Study Guide: The Authority of Scripture
(Use this study guide for deeper study of sermon preached on June 15, 2025)
The word “doctrine” refers to the body of teachings or beliefs that are considered authoritative and foundational to the Christian faith. These teachings are based on the Bible and help guide the beliefs and practices of Christ followers. Doctrines are essential for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith and they help to ensure unity among believers because they reflect the core truths of Christianity.
The doctrine of the authority of Scripture is foundational to the Christian faith, as it is the inspired Word of God and the ultimate source of truth for all believers. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Bible is not just a collection of ancient writings; it is the living Word of God, authoritative and applicable in every area of life. The Scriptures reveal God's character, His will for humanity, and His plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to submit to the authority of God’s Word, trusting that it holds the truth that shapes our beliefs, decisions, and lives.
The authority of Scripture is vital because it provides a standard by which we are to measure our lives. In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Bible offers guidance and direction in a world filled with confusion and uncertainty. It also leads us toward right living and helps us understand how to live in a way that honors God. The authority of Scripture means that we do not rely on human opinion or social trends to determine what is right, but instead, we turn to the Bible for wisdom and truth. It’s through Scripture that we find the answers to life's deepest questions. Questions like how to live in harmony with God, how to love others, and how to find eternal hope in Christ.
The authority of Scripture also calls us to obedience, as God’s Word is not only meant to be read but also lived out. In James 1:22, we are taught, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Trusting God is shown not just in hearing or acknowledging God’s Word, but in obeying it and allowing it to transform our lives. When we submit to the authority of Scripture, we allow God to shape us and mold our character to reflect His own. The authority of Scripture humbly reminds us that it is not optional or secondary in our walk with Christ; it is essential for spiritual growth and for fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives. Through Scripture, we hear God’s voice, and in responding to His voice, we grow in faith, hope, and wisdom.
Study Outline
Take some time to look up and read these verses in your Bible, highlight, or spend time reflecting as you read.
1. Definition of the Authority of Scripture
The authority of Scripture means that the Bible is the ultimate standard for faith, doctrine, and Christian living because it is divinely inspired by God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
2 Peter 1:20-21 – "Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
2. Inspiration of Scripture
The Bible is inspired by God, meaning that God guided human authors to write His words without error.
Matthew 4:4 – "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Psalm 19:7-8 – "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."
3. Infallibility and Inerrancy of Scripture
Scripture is completely true and without error in all that it teaches.
John 17:17 – "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Proverbs 30:5 – "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
4. The Sufficiency of Scripture
Scripture contains everything necessary for salvation, faith, and godly living.
2 Peter 1:3 – "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence."
Deuteronomy 29:29 – "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."
5. The Authority of Scripture Over Human Traditions
God’s Word holds the highest authority and must not be replaced by human ideas or traditions.
Mark 7:8-9 – "You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men... You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!"
Colossians 2:8 – "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."
6. The Power of God’s Word
Scripture is powerful and effective in transforming lives.
Hebrews 4:12 – "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Isaiah 55:11 – "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
7. Obedience to Scripture
Believers are called to live by the authority of God's Word.
James 1:22 – "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Luke 11:22 – "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
The following questions can be used for personal reflection, small group discussion, Bible study, or for journaling.
What does it mean for the Bible to have authority over our lives?
In what ways can we recognize that Scripture is divinely inspired rather than just human writings? (2 Peter 1:20-21)
How does the idea of the Bible being "breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16) affect the way we read and apply it?
Can you think of times when you were tempted to look outside of Scripture for guidance rather than relying on God’s Word?
In Mark 7:8-9, Jesus warns against replacing God’s commands with human traditions. What are some examples of this happening today?
Have you ever experienced a time when Scripture powerfully convicted or encouraged you? When was it and what happened?
What are some challenges that prevent people from obeying the Bible, and how can they be overcome?
What steps can you take to ensure the Bible has the highest authority in your life?