Lesson 4 for April 25, 2020

Tradition

Experience

Culture

Reason

The Bible

Even if we want to live by Scripture alone, our understanding of Scripture is significantly shaped and influenced by a number of factors: the traditions we are used to and grew up with, the way we are trained to think and how we use our reason in explaining things, our experience with certain people and ideas, and the formative culture around us.

The priority given to any source or combination of sources has a significant influence on our theology; ultimately, it will determine the direction of the entire theological enterprise.

“For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is

of the world.” (1 John 2:16)

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV)

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me.” (John 5:46)

What’s good about the Bible?

Jesus encouraged us to study it (John 5:39) and to believe in it (v. 46).

It’s the Word inspired by God. It’s useful for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16).

In matters of faith and doctrine, the Bible is above tradition, experience, culture and reason. All of them must be evaluated and analyzed with the Bible.

What’s bad about the Bible?

Nothing, as long as we are always led by its author–the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit will never lead us to a “truth” that goes against anything He has revealed in the Bible.