B. DEVELOPING CONVICTIONS

The church leader, along with others, agreed, “The apostle Paul got that wrong.” That statement alone betrayed their attitude. They did not believe in the authority of the Bible. If that is wrong, what else is wrong?

More than ever in this generation, many people are questioning the authority of the Bible. How do we build a conviction about the authority of the Bible? If someone needs external evidence of the credibility of the documents of the Bible, look at Josh McDowell’s book, Evidence that Demands a Verdict. However, if you are coaching the Bible, several verses are helpful.

2 Timothy 3:16,17:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. That the man of God might be equipped and thoroughly furnished for every good work.

1. What does it mean that the Scripture is God-breathed?

2. How is the Bible helpful?

3. How have the four areas been a personal help to you?

1. How would you use this verse to solidify your convictions?

2. How has the Bible been a powerful help to you?

2 Peter 1:16-21:

 ¹⁶ For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷ He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” ¹⁸ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. ¹⁹ We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰ Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹ For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

1. What evidence do you hear in verses from 2 Peter 1:16-21?

2. What do you have as personal evidence of the authority of the Word of God?

3. What is the prophetic message?

4. How does verse 19 impact you?

5. What do you discover about the prophecy of Scripture? It’s Origin?

6. What clarity do you gain about your convictions of the scripture’s origin and authority from this passage?

1. How will you strengthen your conviction?

2. What steps can you take this week to build into your belief foundation?

3. What books will help you strengthen your understanding of the evidence of the Bible’s authenticity?

4. When will you get started on this journey of faith?

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?