OUTLINE // Lesson 8: The Authority & Power of the Bible

What is the Bible?

“Old Testament” = 39 books before Jesus:
- 5 books of Moses (“The Law” = Genesis through Deuteronomy) +
- 13 books of history/teaching (“The Writings”) +
- 21 books of prophecy (“The Prophets”)
“New Testament” = 27 books during Jesus and later:
- 5 records of Jesus and His first followers (“Gospels” + “Acts”) +
- 22 letters written to early churches (“Epistles”)
  - 1 Prophecy of Jesus’ Return (“Revelation”)

How Does God View the Bible?

Scripture = God’s Word
- Mark 12:36; John 10:34-35 (also: Psalm 12:6); Hebrews 3:7 and 4:7 –
  - God/Holy Spirit = Speaker
  - Through Human authors (like David)
- Matthew 5:17-18 – every letter/mark endures
  - Matt. 24:35 (and John 14:26) – includes Jesus’ words
    - John 16:12-14; Acts 1:1 – even after Jesus leaves
Matt 3:16-4:11 –Scripture = God’s Ultimate Authority
- “It is written,” (4:4, 7, 10) – Scripture = Jesus’ ultimate authority
  - over Satan; over experience (compare 3:17)
- 4:4 – Scripture = spiritual nourishment (“every word” is valuable)
- 4:6-7 – We need to compare the Bible with the Bible for right understanding
  - 4:6 – Bible is misinterpreted when seeking self interest
Psalm 119:130; Isaiah 55:8-11 – Scripture = God’s Revelation
Matt 22:29-32 – Scripture = Always Relevant (see verse 31 – “said to you by God”)
Revelation 19:15 (with John 12:47-48; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12) – Scripture = Our Judge
Application
- 1 Thes. 2:13 – receive and believe it
- Acts 2:42 (also Acts 17:11) – devote ourselves to it
  - Ezra 7:10 – study // obey // teach
For more info see What Can We Learn from Jesus’ View of the Bible?

Recommended Action

Read passages above
Ask God how you can know/obey God’s word more. Suggestions:
- read Bible with others; discuss and pray how to obey it; then OBEY it!
- study books/teachings that teach the Bible and inspire you to read it for yourself
Train someone else with the yellow highlighted passages

Published by brianholda