Why is it important to recognize the authority of Paul's writings in our faith? The Verse at the Center “He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of them are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.” What Peter Is Saying - Peter places Paul’s letters in the same category as “the rest of the Scriptures,” declaring them God-breathed, not mere opinion. - Twisting Paul’s words is spiritually dangerous; accepting them as Scripture safeguards truth and souls. Why Recognizing Paul’s Authority Matters • It confirms the unity of the biblical canon. • It preserves the gospel of grace Paul articulates so clearly (Romans 1–8; Galatians 1:6–9). • It protects believers from destructive error (2 Peter 3:16b). • It honors Christ, who personally called and commissioned Paul (Acts 9:15; 26:15-18). • It aligns us with the early church, which received Paul’s writings as authoritative (1 Thessalonians 5:27; Colossians 4:16). Scriptural Foundations for Paul’s Authority - Acts 9:15 — “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name…” - 1 Corinthians 14:37 — “If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 — “You accepted it not as the word of men, but as the word of God.” - 2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God-breathed” — including the very letter Timothy was reading. Consequences of Dismissing Paul • Loss of clarity on justification by faith (Romans 3:21-26). • Confusion about sanctification and life in the Spirit (Romans 6–8; Galatians 5). • Erosion of biblical sexual ethics (1 Corinthians 6:9-20). • Aberrant teaching on the second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 2). • Division in the body through competing gospels (Galatians 1:8-9). How Paul’s Letters Serve the Church Today - Ground doctrine: Romans, Ephesians, Titus. - Shape worship and order: 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy. - Provide pastoral comfort: Philippians, 2 Corinthians. - Clarify end-times hope: 1 & 2 Thessalonians. - Model gospel reconciliation: Philemon. Living Under Paul’s Inspired Instruction • Read his letters regularly, knowing they carry God’s voice. • Interpret difficult passages with humility, comparing Scripture with Scripture. • Submit lifestyle choices to his teachings on holiness and love. • Guard the gospel by insisting on grace alone through faith alone, as Paul taught. • Support church leaders who hold fast to the “pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). A Final Encouragement Embracing Paul’s writings as Scripture is not optional icing on the cake of faith; it is essential for a robust, gospel-centered walk that honors the Lord and preserves truth for the next generation. |
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