T1L5 The Authority of Scripture [Discipleship Class]

THE HOUSE OF FAITH CHURCH | REPLUM DISCIPLESHIP COURSE

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Lesson 5: The Authority of Scripture

Objective: By the end of this lesson, participants will understand why the Bible has supreme authority over our beliefs and lives, and how to submit to Scripture’s authority in practical ways.

Key Verse to Memorize:“Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” – Proverbs 30:5

1. Opening

•  “What’s the most reliable source of advice or instruction you’ve ever trusted in your life?”

• Opening Prayer 

2. Introduction

• Prompt: “If someone asked you why the Bible is more trustworthy than any other book, how would you answer right now?

  
  

3. The Source of Scripture’s Authority

• Read 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and discuss: Why does “God-breathed” make the Bible unlike any other book?

  
  

• Read Matthew 4:4. Discuss: How did Jesus use Scripture when under attack? What does that model for us?

  
  

• Read Matthew 5:17–18. Ask: Why did Jesus emphasize that not even the smallest part of Scripture will pass away?

  
  

• Summary: When the Bible speaks, God speaks.

  
  

Discussion question:“What does it mean for our daily decisions that the Bible carries the same authority as God Himself?”

4. What Scripture’s Authority Means

• Scripture is truthful – read Numbers 23:19, Hebrews 6:18.

  
  

• Scripture is the final judge – read Isaiah 8:20.

  
  

• Scripture is sufficient – read 2 Timothy 3:17, 2 Peter 1:3–4.

5. Competing Authorities

• Walk through the four contrasts:

  • Scripture vs. Human Authority (Acts 5:29)

    
    

  • Scripture vs. Tradition (Mark 7:13)

    
    

  • Scripture vs. Experience (Jeremiah 17:9, Proverbs 3:5)

    
    

  • Scripture vs. Reason (Isaiah 55:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6)

    
    

    

Discussion questions:

• Which of these (authority, tradition, experience, reason) tends to challenge your submission to Scripture the most?

  
  

• How do we gently but firmly help others who place these above the Bible?

6. Living Under Scripture’s Authority

• Read aloud James 1:21–22 and 2 Timothy 2:15.

  
  

• Emphasize three practices:

  1. Approach Scripture with humility, Obey what it teaches and Study carefully.

7. Key Points Recap & Self-Reflection

• Ask reflection questions

  • Are there areas of your life where you struggle to accept Scripture’s authority?

    
    

  • How do you respond when Scripture contradicts culture or preference?

    
    

  • What human authorities sometimes compete with God’s Word in your life?

8. Closing Application & Prayer

• Challenge: This week, before making any significant decision, pause and ask: “What does God’s Word say about this?”

  
  

• Closing Prayer: Thank God for giving us His flawless Word, ask for courage to obey it over competing voices, and pray for transformation through obedience.

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