NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINES

This is the first of twelve Scripture studies. We are starting simply so that those who may not be so familiar with the Scriptures will not fall behind, and so that we can estimate just how advanced some of the others are. Also in this manner it does not make much difference if someone starts later in the series. They can always catch up, though they would miss any discussion of the references.

The introductory lesson is on the subject of Bible Study itself. Why read the Bible? Why make a serious study of the Bible? What is the best "commentary" we will be able to find to better understand the Bible? What would you regard to be the best translation (version) to use in study? If we are buying a Bible to use, what should we look for? These are some of the questions we would like to have answered..

In so far as this particular series of studies are concerned, you will really only need a New Testament. (The study deals with New Testament Doctrines). There is only one reference in this booklet that is from the Old Testament.

1. (Matthew 4:4) "But he answered and said, It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone. but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God"
We should always ask ourselves who is speaking and to whom and what is the occasion. We call this the context of the scripture. Consider that which goes before and that which comes after. It is one of the common faults of the cults that scripture is quoted out of context. Another of course, is that quotations of the founder of the cult and given equal standing to scripture.

A. Man is not only material, he needs more than material things:
B. "The word proceeds out of the mouth of God."

This verse is a part of the temptations of our Lord Jesus, shortly after he was baptized. When we become obedient to Jesus we too must expect to draw the attention of the devil and to be targeted by him. His weak spot at that time, was his hunger. He would hunger just as much as we do, for though he was divine, he was also physical.

Jesus is the speaker, and he is talking to Satan. What he uses is scripture. "It is written". This is our best defense against temptation. Know the scriptures! They are "God breathed". We call that "inspired"

2. (John 5:39) Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

Jesus is teaching in the temple to the crowds.

A. The scriptures are the source of eternal life.
B. The scriptures testify of Him.

In John 20:31 John repeats much the same message telling us his reason for writing this book. "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God: and that believing ye might have life through his name."

3. (Acts 17:1 1 ) "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and Searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were true. Luke is writing concerning Paul's coming to Berea from Thessalonica and the fact that the people there were eager to hear and to confirm that they had heard.

A. it is not enough that we be willing to listen,
B. But we have a responsibility to confirm what we have heard from the word.
C. How many people let their eternal destiny rest solely on unconfirmed testimony!
D. Luke praised the Bereans as being "Noble," certainly they were being wise.

4. (2 Timothy 3'16) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
Paul is writing to Timothy to encourage him to rely on the scripture. Why?

A. It is "God breathed" (inspired).
B. It is the source of our doctrine.

A man once seemed to take pride in his discussion with me one day that he was not particularly interested in doctrine. My dictionary defines "doctrine" as "a set of principles or beliefs. Did he mean to say that he had no interest in principles or beliefs? What he said was that he believed mainly in what felt right to himself.