Acts 17:1–15 | The Disrupting Word and its Final Authority

First Irving Sermons

Main Idea: The disrupting word of God must be eagerly received as our final authority if we are to find life, grow in faith, and please God. 1. The Word is Disruptive -The Lesson from Thessalonica 2. The Word is the Final Authority -the Lesson from Berea Response: 1. Commit to eagerly approach the Scriptures with reverence, humility, and complete submissiveness, even when it disrupts our “familiar.” (Isa. 66:2) 2. Labor to examine the Scriptures when taught something unfamiliar to you. How do you know if someone is giving a good interpretation of Scripture? a) A grasp of historical context? b) Paid attention to literary context? “What has Paul already said in this book?” c) Interpretation “fits” with other Scriptures. No serious contradictions elsewhere. d) A grasp of literary genre? Is this wisdom literature? Epistle? e) Are they laboring to understand the author’s intent? 3. Do you know why it was necessary for Jesus Christ to suffer and die?