The Reliability of the Bible - 2 Timothy 4:1-8

By David Woods

Read the poem and first paragraph of "Doctrinal Discussion"

Read Deuteronomy 4:5-10

Discussion: When you think of people who were wise, of whom are you thinking?

Discussion: How did these individuals get wise?

Discussion: Is wisdom limited to only a special few people?

Discussion: What is the promise of God's Word to the nation founded upon biblical principles?

Discussion: Then, is a nation made great because of its people or its biblical foundation?  What are the practical implications to this answer?

Discussion: If God's Word is so good, powerful, and full of wisdom, what is it that causes people to forget His Word?

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Discussion: Do we really believe "all scripture" is given by inspiration by God and is profitable for us?  Even the genealogies and even the obscure ceremonial laws?  Even the parts we don't like to read (for various reasons)?

Discussion: If we truly believe "all scripture" is inspired and profitable for us, how will that affect our reading and study of God's Word?

Discussion: "The Bible is sufficient for a handbook of faith and practice."  Why is this statement important?  What dangers do we run into when we add to or subtract from the teaching of God's Word?

Discussion: We often pray that a sinner will be convicted of his/her sin.  What is one of the best ways to bring conviction upon a sinner?

Discussion: Why is it important to continue reading God's Word - even though we may have read it the whole way through before?  How have you been helped by continual reading, studying, and the hearing of God's Word?

Discussion: What does it mean to be made perfect?

Discussion: Why is study of God's Word necessary in order to do good works?

Read 2 Peter 1:19-21

Discussion: What assurances do we have in these verses that God's Word is true?

1. No scripture is the impulse of the author's own mind.
2. No scripture is simply an expression of the desires of man.
3. All scripture was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Read first illustration under "Point of Special Interest"