Scriptural Sufficiency in Decision Making and Guidance
Scriptural sufficiency, particularly in decision-making and guidance, emphasizes that the Bible provides all necessary instruction for faith and life. The Scriptures are described as "given by inspiration of God" and are profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness [3]. This means that believers can look to the Bible for understanding God's will and for direction in their choices.
The concept of sufficiency is rooted in the belief that God's word is complete and authoritative. The psalmist prays, "Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments" [2]. This highlights a reliance on God's revealed commands as the foundation for sound judgment. Similarly, Proverbs states, "Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength" [5], which can be understood as wisdom originating from God.
While the Bible is sufficient, it does not mean that every specific decision is explicitly detailed. Instead, it provides principles and wisdom that guide believers. For instance, the apostle Paul prays that believers "might be filled with the full and accurate knowledge of his will—as to how ye ought to walk" [8]. This knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it, leading to a life "worthy of the Lord" and "well-pleasing to God" [6]. This involves understanding righteousness and judgment, which the Gospel helps men to do, leading them to practice justice and live "soberly, righteously, and godly" [9].
The sufficiency of Scripture also implies a dependence on God rather than self-reliance. Paul states, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God" [4]. This idea is echoed in the understanding that contentment comes from "real dependence on the sufficiency of Christ" [7]. Even in the face of difficulties, God's grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness [11]. Therefore, while individuals are called to exercise their own judgment, as Paul appeals to the Corinthians to weigh the force of his arguments [10], this judgment is to be informed and guided by the revealed word of God. The eternal, sovereign, and unconditional decrees of God govern all events, though some aspects remain "secret things" [1]. Nevertheless, the revealed word serves as the guide for believers [1].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Predestination — This word is properly used only with reference to God's plan or purpose of salvation. The Greek word rendered "predestinate" is found only in these six passages, Acts 4:28; Rom. 8:29, 30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 1:5, 11; and in all of them it has the same meaning. They teach that the eternal, sovereign, immutable, and unconditional decree or "determinate purpose" of God governs all events. This doctrine of predestination or election is beset with many difficulties. It belongs to the "secret things" of God. But if we take the revealed word of God as our guid”
- Psalms “Psalms 119:66 (BSB) — Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- King James Version “[KJV] 2 Corinthians 3:5 — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 8:14 (BSB) — Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:10: Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it. worthy of the Lord-- (Eph 4:1). unto--so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God. pleasing--literally, "desire of pleasing." being fruitful--Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is, "increasing (growing) in the knowledge of God (or as the oldest manuscripts read, 'growing BY the full knowledge of God')"; thus, as the Gospel word (Col 1:6) was said to ”
- 1 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Timothy 6:6: 6:6 with contentment: This is not just a philosophical outlook but real dependence on the sufficiency of Christ. See 4:8; 2 Cor 9:8; 12:7-10; Phil 4:10-13; Heb 13:5.”
- Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:9: we also--on our part. heard it-- (Col 1:4). pray--Here he states what in particular he prays for; as in Col 1:3 he stated generally the fact of his praying for them. to desire--"to make request." might be filled--rather, "may be filled"; a verb, often found in this Epistle (Col 4:12, Col 4:17). knowledge--Greek, "full and accurate knowledge." Akin to the Greek for "knew" (see on Col 1:6). of his will--as to how ye ought to walk (Eph 5:17); as well as chiefly that "mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in H”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 2:9: Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment,.... This is another fruit and effect of the Gospel, and of a spiritual understanding of it; that besides the knowledge of God, and how to behave with reverence towards him, Pro 2:5; it leads men into a notion of doing that which is right and just among men; it gives them not only a theoretic but a practical understanding of justice, and a true judgment of what is right and wrong; or gives such an understanding thereof as that they practise it; for it teaches men to live soberly, righteously, and godly, Tit 2:11. ”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 10:15: Appeal to their own powers of judgment to weigh the force of the argument that follows: namely, that as the partaking of the Lord's Supper involves a partaking of the Lord Himself, and the partaking of the Jewish sacrificial meats involved a partaking of the altar of God, and, as the heathens sacrifice to devils, to partake of an idol feast is to have fellowship with devils. We cannot divest ourselves of the responsibility of "judging" for ourselves. The weakness of private judgment is not an argument against its use, but its abuse. We should t”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 12:9: said--literally, "He hath said," implying that His answer is enough [ALFORD]. is sufficient--The trial must endure, but the grace shall also endure and never fail thee [ALFORD], (Deu 33:25). The Lord puts the words into Paul's mouth, that following them up he might say, "O Lord, Thy grace is sufficient for me" [BENGEL]. my strength--Greek, "power." is made perfect--has its most perfect manifestation. in weakness--Do not ask for sensible strength, FOR My power is perfected in man's "strengthlessness" (so the Greek). The "for" implies, thy”