Dear Reader:
I pray that this past week, you’ve seen God at work in and through your life. I also pray that God has shone His favor upon you and those whom you love. Thanks for joining me as we take a look at the authority of Scripture.
From a Christian perspective, trusting and believing in the authority of God‘s written word serves as a fundamental concept girding our faith.
As believers, understanding the role and authority of the Bible is crucial for maturing in our faith and walking daily with God. Let’s take a deeper look at the concept that the Bible is authoritative in our daily lives and in our walk with Jesus.
The Source of Authority
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
The Bible’s authority is rooted in divine origin. As believers, we understand that every word of Scripture is God-breathed, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and serves as our ultimate guide for faith and life. As we study Scripture, we must remember that it is the foundation of our beliefs and actions.
God’s Word is Unchanging
Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:89
As believers, we can stand firm and rest in the knowledge that in a constantly changing world, the Word of God never wavers. The Bible is eternal and unchanging. God is faithful and His word is reliable. Navigating through life’s uncertainties, we find stability and guidance in the timeless truths and wisdom of Scripture.
The Authority of Jesus
Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Matthew 28:18 (NIV)
As believers, we recognize that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, holds all authority over everything. Jesus repeatedly affirmed the authority of the Scriptures during His earthly ministry. In accepting the authority of Scripture, we align ourselves with the authority of Christ.
The Power of God’s Word
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
God’s Word is alive and powerful. It transforms our hearts and minds, discerns our thoughts and intentions, and guides us in righteous living. Therefore, we must approach it with reverence and humility.
Confidence and Obedience
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 (NIV)
As believers whose hearts and minds have need transformed by Scripture, we can be confident in the authority of Scripture. This is demonstrated whe we obey its teachings. As we study our Bibles, let us commit to living out the truths we discover. Through obedience to the Word of God, we experience the fullness of His blessings.
Illumination by the Holy Spirit
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.
John 16:13 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us understand and apply Scripture. When we read and study Scripture, let us remember to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to illuminate the Word and reveal its divine truths to us. We can not fully grasp the power and meaning of the Word of God apart from the Holy Spirit helping us.
The Devotional Guy™
Reflection and Application
Please take some time to reflect on what you’ve learned about the authority of Scripture through this short Sunday morning Bible study. Consider some ways that you can integrate the Word of God more fully into your daily life. Pray for the wisdom and strength to follow the Bible’s teachings to your daily life. The Bible isn’t meant to sit on a shelf gathering dust or as a coaster for your coffee.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your authoritative Word. Help us to be confident in our obedience to what it teaches us. Help us grow closer to You by knowing Your word better. May the Holy Spirit guide us in our understanding as we seek to apply Scripture in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
I pray that as you contemplate the authority of God’s word, these Scriptures will equip, empower and encourage you.
Blessings,
Rainer Bantau
The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Devotional Guy™ 
Thanks for this, David. Limited Resources + Lack of Community +Any Crisis=Homelessness here in Big D (and pretty much anywhere else). Homeless people are us without the facades. Yes—a little love and compassion mixed with a good dose of empathy do go a long way. Many people living on the streets, under bridges and overpasses, and deep in the woods go months without anyone speaking their name. They lose track of time and their sense of identity. I appreciate you, David. Thanks for sharing and thanks for caring.
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It was 109 degrees here yesterday. I saw a few homeless folks doing their best to stay cool. Two were sitting in a restaurant with a cold drink—with permission from the owner, and one was standing outside a convenience store in the shade. My friend in the shade is well known as a non-drug using person. You can safely give him $5 and trust he will use it wisely. Anyway, I thought of you and your ministry. It occurs to me that homeless people are people too, one’s who have found themselves in a difficult situation. A little love and compassion and assistance can go a long way.
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