Receiving God's Word

Here is the outline of the introductory lesson to the Foundations Bible Institute course that I'm teaching on Tuesday evenings at South Church.

Introduction (9/16/14)
Receiving God’s Word

We are to use God’s Word(s) for the purpose(s) for which it was given. (Not more; not less.)
-- 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Psalm 119; Deut. 10:12-13; Jer. 9:23-24; John 17:3

God’s Word is communication from Him designed to create and guide our relationship with Him.
-- John 17:3, 6, 17,20-21; Psalm 1; 19:7-11; Matt. 28:18-19; Col. 1:28; 3:16; contrast John 5:39; Matt. 23:1-5a (ff.), 23-24

We are to be clear on where we find God’s Word (how does He speak His Word to us?) Heb. 1:1-2 ; 2:1-4 (contrast Jer. 23:25-32; 2 Thess. 2:1-3a)

The Word of God is continually addressing us, as teaching, promise/warning and command.
The right responses are belief, trust and obedience.

Satan counteracts God’s working to save and sanctify us by undermining our confidence in God’s Word. (cp. Gen. 3 and Matt. 4)

The Word of God must be rightly heard and understood (and thus rightly interpreted and taught) to do its saving work. 2 Tim. 2: 15-17a ; 2 Pet. 3:16

Christ gave to the church pastor-teachers to guide believers in their understanding of God’s Word. Eph. 4:7-16; Acts 20:25-32; Titus 1:5, 9. Acts 2:42ff.; Col. 3:16

(Consider the phenomenon of ‘unsupervised’ parachurch Christianity, e.g., Christian radio); James 3:1

Summary application: Matt. 7:24-29; Jas. 1:22-25
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Related resources:
“Truth and Power” by J.I. Packer http://www.ccel.us/packer.toc.html
“Taking God at His Word” by Kevin DeYoung