Skip to main content

Jordan Gospel Centre

Donate

The Bible is the Final Authority

Emmanuel Chucks

MAIN TEXT: ACTS 17:1-15

HIGHLIGHT VERSE: ACTS 17:11
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (NIV)

TOPIC POINTS:

  1. The Bible is Sevenfold Authentic – Psalm 12:6
  2. The Bible Cannot Be Faulted – John 10:34-35
  3. The Bible is Effective – Isaiah 55:10-12
  4. The Bible Has the Final Say – Acts 17:11

INTRODUCTION:

Final authority refers to one who has the final say, the point of reference, and the end of all arguments and confusions. Some believe that their church has the final say on matters concerning God and religion, others believe the head of their church has this authority, while others yet still give that authority to scientific consensus.

Our text points us to Scripture as the final authority in all matters. This is the view of Jesus as He interacted with the people of His day. The Bible is not only the final authority on religion and God but also in all matters that it speaks on. It has the final authority because it comes from the ultimate authority, God Himself.

THE BIBLE IS SEVENFOLD AUTHENTIC

– PSALM 12:6, MATTHEW 7:28-29

David speaking in the Spirit describes God’s word as precious metal refined seven times. God’s word is pure and flawless, purified by the fire of God’s absolute truth.

God’s word stands over the words of men and of angels. The many words, philosophies and musings of the most intelligent and distinguished of men pale in comparison to the pure words of God. One sure word from God trumps a lifetime of words from humans and angels.

THE BIBLE CANNOT BE FAULTED

– JOHN 10:34-35, MATTHEW 5:18

According to Jesus, Scripture cannot be broken (set aside). Since Scripture is not just the Word of God but the words of God, it cannot be faulted. It is never wrong or erroneous. It cannot be improved upon but stands as the final truth.

If those who received the word of God were called ‘gods,’ denoting their authority to judge and determine the fate of others, how much more authority has the one from whom that word came?

THE BIBLE IS EFFECTIVE

– ISAIAH 55:10-12, MATTHEW 8:8-9

When it rains, we never see the droplets suspended in mid-air, it always reaches the ground. When it reaches the ground, it does not bounce back immediately to the sky but it wets and waters the ground to make it useful to the farmer.

God’s word is faithful and fruitful in fulfilling God’s purpose in sending it. Its fruits are rich and full of life, solutions for our present needs and promises for the future. In it we find nourishment for today and hope for a better tomorrow.

THE BIBLE HAS THE FINAL SAY

– ACTS 17:11, JOSHUA 1:8

Every doctrine, teaching, preaching, or philosophy is either taught by Scripture or contradicted by Scripture. The Bereans upon hearing Paul preach, went to the Scriptures as the final authority to validate or nullify Paul’s teaching. They were called noble for receiving the message with passion but still checking to confirm.

Even Paul, the apostle of apostles who saw the risen Christ and was taken up to the third heaven, was not above the Scriptures but subject to it. Paul could be mistaken but Scripture cannot be broken, Paul could be set aside but Scripture cannot and should never be set aside.

CONCLUSION:

Scripture is pure, it cannot be faulted and it is effective in accomplishing its purpose. It has the final say on matters of life, faith and practice. Every other authority is subject to the authority of the Bible because it carried the authority of God Himself as His own very breathed-out words.

We are not only to believe it but to also submit under its authority.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  • Give a summary of our main text
  • Recite our highlight verse
  • What does final authority mean?
  • The church has the final authority, true or false?
  • The Pope has the final authority, true or false?
  • Science has the final authority, true or false?
  • Scripture has the final authority, true or false?
  • If Scripture has the final authority, then anyone who quotes Scripture must be immediately accepted as authoritative, true or false?
  • What authority did Jesus use to oppose his opponents?
  • How does David describe the word of God in Psalm 12?
  • The words of angels carry more weight than the Bible, true or false?
  • There are some issues in life that you need to set Scripture aside, true or false?
  • Scripture is not always right in its teachings, true or false?
  • How does Isaiah describe the fruitfulness of God’s word?
  • What did the Bereans do that was so special?
  • Why is Scripture the ultimate authority in the first place?