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THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Genesis 18; Psalm 78
5 July 2011

THE DOCTRINE OF THE SCRIPTURES

1. Classic texts on the inspiration of the Scriptures

a) Pauline teaching

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

b) Petrine teaching

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,

For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God

spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:20-21

2. Concept of Oral Tradition

a) That he may command his children

“And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing,

Since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation,

And all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

For I have known him, in order that he may command his children

And his household after him, that they may keep the way of the LORD,

To do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham

What He has spoken to him.” Genesis 18:17-19

i) Dates all the way back to Abraham

ii) Abraham would teach his children and household

iii) They are to keep the way of the Lord

iv) To do righteousness and justice

b) Hear my children (Wisdom Literature-Proverbs)

“Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding;

For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me:

Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commandments and live.” Proverbs 4:1-4

i) Wisdom Literature includes the Book of Proverbs

ii) Oral tradition was practised

iii) In time, the words of wisdom were compiled into Proverbs

c) Give ear, O my people (Wisdom Literature- Psalms)

“Give ear, O my people, to my law;

Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

I will open my mouth in a parable;

I will utter dark sayings of old,

Which we have heard and known,

And our fathers have told us.

We will not hide them from our children,

Telling the generation to come the praises of the LORD,

And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” Psalm 78:1-4

i) Asaph was a gifted Levite (writing psalms)

ii) One of his tasks was to teach Israel

iii) Oral tradition was passed down from the teachers of Israel

3. Features of Oral Tradition

a) Stories

b) Praises of the Lord

c) His strength and His wonderful works

d) Faith

e) Religious practices

4. Significance of Oral Tradition

a) Preservation

b) Posterity

c) Roots of National significance

d) Identity

e) The Scriptures