Your Personal Grow-Pray-Study (GPS) Guide

This week's Scriptures for the message are from Psalm 119:105-112, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, and Matthew 4:1-11.

Background: If you have been in Protestant Churches before, you have probably heard the phrase "Sola Scriptura" or "Scripture Alone." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, the Augustinian monk who, in many ways, began the Reformation, argued that Scripture should be the ultimate authority for faith and practice. The Reformers asserted that Scripture should govern church interpretation and traditions as the principium theolgia (the foundation of theology) and norma normans (norm of norms), the source and standard for all theological reflection. In other words, the ultimate authority for theological discussions is the Scriptures. This pushed Reformers to reject several theological doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church at the time, such as the sale of indulgences. Sola Scriptura has occasionally led Christians to think that Scripture is the only source for theological reflection. But if we read the Reformers, this does not seem to be the case; they regularly use doctrines from the patristic and medieval periods. Sola Scripture means that creeds, confessional documents, and theological opinions are subject to Scripture, which must be the measuring rod used to evaluate all else. Church tradition is a valuable resource that should be used in theological reflection, as the Reformers argued, but everything should be measured against Scripture.

Day 1 (Monday): After reading the above Background, consider these questions: (1) What do you think is the ultimate authority in our society today (not what should be but what is)? (2) How does this play into societal norms and rules?

Day 2 (Tuesday): Read Psalm 119:105-112. The Psalm testifies to the power and significance of God's Word. What verses from this passage stand out to you the most, and why?

Day 3 (Wednesday): Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. How does Paul emphasize the role of Scripture in the life of a believer? What does it mean for the Word of God to be "God-breathed"?

Day 4 (Thursday): Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17. When has it been difficult for you to accept Scripture as God's Word for your life?

Day 5 (Friday): Read Matthew 4:1-11. In what ways does a strong foundation in Scripture impact your ability to discern God's will and make decisions in your life?

Day 6 (Saturday): As you think back over the Background and the Scriptures for this week, how might you change your opinions on submitting to  Scriptures look like?

Recent additional GO DEEPER reading opportunities available on Amazon Books (#ads):

• "Lutheranism 101 Baptism" by Charles Lehmann
• "The Air I Breathe: Worship as a Way of Life" by Louie Giglio

Watch this week's sermon or read the entire message & GPS here.