Lesson 1 Scripture: Faith Comes by Hearing
The two men trudged onward in grief and disbelief as they walked the eight miles home to Emmaus. It was sunset, and their faith grew darker with each passing moment. Together they rehashed the tragic events that had unfolded in Jerusalem over the previous weekend bewildered that their beloved Teacher, Jesus, had been killed. The more they talked about the crucifixion, the more freely their tears flowed. A quiet, unassuming stranger asked to join them on their journey. The two were so absorbed in their conversation that they barely acknowledged his presence. But this new traveling companion pressed closer and asked, What are you talking about? Why are you so sad? The two were shocked by these questions. Everyone who had been in Jerusalem was discussing that dark Friday, when the religious leaders had the Romans crucify Jesus the man the two travelers believed had been a true prophet, mighty in word and deed. They spilled out the story as their fellow traveler listened. The chief priests and rulers condemned Jesus to death and had Him crucified. We thought He would save Israel. Some of His followers said He had risen from the dead. We went to the tomb ourselves but found it empty. The Stranger, who was Jesus Himself, longed to comfort the two and wipe away their tears. But before He opened their physical eyes to His presence, He wanted them to gain spiritual vision. How could Jesus give them light and establish their faith? 2
In the great battle between light and darkness, the enemy of truth, Satan, has always tried to suppress the Holy Scriptures. He knows that within the pages of inspiration are an accurate revelation of a just and loving Creator and an equally precise picture of his own cruel and deceptive practices. Stunningly, Satan s most subtle strategy for enshrouding the Scriptures happened within the Christian faith itself. The Bible predicted that the enemy would work through a false leader to draw attention away from the Word of God. The Holy Scriptures were slowly withdrawn from the people by the church of the Middle Ages. But it was never the will of God to lock up the Scriptures in unknown languages and away from common people. To this end, reformers like John Wycliffe worked to free the truth from the confines of a few elite and make it shine across the land so everyone could be blessed. We begin this lesson by studying how Jesus opened the spiritual eyes of the two men on the road to Emmaus. He laid up for them an enduring foundation of faith by showing Himself in all the Scriptures. What did Christ share with Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus? What key principles can we glean from the Scriptures themselves about the centrality of the Bible in the life of a true follower of God? 3 amazingfacts.org
We are naturally slow to believe in the Bible. He said to them, O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! (Luke 24:25). Jesus lovingly told His followers that the very events that took place regarding His crucifixion were spoken of by the prophets. He Himself had also told them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again (Mark 8:31). But their grief and lack of faith blinded them to the truth. God is the Author of the Bible. The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue (2 Samuel 23:2). What are some of the ways Bible writers referred to the Scriptures? Holy Scriptures (Romans 1:2) oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12) law of the Lord (Psalm 19:7) sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) word of God (Luke 11:28) truth (John 17:17) The Bible is unlike any other book. It is not the same as a college textbook, though it provides instruction. It is not a mere history book, though it outlines the story of God s interactions with sinful humanity. Bible writers viewed the Scriptures as originating from God. What Isaiah the prophet saw and wrote came because the Lord had spoken to him (Isaiah 1:1, 2). So also Micah the prophet said, I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin (Micah 3:8). 4
The Bible writers were led to write the Scriptures through the Holy Spirit. Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The apostle Paul explained, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The word inspiration comes from the Greek word theopneustos, which means God-breathed. The Holy Spirit inspired real people to write the Word of God. Sometimes these writers wrote down God s exact words, but often they used their own writing style to convey what they saw or heard. You can compare the Bible to Jesus when He came to earth in the flesh. Christ was both divine and human. So the Scriptures are divine teachings given in the language of humanity. Jesus showed that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Christ strongly believed that the Scriptures were the source of authority for every person. He not only drove Satan away by quoting the Bible, but He often said to those who asked Him questions, What is written in the law? What is your reading of it? (Luke 10:26). He even challenged the Jewish leaders for placing their traditions above the written commands of God (Mark 7:7 9). Often Christ asked His listeners, Have you never read in the Scriptures? (Matthew 21:42). The apostle Paul highlighted the value of the Scriptures when he wrote to Timothy. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). 5 amazingfacts.org
There are many purposes for the Bible. It not only guides us in the way of salvation, but it also informs us when we stray from the path of truth. The Scriptures provide us with practical help in daily living and prepare us for difficult times to come. Paul encouraged believers to study God s Word, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). One of the greatest miracles of the Bible is its unity. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:4 6). It is incredible that the sixty-six books of the Bible were written on three continents, in three languages, by forty different people, and over a period of 1,500 years. Controversial subjects are covered by writers who, in most cases, never met. Even though these authors varied in education and background, their books are in harmony. The Holy Spirit is the best interpreter of God s Word. When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come (John 16:13). The Bible is the direct revelation of God s will to every believer, and the Holy Spirit is the true interpreter of the Word. Each person, through personal study, should be convinced of his own duties and beliefs. The clearest message of heaven does not come from a human leader; rather, it comes from the Bible itself. When we open the Word with a humble heart, the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth. 6
The focus of the entire Bible is Jesus Christ. Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27). Jesus enlightened these two discouraged disciples by pointing them to all the Scriptures. Like the focal lens of a camera, the Bible brings into focus the things concerning Himself (Christ). Jesus once told the Jewish leaders, who diligently searched the Scriptures, that these are they which testify of Me (John 5:39). He even said directly, If you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me (verse 46). The central focus of every page of Scripture is Christ. When we study God s Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, our eyes will be opened to discern Christ. They said to one another, Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32). When Jesus revealed Himself to His two followers on the road to Emmaus, spiritual light pierced their darkened understanding. It lifted their sadness and moved them to quickly return to Jerusalem even though it was the middle of the night in order to share the good news with the other disciples. The study of the Bible always leads us to share our faith with others. Is it your desire to commit quality time to studying the Bible? 7 amazingfacts.org
Reformer Highlight John Wycliffe (1320 1384) was a theologian, seminary professor, Bible translator, reformer, and preacher who produced some of the first handwritten English translations of the Bible. He is known as The Morning Star of the Reformation. Wycliffe taught that the Bible alone is the basis for Christianity and should be read by the common people for themselves. He spoke out against corruption and heresy in the Catholic Church, including against the pope and the whole system of ecclesiastical hierarchy. His followers were called Lollards. He died of natural causes, but in 1415, at the Council of Constance, Wycliffe was declared a heretic and in 1428, his body was dug up and burned. His ashes were scattered in the River Swift. Holy Scripture is the highest authority for every believer, the standard of faith and the foundation for reform. John Wycliffe amazingfacts.org