# Station 3: Authority of Scripture
**Objective:**
- Characteristics of scriptures
- Authority of scriptures
- The blessings of scriptures
- How to approach scriptures
**Key Verse:**
"All Scripture *is* given by inspiration of God, and *is* profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
**Outline:**
**Characteristics of Scriptures**
- **It is the word of God**
- "no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke *as they were* moved by the Holy Spirit." 1 Peter 1:20-21
- God communicated with man in various ways
- The Bible is God's revelation to mankind
- It is how God communicates with us - It is the answer to our prayers
- **It is everlasting**
- Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35
- **Declare the Truth**
- *I write* so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 1 Tim 3:15
- Where do we find the ultimate truth? If we have different opinions about what is the truth who would judge between us? ... Scriptures
- **It is effective and transforming**
- "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper *in the thing* for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11
- God's words are effective and transforming; even if we don't fully understand it - Read it
- Tell the story of the basket that gets cleaned by the sea water
- **We will give account for it**
- " 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. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things *are* naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we *must give* account." Hebrews 4:12-13
- We will be judged according to what is in the Bible, according to the commandments that we followed and what we did not follow
- Not knowing the law does not exonerate a criminal from his crime
**The authority of Scriptures**
"All Scripture *is* given by inspiration of God, and *is* profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17
1. **Doctrine**
- We learn the faith from the Bible
- We understand God's plan for mankind
- We learn God's commandments
2. **Reproof**
- The Bible tells us convicts us of sin
3. **Correction**
- The Bible tells us what we need to correct and change in our life for the sake of our salvation
4. **Instruction**
- The Bible teaches us how to live a righteous life according to the Lord's commandments
**Blessings of scriptures**
- **God's words are life giving**
- My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; 22 For they *are* life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it *spring* the issues of life. Proverbs 4:20-23
- **It helps us in our spiritual struggle**
- - Your word *is* a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. psalms 119:105
- How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Psalm 119:9
- Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 119:11
- **It gives hope **
- " For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. " Romans 15:4
- **Leads to success**
- - "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8
- **It brings joy and gladness**
- - Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16
**How to approach scriptures**
- When we read the Bible, our reading should be ...
- **With understanding **
- When you read the Bible do not read like a robot - Read with understanding
- Slowly
- Repeat when needed
- Stop and ask or look up words you do not understand
- Make sure you understand the whole message
- Use commentary - attend Bible study
- **In a spirit of obedience**
- "You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you." Deuteronomy 4:2
- But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. james 1:22
- “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” luke 11:28
- **In a spirit of prayer**
- Turn your Bible reading into prayers
- Reading about faithfulness - ask the Lord to help you be faithful in your life
- Reading Moses crossing the Red Sea with the Israelites - ask the Lord to help you cross hardships in your life
- Reading the parable of of the wise and foolish virgins - ask the Lord to help you be always ready
- **Personal**
- Take what you read and apply it to yourself not others
- Consider your reading a direct message from the Lord to you
- Keep God's promises they never fail
- Apply what you read to your life