ࡱ> *,)7 *bjbjUU " 7|7|*l~~~~ ?  :Z ౞Wf~v0? Z. The Clarity and Sufficiency of Scripture Intro: For many centuries the Roman Catholic church promoted the idea that the Scriptures were of a very complex nature and that the average person could in no way understand them without an interpreter. They of course set themselves up as the only ones capable of interpreting the Bible. Many people have the mistaken notion that the Bible is difficult, or even impossible to understand. Most who hold that view have never actually read the Bible themselves. Granted, some aspects of Scripture have to be thoroughly thought and prayed through before we come to a complete understanding, but it would be a mistake to think that most of Scripture or Scripture in general is difficult to understand. I. The Bible frequently affirms its own clarity. a. For this commandment which I command you today is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven that you should say, who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it? Deut 30:11-13 b. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple Ps 19:7 c. The entrance of your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Ps 119:130 d. I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Matt 11:25 II. Definition of the clarity of Scripture. a. The clarity of Scripture means that the Bible is written in such a way that its teachings are able to be understood by all who will read it seeking Gods help and being willing to follow it. III. Practical encouragement from this doctrine. a. This truth should give great encouragement to all Christians to read their Bibles daily and with great eagerness. We should never assume, for example, that only those who know Greek and Hebrew, or only pastors or Bible scholars, are able to understand the Bible rightly- remember that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and that many of the Christians to whom the New Testament letters were written had no knowledge of Hebrew at all: they had to read the Old Testament in a Greek translation. Yet the New Testament authors assume that these people can read it and understand it rightly even without scholarly ability in the original language. Christians must never give up to the scholarly experts the task of interpreting Scripture: they must keep doing it every day for themselves. Grudem IV. The role of scholars. a. They can explore new areas of understanding the teachings of Scripture. b. They can defend the teachings of the Bible against attacks by other scholars or those with specialized technical training. Sometimes those who attack Biblical teachings have specialized training and technical knowledge in historical, linguistic, or philosophical study, and they use that training to mount rather sophisticated attacks against the teaching of Scripture. In such cases, believers with similar skills can use their training to understand and respond to such attacks.Grudem The sufficiency of Scripture. I. Definition- The sufficiency of Scripture means that 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, and service and living life to the glory of God. a. The Holy Scriptures are able to make one wise to salvation. 2 Tim 3:15 b. All Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17 c. As his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue. 2 Peter 1:3 II. What about philosophy? III. What about psychology? If you abide in my word you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free. Jn 8:32 K  a m  4 8 * . ELMg3()*CJ 56\]6]5\ 5CJ\CJ')*KL  l m   4 5 * + LMgh*h23)*)* 1h/ =!"#$% i8@8 NormalCJ_HaJmH sH tH <A@< Default Paragraph Font.>`. 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