects Our Lives

ILLUSTRATIONS: Recent scientific studies have shown that without landmarks - we walk in circles...

The only way we can be sure we are headed in a straight line - a compass...

APPLICATION: In the same way without a moral compass - we tend to wander aimlessly in life... We try and do ‘our best’ to figure out which way to go.

But we end up lost... The only way to be certain in life - is to follow Jesus Christ - He is our compass...

When we refuse to make Jesus Lord of our lives - chaos is sure to follow!

Psalm 119:105 NKJV

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

4. The Bible Instructs Us In Righteous Vs. 16d

There is nothing we can do on our own – to make us ‘right’ with God… The only way for us to get to heaven – is through faith in Jesus Christ…

But if we did not know our Bible – we would not know about the gift of salvation!

1 John 5:13 “13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”

John 3:15 “15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Philippians 3:9 NKJV

9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Romans 3:21 NKJV

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

5. The Bible Completes Us Vs. 17

It is by studying the Word – that we are prepared for every good work! If we are unsure ourselves about the Truth of Word of God... We are not going to be very effective in sharing that Truth with others... But as we grow in our faith - are strengthened by reading God’s Word...

In our daily lives, we often seek out tools and resources to help us succeed in various tasks—whether it's technology for work, training for a sport, or advice for personal growth.

Imagine yourself attempting to do a major project or challenge without the right tools or preparation. Frustration, inefficiency, and failure are almost certain outcomes.

In a Similar way, God has given us His Word as the ultimate tool and guide. According to 2 Timothy 3:17, Scripture is designed to make us "complete" and "thoroughly equipped for every good work."

This means that through the Bible, God has provided everything we need to live a fulfilling, impactful, and godly life.

ILLUSTRATION: Think of a soldier preparing for battle. Without proper training and equipment, he would be vulnerable and ineffective.

However, with proper training and state-of-the-art gear, he is confident, capable, and ready for any challenge.

APPLICATION: In the same way, the Bible trains and equips us for the battles we face daily. It provides wisdom, guidance, and strength, ensuring we are not left vulnerable to the challenges and temptations of life.

REFLECTION: Ask yourself: Are you utilizing the full potential of God’s Word in your life?

Are you allowing Scripture to thoroughly equip you for the good works God has prepared for you?

If you find areas where you are lacking, commit today to diving deeper into the Bible, seeking its wisdom, and applying its truths.

Let it correct, guide, and equip you so that you can be complete and ready for every good work.

Maybe Start a daily habit of reading and meditating on Scripture.

Begin by identifying areas in your life where you need guidance or strength, and seek out what the Bible says about those topics.

Pray for understanding and the ability to apply what you learn.

Trust that as you immerse yourself in God's Word, you will become thoroughly equipped for every good work He calls you to do.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

ENDING….