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Know & Grow Podcast Notes – Episode 18

 

Tools for leading the Christian life – The Bible

 

Let’s talk about scriptural based goals for Christian living and the tools God provides by which we can accomplish them.

The Bible

We are to accept God’s word as a true guide for our lives (1 Thessalonians 1:6). In Paul’s informative prayer in Colossians 1:9-14, he indicates the importance of approaching our Christian life in a knowledgeable way (verse 9). Accordingly, to act correctly (verse 10) we first must know how to think. We do this first by knowing God’s Word, especially the epistles in the New Testament (Romans to Revelation 3). This is the section meant specifically to provide directions for the church age. How do we learn the importance of the New Testament epistles in our lives? There is a process by which it develops:

  • God the father – All truth began with God and was given to His Son to give to man (John 14:24; John 17:14).
  • Jesus Christ– He came and spoke to us, as recorded in the gospels, so people would believe in Him as Messiah. Upon the rejection of His message (Matthew 12), He taught the disciples about the coming age (Matthew 13-18; Matthew 24-25; John 14-17), later confirmed by the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2-4; Colossians 1:25; Ephesians 3:3).
  • The Apostles– God tasked the apostles to teach God’s truth to the church (Matthew 28:19-20, sometime called “apostolic authority”). It was the listener’s duty to obey what they heard from the apostles, not yet having the written scriptures. Importantly, the authority of the Bible itself is established not by just direct statements that it is scripture (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Peter 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:16) but also by verses which indicate the authority of the apostles (2 Thessalonians 3:4-6; Colossians 1:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:14).  To them God gave the charge to teach His truth and later to write the epistles, because they were taught by Christ Himself.
  • Second generation Christians –These believers received the word from the apostles and taught new believers under their authority (e.g., Timothy in the pastoral epistles).
  • The biblical canon– The true Word of God was written down as epistles with guidance by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16). These letters were circulated probably in the early church period when apparently an informal canon of scriptures was formed. A generally accepted canon existed in the 2nd century (1). The New Testament in its current form was finalized at the Synod of Hippo in 393 AD. The late finalization occurred probably due to Christians could not openly meet until Constantine legalized Christianity after he became the Roman emperor in 313 AD.
  • Biblical authority for the Christian life– The Bible speaks of accepting God’s word and using it as a basis for how we live our lives (2 Timothy 3:16; Ephesians 6:17; 2 Peter 3:16). Consequently, we receive not only the will of God and the benefits of the Spirit but also a healthy mind and good wellbeing through the Christian life as outlined in the Bible (1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:7).

Far from being restrictive, the Bible liberates us by teaching us wisdom and truth … with very few commands! It allows us to live a life of faith without being deceived by damaging practices in the world (1 Timothy 4:4-5). The Bible is our guidebook for life. As we live it in faith we prove God’s working within us with the accompanying joy of seeing Him bring fruit into our lives (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9).

What great truths! What a privilege to know God through his word and the little life that is holy and pleasing to him.

Next episode we will discuss the second tool we have, which is the Holy Spirit and his power to accomplish Christian living.

 

Disclaimer – This podcast is provided as information only and is intended for listeners 18 and older. No podcast content should be taken as advice or recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Teleios. The podcast is subject to change at any time without notice. Although the podcaster endeavors to ensure current and accurate content, it may contain errors and is not presented as current, accurate, complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. The podcaster does not accept any liability for the podcast or any other information (or the use of such information) provided. The speaker does not hold a seminary degree, but is self-trained in the scriptures. Specific questions should be directed to experts in the field of theology.

 

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