A. Necessary and sufficient for salvation and Christian living, II Timothy 3:14-17.
B. Authority in these matters, Luke 16:31; John 5:39-40; Acts 17:11; II Peter 1:16-21.
C. Preach the Word, II Timothy 4:2-4. (See Amos 8:11.)
II. Three Teachers
A. Bible.
1. Explicit statements.
2. Implicit principles.
3. Applies to all cultures, races, places, and times.
4. Specific applications may be culturally relative, but culture never abolishes the principle. Example: inappropriate language.
B. Godly human leaders (pastors and teachers), Ephesians 4:11-15.
1. Must not add to or take away from the Word of God.
2. Explain and apply the teachings of Scripture.
3. Authority to preach, teach, and counsel is based on the Bible, not personal opinions or preferences.
4. The pastor as “angel,” messenger for God, Revelation 2:1-2 (note singular pronouns).
C. Holy Spirit.
1. Will not contradict the Word of God.
2. Nature of holiness; internal prompting in time of need, I John 2:27.
III. Improper Alternatives
A. Tradition: councils, creeds, practices.
B. Human leaders: official leaders, messianic figures, authoritative interpreters.
C. Extrabiblical “revelation”: books, teachings, “revelation knowledge.”
D. Spiritual signs and gifts.
E. Mysticism: emotions, personal experiences.
F. Rationalism: theological systems; hypotheticals based on human reasoning.
G. While some of these sources are helpful (e.g., tradition, books) and necessary (e.g., human leaders, spiritual gifts, reason), the Bible must always be our supreme authority.
IV. Conclusion, II Thessalonians 2:8-17
Love, believe, and obey the Word.