Is The Bible Enough?
We live in a world where progress happens at an incredible rate. There is a proliferation of the newest and latest summed up by whatever is trending at the moment. Even the most mature Christians are not immune. When life gets difficult or slightly boring, we can be pulled away by new words, new revelation, or new encounters to bring us closer to God as if the Bible were not enough. If we could find that something more, then we can truly know God and feel His presence. That is, of course, not what the Bible teaches.
1. What would make you feel closer to God?
a. Memorizing a chapter of the Bible OR a vivid dream of standing in Heaven?
b. Sitting in a Bible study OR spending time alone in nature?
c. Seeing your prayers specifically answered OR hearing a sermon in church?
2. What are some decisions you’ve had to make where you wished the Bible simply gave you the answer?
Read Hebrews 1:1-4
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
3. What does “in these last days” conjure up in your mind and is that picture an accurate description of living in 2021?
4. How has the coming of Jesus changed the way God speaks especially compared to the OT?
5. Find the seven claims about Jesus this passage makes. Which do you relate to the most/least?
6. What is implied by Jesus sitting down after making purification for sins?
7. Why is Jesus being compared to angels? (Hint: an angel is primarily a messenger of God)
8. According to the passage, in these last days Jesus not only saves us but also ___?
Hebrews 1:1-4 teach us a crucial truth. God’s redemption and revelation are completely and fully accomplished in Jesus Christ. That is to say that Jesus has fully saved us and fully revealed God to us. Just as nothing can be added to what Jesus has done to save us, nothing can be added to the revelation of that redemptive work. His work of redemption and revelation are intertwined. The word of God (the Bible) and the Word of God (Jesus) are distinct, but they are inseparable. Everything God does to save us reveals God to us. The way God reveals Himself to us is by saving us. Redemption reveals. Revelation redeems. And Christ is both.
Read Psalm 119:145 – stanza Qoph.
With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord!
I will keep your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me,
that I may observe your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
148 My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.
150 They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose;
they are far from your law.
151 But you are near, O Lord,
and all your commandments are true.
152 Long have I known from your testimonies
that you have founded them forever.
9. What is one truth from this part of Psalm 119 you will think about for the rest of the day?