Dig Deeper - Sunday 17th August 2025
Sermon Reflection Questions - Exploring Life's Biggest Questions Through the Lens of Faith: Have You Ever Wondered Why the Bible Can Be Trusted?
2 Timothy 3:16–17
Isaiah 53:3–7, 10–12
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 17th August service:
Have you ever bought something online and wondered, “Can I really trust this?” It looks
great in the photos, but when it arrives, it turns out to be a cheap knockoff. That sense of
disappointment is how some people feel about the Bible. Some dismiss it as myth, others
as outdated. Yet across centuries, millions have trusted it as wisdom, comfort, and hope.
So the real question is: Can we trust the Bible? Let’s look at three reasons why the
answer is yes:
1. The Bible is God-breathed
Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16–17:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness…”
That phrase “God-breathed” means Scripture’s source is God Himself. Human writers like
Moses, David, and Paul brought their personality and style, but God directed the melody.
Like a musician playing a guitar, the instrument has its own tone, but the song belongs to
the player.
This means the Bible is as trustworthy as God is. It has authority—not just “good advice”
but God’s word on who He is, who we are, what’s wrong, and how He makes it right. Paul
says it’s useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness—
equipping us for life.
The Bible is alive. People testify again and again that it speaks right into their situation.
One church member once told me that in a season of anxiety, they opened the Bible and
read, “Do not be anxious about anything… the peace of God will guard your hearts” (Phil.
4:6–7). They said, “It was like God knew exactly what I needed.” He did.
2. The Bible is Confirmed by History
Unlike fairy tales, the Bible names rulers, cities, and dates you can check.
Archaeology has repeatedly confirmed its details.
• For centuries critics claimed King David was legendary—until an inscription was
discovered mentioning the “House of David.”
• The Pool of Bethesda in John 5 was once thought fictional—until it was excavated
with its five porticoes, exactly as John described.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls proved how faithfully the Old Testament had been preserved.
Prophecy too confirms the Bible. Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Jesus, describes one
who would be despised, pierced for our sins, silent before His accusers, and yet bring
healing through His suffering. Crucifixion hadn’t even been invented then—yet it perfectly
describes Jesus.
The Bible has stood the test of time, surviving scrutiny, criticism, and attempts to destroy
it. No other book is so anchored in history, yet still speaks today.
3. The Bible Changes Lives
Most importantly, the Bible isn’t just true—it’s powerful. James compares it to a
mirror, showing us who we are and who God calls us to be.
Across history and today, people testify to its transforming power. Addicts have found
freedom, the bitter have learned forgiveness, the broken have discovered hope.
Communities have been reshaped by its teaching. People like William Wilberforce were
driven by Scripture to fight injustice because they believed every person is precious to
God.
The ultimate reason it changes lives is because it points us to Jesus—the one who
forgives, restores, and gives us new purpose.
So, can we trust the Bible? Yes—because it is God-breathed, confirmed by history, and
life-changing in power. But the real question isn’t “Can I trust it?”—it’s, “Will I let it change
me?”
Jesus said the wise person builds their house on the rock of His Word. Storms will come
—but if your life is built on Scripture, it will stand firm.
Discussion Questions to reflect on:
1. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says Scripture is “God-breathed.”
◦ What difference does it make to you personally if the Bible really is God’s
Word and not just human wisdom?
2. Authority of Scripture
◦ Are there areas of your life where you find it hard to accept or obey what the
Bible says? How might trusting God’s Word change that?
3. Historical reliability
◦ How does learning about prophecy and archaeology strengthen your
confidence in the Bible? Are there questions you still wrestle with?
4. Transformation
◦ Can you think of a time when God used a passage of Scripture to speak
directly into your situation? What happened?
5. Building on the rock (Matthew 7:24–25)
◦ What “storms” are you facing right now, and how could grounding yourself
in Scripture help you stand firm?
6. Daily practice
◦ What’s one practical way you can let God’s Word shape your week—
whether in decisions, relationships, or habits?
Let’s pray:
Lord God, thank You that Your Word is breathed out by You, confirmed in history, and
powerful to transform lives. Help us not just to hear it but to obey it, to build our lives on
it, and to stand firm on Your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
