Avoiding Confusion Lesson 3c

Intro

We have discussed how we can trust the Bible, not only in its design, its inspiration, its accuracy, and its dependability. we can also see that the Bible is capable.

The Capability of the Bible

The Bible is not only reliable and durable but it is capable.

Take a look at 2 Tim 3:16-17

2 Timothy 3:16–17 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

It speaks to every area of our lives

Doctrine - what is right

Reproof - where we are wrong

Correction - how to get right

Instruction - how to stay right.

A. Authentic Power

The Bible speaks to us and changes us for better.

The Bible is meant to bring us to Christ.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

The Bible shows us how we need to be saved, then shows us how to be saved, then, after salvation shows how great God is.

“It is the very drift and design of the whole Scripture, to bring souls first to an acquaintance with Christ, then to an acceptance of Christ, and then to build them in a sweet assurance of their actual interest in Christ” - Thomas Brooks

This is why its so important to read and apply the Bible to our lives - it changes us, guides us, strengthens us, and transforms us into the image of Christ.

Every area of life is hit by the Bible.

Was there ever a time that the Bible spoke to you directly?

For me, one example would be John 17:17

John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

B. Authoritative Principles

Doctrine

The Bible makes no apologies for the truth it presents. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, but its important to always tell and to hear the truth.

Sometimes its not easy to hear what others want to say. Do we always like hearing what our parents are saying? What about a friend, when you are not seeing eye-to-eye. The Bible is the same, we may not always like what it says, that doesn’t change the fact that its important to hear!

Don’t pick and choose what you want to apply to your life - you must take it all in. You have to be the one to change, not the Bible.

In this text, the word Doctrine is what we use to measure our lives by- it has been translated teaching in other Bibles- it leans toward “what is being taught”

It teaches us what we know about (but not limited to) Church attendance, Marriage, Relationships, Finances, Prayer, Honesty

Its only through the study and obedience to the Doctrines, or the teachings in the Bible that we get stability in our lives.

Reproof

The Bible tells us where we have strayed from the truth of the Word. Look at Heb 4.12

Hebrews 4:12 KJV 1900

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

The Bible reproves us when the words convict us

Correction

This is a picture of God’s mercy.

God doesn’t only make us feel bad, He shows us how to change.

For every truth that convicts us, there is another that shows us how to be corrected.

Instruction in righteousness

Shows us how to progress, and be sanctified, or become more Christlike.

C. Perfect Process

The Word of God provides everything we need to know God and live a life that is honoring to Him as we see in 2 Tim 3:17

2 Timothy 3:17 KJV 1900

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Perfect means mature

“The Scriptures were not given to increase our knowledge, but to change our lives.” D.L. Moody

Conclusion

The Bible is reliable, durable, and capable to help us in every area of our lives. We must build our lives upon it. It is our cornerstone, our guide, our only guide for our lives.

When you need answers go to Gods word

When you see unimaginable chaos on the news, have a heavy heart for a friend, or are struggling in your own life, focus upon God’s truth.

Culture’s confusion and our own emotions do not lead us to a true worldview.

We must allow God to direct us through His perfect Word.

All other counsel will fade away and ultimately break down.

Keep going back - time and time again- to the reliable guidance of God’s Word.