How to Understand the Bible - “Standing on the Promises”

Memory Verse:  "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter."  2 Thessalonians 2:15

Scripture Reading:  2 Thessalonians 2:11-15

1.  What makes up the Bible?

• The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament: 39 books
  
• The New Testament: 27 books
  

2.  Why these books? Verse 15

• Apostolic: written by or tied closely to an apostle (an authorized eyewitness of Jesus).
  
• Catholic: widely, if not universally, recognized by the churches.  (Just a reminder: the term “catholic” means “universal” so our use here should not be confused with the way it’s used to identify various strains of Christianity (e.g. The Roman Catholic Church).
  
• Orthodox: not in contradiction to any recognized apostolic book or doctrine
  

3.  How is the Bible to be passed on to others? Verse 15, 

• Through Teaching and Preaching
  
• Teaching can be oral or written.
  
• With fidelity to the past! 1 Corinthians 15:3
  
• With Priority! 1 Corinthians 15:3
  
• In order for teaching to occur, learning must also occur.
  

4.  How is the Bible to be received? 

• Eagerly, hungrily: Luke 4:4 NIV - "Jesus answered, 'It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
  
• As God’s word: 2 Timothy 3:16
  
• Firmly held: 1 Corinthians 15:2 NIV - "By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain."
  

5.  Why should the Bible be received?  Verse 13

• Belief in the word of the gospel is the means of salvation! 1 Corinthians 15:2
  
• Belief in the Truth is part of God’s sanctification of the saved!
  
• Rejection of the Truth is connected to delighting in wickedness. The result of those twin sins is God’s sending of a delusion that enables the belief in a lie and condemnation. 
  

“Points for Trying?” - 2 Timothy 3:14-17

SO WHAT?

• Reject “Other books of Scripture”: There are no other Authoritative books! Not the Koran, Book of Mormon, writings of Ellen White, no Lost Books!
  
• Renew your efforts at study! Read, memorize, reflect, research
  
• Repent of laxness in Teaching!