If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Cor 5:17
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Go to the source! Discover what the Bible says about …
These pages are designed to aid study or investigation for Christian discipleship through individual Bible study, Cell groups, Home groups, or meeting one to one. The questions could be used alone allowing each person to use their own Bible.
The Bible is Truth. It is the truth about life. When we live our lives by it we discover that it makes sense of life, and also that it reorders us so our lives make sense.
Bible Zone
- The Word Pure - The Word of God claims to be pure.
- Word gives advantage - God’s word gives an advantage to those who live by it.
- Freedom through Word - In keeping God’s Word, the truth will set us free.
- Challenge to Word - The Word challenges our lives, but is it true?
God’s words are pure. Their source is God, and they have arrived to us pure. The point here is that Christians affirm what the Bible claims for itself. In Psalm 12:6.
- How does the Psalm describe the purity of the Bible?
Psalm 12:6 The LORD's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.
God created life, He is the one who defines how life works. He has not kept this a secret, but has given all we need to live in His book - the Bible. This book is, among other things, the makers manual. If we pay attention it gives advantage in life. Psalm 119v97-104 illustrates this advantage.
- What does the Psalmist do with God’s word the Bible?
- What is the result in his life?
- What attitudes are portrayed here? Note how God is central.
Psalm 119:97-104
97 Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path, so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven't turned away from your regulations, for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.
The advantage God gives is not from the Bible in isolation, the Psalmist makes it clear that God himself has taught him using the Bible. This implies a heart to seek God, telling Him in prayer of a desire to meet Him in His word, and being willing to live out the truths that found there.
Jesus encouraged people to take steps to find out what His word could do for them. In John 8:29-33 Jesus is being attacked by religious leaders. Through the discussion many believed in Him. At this point He shows them how to gain freedom.
- How did Jesus see Himself with regards to God who sent Him?
- What are the outcomes of living Jesus’ way and of not living Jesus’ way?
- What does freedom mean if freedom is obtained by obeying Jesus’ teaching?
- What does Jesus say is the result of sin - living for self?
John 8:29-33 29 And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him."30 Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
33 "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?"
34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.35 A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.36 So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
Notice Jesus’ attitude here to his listeners. He is not ordering them around, but giving options and explaining the outcome of those options. God sets out truth. We have to choose to take it and live by it. There are few who do; their lives stand out as lights in a dark world.
Everyone wants the truth, until that truth challenges the way we live. The Roman governor, Pilate, when questioning Jesus asked Him, “What is truth?” He then walked out without waiting for an answer from the Truth!
When the Lord uses the Bible to challenge our lives we question it. Does it have the authority it claims? When the Bible’s authority is questioned there are often two questions.
- Is the Bible really God’s word? How could imperfect writers write what is perfect? This is dealt with as follows -
- The start point must be that at the least the writers were trying to right what they believed to be true. It is explored - The writer’s integrity
- If Jesus is God, then what He speaks has authority so what was Jesus’ view?
- Is the Bible that we have today the same as the Bible that was originally written? It was written hundreds of years ago. So: Is the text reliable?
The Bible - WORDS OF TRUTH
