I Am Salty!

After a worship service on Sunday, a little girl was heard singing loudly in the back seat of the car "I am saaaalty!! I am saaaalty!". The parents, wondering what their child was singing, soon remembered what they had sung during the worship service that morning, the worship chorus, "I Exalt Thee!". What was sung and what the little girl heard was two different things. Although in her case, she was singing about another biblical concept - being salt and light in the world.

Or what about the guy who was singing "Hark, The Herald Angels Sing", and when he got to the line "God and sinners reconciled...", he sang, "gold and silver make me smile". Again, misunderstood lyrics.

Alright, what's the point of all this, anyway? Well, as in the examples of these songs, there is only one correct interpretation of the song, yet different people hear it and "translate" it in many different ways - very different. This is often the case with God's Word. It only means one thing (i.e., there is only ONE correct interpretation), and yet people come up with the craziest ideas! This fun illustration helps introduce the first of three topics for this weeks' Bible Doctrine lesson.

Can the Bible be rightly understood? Is it even necessary? And is it really ALL we need in life?

Any quotes are taken from "Bible Doctrine" by Wayne Grudem, Edited by Jeff Purswell
Remember, this is only a skeletal outline.

The Clarity, Necessity, and Sufficiency of the Bible
Can I understand it? Why do I need it? Is it all I need?

A. The Clarity of Scripture

The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teaching are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking God’s help and being willing to follow it. ~Grudem, pg. 52

1. The Bible is clear about the Bible being clear.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7— for children
Psalm 19:7; 119:130—for the simple
2 Corinthians 1:13-14 - early church & new believers

So what’s the problem? The problem lies not in the Scripture, but in the reader!

2. The Bible is clear about who can understand it.

It’s not an intellectual problem, it’s spiritual.

The simple answer: sin

• Mark 4:11-12 (cf. Matt 13:11ff)—parables
• John 6:60—offensive
• John 8:31-47—cannot bear to hear
• 1 Corinthians 1:18-3:4—wise & foolish

3. Why don’t we get it?

• Mark 4:10-13; 6:52; 8:14-21; 9:32
• Luke 24:25
• John 8:27
• Psalm 119 - cf. passages asking for God's help in understanding, "open my eyes..." "give me understanding"

We fail to exercise two basic study disciplines:
Hermeneutics “to interpret” - study of correct methods of interpretation
Exegesis—process of interpreting a text (to draw out)

4. Don’t be discouraged!

Only 2 possible causes for disagreements over Scripture:

a. We’re being dogmatic where Scripture is silent
b. Somebody is wrong (or all are wrong)

5. Sit under studied men.
A good book is like a good pastor...sit and let him preach to you.

B. The Necessity of Scripture

1. The Bible is unnecessary for some things:
a. Knowing God exists—Ps 19:1 & Rom 1:19
b. Knowing moral laws—Rom 1:20-21, 32, 2:12-16

2. The Bible is necessary for the knowledge of the gospel
a. Romans 10:13-17
b. Psalm 19:7ff

3. It is necessary for living out the gospel
a. Matthew 4:4
b. Psalm 119

C. The Sufficiency of Scripture (Sola Scripture)

Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains everything we need God to tell us for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly. ~Grudem, Pg 58

1. Solely Sufficient Self Supporting Scriptures:

a. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
b. Luke 16:19-31
c. Psalm 119:1 (other selected verses)
d. 2 Peter 1:3
e. Psalm 19:7ff
f. Revelation 22:18-19
g. Hebrews 4:12-13

2. What about areas to which it doesn’t speak?

a. 1 Corinthians 8-10
b. Romans 12:10; 14

Application Questions:

1. What are some Bible passages/verses that you have never really understood? After studying the “Clarity of Scripture”, what might be your attitude toward these passages now?
2. Are you guilty of judging others who might not understand or believe the way you do about certain doctrines? (I.e., doctrines of grace) How should you respond to others who disagree with you on different issues? Which are “hills worth dying on”?
3. How much time and effort to you put into Bible study? Do you read solid books/articles/web sites/blogs about doctrinal issues to further your understanding? Do you own any study tools (commentaries, lexicons, etc.)? What can you do differently to assist you in understanding the Scriptures rightly?
4. Though we believe the Bible to be sufficient, we also see the value in other solid, biblical literature. How would you respond to someone who says “The Bible is the only book I need.”
5. Explain the difference in “general revelation” and “special revelation”. What can each do and/or not do?
6. How does the doctrine of sufficiency encourage you as a believer? List from memory any “sufficiency” passages you know. Refer to your notes, if necessary.
7. How should the doctrine of “necessity” and “sufficiency” influence your evangelism?
   

A extensive list was handed out Sunday, of suggested reading
material in several areas of theology.
CLICK HERE to see that list (you're welcome to print it out) or CLICK
HERE for a condensed version compiled by Pastor Tim Senn.