
Asking For A Friend: Is The Bible Reliable?
Luke 1:1-3
July 31, 2022
Jay Haugh
We can trust the Bible historically.
The New Testament accounts of Jesus are too early to be legends.
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. —Luke 1:1-3
And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). —Mark 15:21-22
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us – that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you. —1 John 1:1-3
Simon Peter said to them: “Let Mary go away from us, for women are not worthy of life.” Jesus said, “Lo, I shall lead her, so that I may make her a male, that she too may become a living spirit, resembling you males. For every woman who makes herself a male will enter the kingdom of heaven.” —The Gospel of Thomas
We can trust the Bible culturally.
Pause and consider that the Bible doesn’t teach what you think it teaches.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters. —Ephesians 6:5 NIV
Someone could not tell who a slave was by their race, speech, or clothing.
The Bible completely condemns this type of slavery.
Pause and consider that you may be interpreting offensive texts through your cultural assumptions.
Pause and consider you may have a [cultural and historical] superiority complex.
The Bible is transcultural.
If your god never disagrees with you, you might be worshiping an idealized version of yourself. —Tim Keller
The Bible is not about what you must DO.
The Bible is about God and what He has done FOR you.
And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. —Luke 24:27
Big Idea:
The Bible is trustworthy historically, culturally and what it says about Him.
STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
Memory Verse: 1 Peter 3:15
… in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.
What questions or doubts have you had (or do you have) about the Bible? Take time to hear and discuss/respond to these questions as a group.
Read Genesis 3:1. Since the Garden of Eden, Satan has been casting doubt in the heart of mankind regarding the authority of God’s Word. Why do you think this is an important and effective tactic of Satan?
Read John 17:17. Why is the authority of Scripture so important to the Christian faith?
We can trust the Bible historically.
How does the New Testament’s citation of witnesses give the Bible credibility?
Beyond the sources cited within the Bible, what other sources validate the authenticity of the Bible?
Archaeology does not set out to “prove” the Bible, but in many ways has shown its historical accuracy. Is it important to have a Bible that is historically accurate? Reflect on John 20:30-31.
Have you ever been to Israel to see the history the Bible speaks about firsthand? If so, how did it impact your approach to Scripture? If you have not been, is this something you would see as valuable to your spiritual growth? Why or why not?
We can trust the Bible culturally
Culture is not static. For example, in America, each decade from the 1960s to present is labeled with very different stereotypes. Today’s modern culture looks a lot different than Andy Griffith’s Mayberry. When it comes to interpreting the Bible, how important is understanding the culture of the people to whom the work was written?
When approaching the Bible we should do our best to discern the original intent of the author. This is called “exegesis.” The opposite of this is reading our worldview and perspective into the text. This is called “eisegesis” and leads to poor or incorrect Bible interpretation. How do we prevent reading our own personal bias, experiences, and worldview into Scripture?
Take some time to share and reflect on a few of your own personal biases, experiences, and worldview that may be impacting your reading of Scripture.
Jesus was born in Israel and lived as a Jew. He was not Irish, Korean, or German. How do you think the culture Jesus lived in shaped His actions and message?
While the message of Scripture was given to a specific people in a specific time and place, that message speaks beyond the culture it was given to. In what ways is God still challenging you through His Word?
Since the Bible is historically and culturally accurate, in your opinion does this give more credibility to the message it shares?
Read Luke 16:31. This passage speaks to the sufficiency of Scripture. How can you engage others in reading the Bible?