Basis for Belief

Big Idea: What we believe is built on all of God’s word, which should be evident in how we live.

To believe is to act upon something that we understand to be true; it is trust put in practice.

It is critical, therefore, that what we trust is true. There is much supportive evidence to confirm that the written Word of God (scripture) is Truth that God has given us. It is a fully trustworthy basis for knowing God’s will for our lives and our belief.

2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV)

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ¹⁵ and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

1. All scripture (Truth expressed through various kinds of literature: history, poetry, prophecy, instruction, allegory, guidance)
2. God breathed, in Spirited by God
   • Because Holy Spirit of God originally inspired it, it also is best understood and applied by the guidance of the Holy Spirit
   • Jesus said, “My words are spirit, and they are life.”  John 6:63
     1. They are filled with the spirit of God
     2. They give life to the spirit of a person and empower the person to live it
3. Useful (profitable)
   • Directs us in right living
   • Prepares and gives the capacity to act in doing the works God has for us to do
   • Gives us grace=the capacity to do God’s work, God’s way

What is the importance of reading ALL scripture, rather than just finding a verse that supports a thought that we have?

Response

“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth and will assure our heart before him. (I John 3:18-19) At this point in your life, which emphasis do you need more?