Sunset Avenue church of Christ “Uncommon Things We Believe” Series #1 A Proper View of Scripture 2 Peter 1:19-21

Contents 1. "What is my purpose on Earth?" 2. "Will I have life after death?" 3. "Why do bad things happen?" “Uncommon Things We Believe” Series

Important Truth Concerning the Bible Psalm 119:11 (ESV) I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Origin: The Bible is ultimately from God. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4: 4).

Origin: The Bible is ultimately from God 2 Peter 1:19-21 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, 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.

Origin: The Bible is ultimately from God 2 Peter 1:19-21 {20} Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. {21} For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Origin: The Bible is ultimately from God 2 Tim. 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work“

Inspiration Transmission Translation Words for our consideration Origin -- The Bible is ultimately from God

Can we be sure that the writers who penned the original manuscripts did so infallibly? The expression “inspired of God” (literally in the Greek Testament, “God-breathed”) suggests that the divine Author breathed into their minds the exact message he wanted conveyed to mankind. Inspiration

The original writings, which collectively came to be called the “Bible,” have faded into oblivion. Not a single one of those original autographs remains - and doubtless for good reason. Men, had they access to those ancient scrolls, would likely worship them rather than their Author. Transmission

For instance, Paul states that Timothy, from his earliest years, had known the sacred writings which were able to make the young man wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). The “sacred writings” here referred to are the books of the Old Testament. Transmission

The original text of the Bible was in three languages. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew (with some minor portions in Aramaic) and the New Testament was penned in Greek. The question: can one know that he is reading the genuine word of God even though he is employing a translation? Translation

The most important version of the Old Testament was the Septuagint. In about 250 B.C., down in Alexandria, Egypt, the Hebrew Pentateuch was translated into Greek. The remainder of the Old Testament was done in piecemeal fashion, being completed by at least 117 B.C. Translation

At the time Christ came to earth, this Greek translation had become the Bible of the Jewish people. This is why the writers of the New Testament, when appealing to the Old Testament, most often quoted from the Septuagint. Translation

(Ephesians 3:4) In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ… (Ephesians 5:17) Therefore do not be foolish, but under- stand what the Lord's will is. Comprehension

A mere theoretical knowledge of the Bible is worthless. Christ declared: Luke 11:28 (ESV) But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” We must allow the word of God to work in us: James 1:22 (ESV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Demonstration

In general, the ungodly have a dangerously low view of Scripture. It is often so low that they reject it, hate it and in some cases try to destroy it and the person speaking it out. It can be like that even for the religiously ungodly. Low View of Scripture Shared By Wicked

I know you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. (John 8:37) Therefore, as tongues of fire lick up straw and as dry grass sinks down in the flames, so their roots will decay and their flowers blow away like dust; for they have rejected the law of the LORD Almighty and spurned the word of the Holy One of Israel. (Isa 5:24)

But to the wicked, God says: “What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips? You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.” (Psa 50:16,17) For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king. (1 Sam 15:23)

But for those who are self- seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. (Rom 2:8)

Propositions to govern our thinking 1 We have no right to hold a different view of Scripture than that held by Jesus himself. 2 We have no right to views of Scripture which are different from the apostles' view of Scripture.

Propositions to govern our thinking 3 We can never discover the depths of Scripture's insights without first accepting it as true and authoritative. 4 Scripture does not need to be defended, but simply declared.