John 17:17
Introduction
A navy captain was sailing and came upon a big light that he thought was a ship approaching him. He got on a bullhorn and said to the ship behind the light, “Move ten degrees south, or we’re going to crash!” The light responded, “I shall not move! You move ten degrees north, so you don’t crash! The captain was the highest-ranking officer in the US Navy at that particular time, and he got irritated by the response from the ship and repeated himself, adding, “Don’t you know who I am? I am captain of the US Navy!” However, the light responded again, “I shall not move! You move ten degrees north so that you don’t crash! I am the Lighthouse!”
In the illustration above, Scripture is God’s lighthouse; it is the absolute authoritative all-sufficient revelation of truth to mankind. God has given us a record of what he wants us to know in the Word of God, which is truth. Scripture is our beacon of truth because its origins are perfect and come from God. This is affirmed by the testimony of Jesus Christ. Jesus makes it clear that if you are of truth, you will listen to Him, and the work of the Spirit only operates with truth. So if you are not operating with truth, then you can’t get divine assistance.
When we are illuminated regarding the nature of Scripture as truth, we can put it in its proper place. We are able to understand that Scripture as authoritative truth that is powerful, binding, and perfect. It is the voice of God in print, which is without error, and always the final, comprehensive authority on any matter. God’s Word addresses every subject directly and indirectly, and when we respond to Scripture, we get the benefits of truth that is transformational and sufficient.
As we navigate the tumultuous waters of our lives, God wants to remind us that there is a beacon, and it is His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Ps 119:105) If we follow the light, we won’t crash!
Getting Started
- How often do you typically read your Bible in any given week?
- When you read the Bible, do you read it from the lens of a book of instructions, a historical document, a love letter, and/or a divine, mystical book?
Let’s Get Personal
- What misconceptions do people often have about the Bible? What misconceptions have you had about the Bible that you need to reconcile with the truth?
- In what ways have we seen man attempt to thwart God’s powerful, perfect and binding truth in culture?
- In your group, share how the truth of scripture has been beneficial in the life of someone you know. How do you know what scriptures to apply and when to apply them in your life?
Take the Next Step
- In what ways has the truth of God been transformational for you or someone in your life?
- In light of this message, how will you be conscious of using the Bible for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that you and your neighbor may be fully capable and equipped for every good work?
- How can your group hold one another accountable to root out lies that distract you from the truth? If you have not identified an accountability partner, ask your group to pray with you that you identify who will be right for you.
- Want to dig deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: Psalm 119:1-176; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 19:7-14; Hebrews 4:12-13; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 30:5; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 33:6; Psalm 33:9; Isaiah 55:9-11; Matthew 5:18; John 10:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 1:19-21
Renew Your Mind
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
John 17:17
