BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE –BY LEARNING HOWTHE BIBLE AUTHORISES

This lesson emphasizes the critical role of authority in every aspect of life, especially in religion. A lack of respect for authority leads to chaos and division, and this applies equally to our spiritual lives. Without a clear standard, people tend to act on personal interpretations rather than divine guidance, which leads to confusion and doctrinal splits. Historical examples, particularly from the Old and New Testaments, demonstrate the consequences of acting without divine authority, underscoring the importance of respecting God’s established standards.

The lesson illustrates that everyone instinctively understands authority through everyday actions, such as following rules at work or in sports. Similarly, religious practices should be guided by a defined authority, which, for Christians, is God’s word. Many people and groups establish their own standards or traditions rather than adhering to Biblical authority, which conflicts with Jesus’ desire for unity among His followers. Biblical authority, as defined here, involves God’s right to command and make final judgments, and the lesson stresses that true Christians must align with this divine standard to avoid lawlessness.

True devotion to God means strictly adhering to the Bible as the ultimate source of authority, without additions or modifications. Scriptures like John 17:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 remind believers that the Bible alone is God-breathed and sufficient for guiding faith and conduct. Adopting non-Biblical beliefs or practices risks God’s condemnation, as warned in Galatians 1:6-9 and Revelation 22:18-19. This lesson calls for Christians to evaluate their faith based on the “book, chapter, and verse” standard, encouraging a faith that is wholly grounded in God’s word, promising a deeper exploration of Biblical authority principles in future sessions.