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Historical Theology I : MMT201  /  The Apostolic Quadrilateral (Intensive Week – Day 1b)  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 6
Clifton’s M16 “two sights” illustration suggests Scripture must be Spirit-inspired and alive, yet anchored so you’re not “way off”; what are the “one-sight” habits you’ve seen (or practiced)—either Spirit-without-text or text-without-Spirit—and what would change in your daily life if you pursued both without letting either become a trump card?
Another way to ask: What “one-sight” habits have you seen in yourself or others—either following the Spirit without the text, or the text without the Spirit? What would change in your daily life if you tried to hold both together without using either one to override the other?

Direct Answer Clifton warns that relying on only one “sight” makes you prone to drift—either claiming Spirit guidance without being anchored in Scripture, or treating Scripture as information without living, Spirit-formed obedience. Pursuing both would change daily life by making Scripture the fixed reference point while expecting the Spirit to make the Word “alive” in preaching, reading, and decisions.

Support from Transcript:

  • He uses the rifle image: with only one sight “you could be way off,” but with “two… that’s your sure shot.”
  • He argues for Spirit-and-text together: “It should be spirit-inspired. It’s alive… But it’s also locked into… the sure word of prophecy from the word of God.”
  • He explicitly rejects “new revelation” as equal authority: “We’re not going to put that on the level of scripture.”
  • He cites Scripture’s living power: “The Word of God is living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12) and “at work in you believers” (1 Thess. 2:13).
  • He recommends: “Holy Spirit-inspired reading of scripture, but it has to be tethered… anchored.”
Discussion Follow-ups Which side is your greater temptation—spiritual impressions without textual grounding, or textual correctness without lived transformation? What practices (public reading, prayerful study, accountable decision-making) would put both “sights” in alignment?

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