The Obedient Response to Truth
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Introduction
- Cultural changes over the past decades
- Rapid and dramatic cultural shift in recent years
- Living in a no-compromise position in a convoluted world
Decades of Cultural Loss
- 1950s: Loss of innocence
- 1960s: Loss of authority
- 1970s: Loss of love and true understanding of love
- 1980s: Loss of hope
- 1990s: Loss of the ability to reason
- 2000s: Loss of truth
No Compromise Position
- Importance of maintaining an obedient response to truth
- The concept of truth: "Truth is still truth, even if no one else believes it. A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it."
- The Bible warning about people believing a lie and the spirit of delusion
Competing Authorities in Decision Making
- Mind (Rationalism)
- Romans 1:21 – Futility of thinking and darkened hearts
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Taking every thought captive to obey Christ
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – Wisdom not resting in men but in the power of God
- Heart (Existentialism/Mysticism)
- Jeremiah 17:9 – Deceitfulness and sickness of the heart
- Matthew 15:19 – Evil thoughts and actions originating from the heart
- Group (Traditionalism/Ecclesiastical Authority)
- Matthew 15:1-9 – Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees for prioritizing tradition over God's commandments
- Colossians 2:8 – Warning against being taken captive by human traditions and philosophies
Authority of Scripture (Evangelicalism/Sola Scriptura)
- Definition and importance of Sola Scriptura
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Scripture as God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness
- 2 Peter 1:16-21 – Origin and value of Scripture
- Superiority of the Word of God over human wisdom and traditions
Application and Conclusion
- The necessity of a renewed mind and sanctified spirit
- Encouragement to trust in the authority of Scripture and to respond obediently to its truth
- Prayer for guidance and adherence to biblical truth
*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.
About the Contributors
Mark L. Bailey
Dr. Bailey assumed the role of DTS Chancellor after serving for 19 years as the Seminary’s fifth President, and continues his role as Sr. Professor in the Bible Exposition department. In addition to his years at Dallas Theological Seminary, he has pastored various churches in Arizona and Texas. He was a seminar instructor for Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for twenty years and is in demand for Bible conferences and other preaching engagements all over the country and world. His overseas ministries have included Venezuela, Argentina, Hungary, and China. He is also a regular tour leader in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and Rome. His board service includes Bible Study Fellowship, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries, and Word of Life.
Contributors
