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Message Notes

The Bible: The Bible and Authority

Pastor Bill West
August 7, 2021

Where Does It Come From?
For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
2 Peter 1:16–18

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:19–21

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Matthew 5:17–18 ESV

Why Is It Needed?
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.
2 Peter 1:12–15

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
2 Peter 1:19

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36

What Does It Mean?
Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles.  
2 Peter 3:1–2

Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:24–25

Bottom Line: The Bible Claims Authority Over Our Lives

Small Groups Talk About It

Watch the Message Summary:

  1. On a scale of 1-10, how well do you normally respond to authority? Share a time when you did not submit to authority, and you got in trouble for it. 
  2. Why is authority so challenging to us? Where do you find it hard to submit to God’s authority in your life?
  3. How do you define authority?  Share some examples of authority in our world today.
  4. Read 2 Peter 1:16-18 and Matthew 17:1-6:  Which disciples were present when this happened?  How is this experience a source of authority for Peter?
  5. Read 2 Peter 1:19-21: What is the other source of authority Peter talks about in these verses?  How does he see the scriptures as having authority when they were written by men?
  6. Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17:  “God-breathed” means: inspired by God or more literally breathed out by God or God’s breath. Talk about what that means about the Bible today.  Which Scriptures is Paul talking about?
  7. Read Matthew 5:17-18: What was Jesus’ view of the Scriptures?
  8. Read 2 Peter 1:19: How are the Scriptures like a light shining in the darkness? Why is the authority of Scriptures good for us and not a bad thing?
    In what ways is God’s word the authority in your life today? Where do you need to submit to God’s authority this week?
  9. Pray for each other.