Back to the Bible for the Basics
These new devotionals are designed for one lesson per week for family or private devotions.
In the beginning, Satan asked the first woman, Eve, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’” (Genesis 3:1)? Throughout the history of humankind, he’s planted doubt with the same insidious question—“Did God actually say . . . ?” Satan is the expert at attacking God’s authority by questioning his Word (2 Corinthians 11:3).
Without the foundation of the Bible, a society descends into chaos—exactly as we’re seeing around us today. Good is being called evil and evil good (Isaiah 5:20) as people do what is right in their own eyes. Moral relativism abounds, leading to sexual perversion, violence, social unrest, broken families, and a disregard for human life.
Sadly, churches are not immune to this confusion. The authority of God’s Word is being challenged even from pulpits and by those claiming to be believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must guard against the ideas of people who twist Scripture or use it out of context for their own purposes. When we hear information from family, friends, media, politicians, and church leaders, we should use Scripture as the final filter to sift out false doctrine.
Today more than ever, Christians need to relentlessly and boldly defend the authority of God’s inspired Word (1 Peter 3:15). Apologetics is the study and practice of giving answers for the truth of the Christian faith. But to practice apologetics and defend Scripture, we must know what Scripture says. Only when we know what we believe can we convince others that God’s Word is trustworthy.
With God’s Word, his Spirit, and the gospel, we have everything we need to lead a godly life in this fallen world (John 14:23–26; 2 Peter 1:3). When we study Scripture, we will know how our Creator expects us to live and how we can best please him.
Weekly Reading
In these devotionals, consider the authority of God’s Word in fundamental aspects of life. Read the Scripture references to understand God’s thoughts on the topics. Discuss what you’ve learned and how you can apply the truths to stand strong on the authority of Scripture in this confused world.
Week 1—The Triune God
Matthew 28:19; John 10:30, 14:9–11, 15–17, 16:7–15; Romans 8:26–27; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Titus 3:5–6
God is triune (three in one)—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do these Scripture passages describe the work of each? How has the triune nature of God influenced your life? Why is it important that God is triune?
Week 2—Scripture
Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:17–19; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15–17
God’s Word is the authority on itself. What promises does God make about his Word? Do those promises make you feel more sure about defending Scripture? If even one part of God’s Word is false, what does that mean for the rest of it?
Week 3—Sin
John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23; Ephesians 2:8–10; 1 John 1:8–10
Sin is anything that violates God’s commands, separating us from him. How did Jesus’ death provide a way for us to have fellowship with God? What is God’s promise regarding our sin after we are saved?
Week 4—Salvation
John 5:24; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8–10
False religions propose many paths to eternal life. But what does God’s Word say is the only way to salvation? What is not a factor in our salvation? What are the repercussions of not receiving Christ as our Savior?
Week 5—Creation
Genesis 1–2; Exodus 20:11; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3
Evolutionists believe that our intricate world sprang into existence from nothing. But how does the Genesis creation account affect our lives in a different way from evolution? How does belief in evolution undermine the authority of God’s Word? What did Jesus reveal about creation?
Week 6—Value of Life
Genesis 1:26–27, 9:6; Deuteronomy 5:17; Psalm 139:13–16
When God created humans in his image, he endowed them with unique value. How does the world devalue life? Who are some of the people groups most affected by this attack on life? How do some of our everyday thoughts and actions reveal our perception of life’s value?
Week 7—Marriage
Genesis 1:27–28, 2:18–25; Matthew 19:4–6; Ephesians 5:22–33
When God created Adam and Eve, he established the model for marriage. What did that look like? How does the world corrupt God’s design for marriage?
Week 8—Family
Exodus 20:12; Matthew 19:19; Ephesians 5:22–33, 6:1–4; 1 Peter 3:1–7
Scripture speaks about the role of each family member. How do these Scripture passages challenge you in your role?
Week 9—Work
Genesis 2:3, 15; Proverbs 12:24, 13:4; Galatians 6:4–5; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 5:8
God put Adam and Eve to work tending the garden of Eden. How was work affected after the fall? How does work benefit us and others?
Week 10—Church
1 Corinthians 12:12–26; Ephesians 2:19–22; Colossians 3:15–16; Hebrews 10:24–25; James 5:14–16
How does Scripture define church? In what ways does the church show Christ’s love to the world? What are some of the church’s functions? What are some things we need to be cautious of in the church?
Week 11—Government
Psalm 22:28; Proverbs 21:1; Mark 12:13–17; Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–2; 1 Peter 2:13–17
Government officials carry out God’s plans. How should this truth affect the way you pray for your officials? Can you think of examples in Scripture when godly and ungodly rulers carried out God’s plan?
Week 12—Speaking Truth
Proverbs 12:17; Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:15, 25; 2 Timothy 2:15
The world often mistakes acceptance and inclusion for love. But what does Scripture say about speaking truth? How can you share truth with someone who might be living contrary to Scripture? Who are some Bible characters who proclaimed truth in the face of adversity?
Week 13—Finances
Proverbs 3:9, 10:4, 22:7; Ecclesiastes 5:10; Matthew 6:21; Acts 20:35; Romans 13:8; 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5
Scripture offers guidance for wisely handling our resources. How do these passages discuss money? How can we best honor the Lord with our finances?
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