Sola Scriptura - Our Final Authority
October 1, 2023 Preacher: Gareth Franks Series: 5 Solas of the Reformation
Topic: The Church, Christian Living Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1– 4:8
The Bible alone is the final and ultimate and normative authority for the faith and practice of all Christians. And as a Protestant, we protest in favor of Sola Scriptura.
We need to understand that the Reformation doctrine of sola Scriptura arose within the context of the late medieval Roman Catholic church and its teaching. It was a response to doctrinal error in the teaching of the church.
The Reformers wanted to call the church back to a view of the relation between Scripture and tradition that was found in the early church. They believed that the Bible itself taught such a view. The Reformation doctrine of sola Scriptura, or the Reformation doctrine of the relation between Scripture and tradition, affirms that Scripture is to be understood as the sole source of divine revelation, the only inspired, infallible, final, and authoritative norm of faith and practice. Why? Because Scripture is “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16). In other words, what Scripture says, God says.
The apostle Paul addresses this issue in the passage that we will study now.
- Difficult Times Ahead (v.1-9)
- Believe in God’s Word (v.10-17)
- Preach & Teach the Word of God (4:1-8)
God’s life-giving speech reveals to us His salvation and calls us to faith and repentance. The Scriptures teach us everything that we need to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ and to be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:15–17).
Paul exhorted Timothy to continue on the path of ministry because “from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15). Why is the word of God able to do that? God’s word is able to do that because “all Scripture is breathed out by God” (3:16a). That is, the Scripture is the very word of God, and therefore it carries within it the authority and power of God. Moreover, the word of God is sufficient “and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (3:16b-17).
Scripture is the very word of God, and therefore it carries within it the authority and power of God. Sola Scriptura teaches us, in the end, that all other authorities in the Christian life serve underneath Scripture, while Scripture alone rules over other authorities, for it alone is God’s inspired, inerrant, and sufficient word.
Getting Started
- Can you remember the name of your favourite History teacher? What made this teacher your favourite History teacher?
- Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17
- What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?
Digging Deeper
- What does SOLA SCRIPTURA mean?
- Read 1 Corinthians 4:1–6, especially verse 6, in which Paul says we should not go “beyond what is written.” Why is this point so crucial for our faith?
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” “Equipped” means to be furnished or supplied. How does this promise help us to fulfil our mission, mentioned in Matthew 28:19-20?
The Heart of the Matter
- Agree/disagree: Sound preaching of the Word is the most important factor in choosing a church? Why/why not?
- In 2 Timothy 4v3-4, Paul says that sound doctrine must be endured. What are some implications of this?
- The Reformers were known for saying that “the church, having reformed, must always be reforming.” What does this mean for us today in the 21st Century?
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