Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 20: Type Two - Dutiful Servant Obedience  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 5
In the “What if the Bible wasn’t true?” scenario, Timothy says he wouldn’t “turn the other cheek” and would “relish taking those people to court”; how does this illustration probe whether our obedience is anchored in knowing Christ or merely in biblical authority, and what do you think early Christians would assume about retaliation and lawsuits?
Another way to ask: When Timothy says he’d seek revenge and sue people if the Bible weren’t true, what does that reveal about why he obeys—because he knows Christ or just because the Bible has authority? What would early Christians likely think about revenge and lawsuits?

Direct Answer The illustration tests whether Timothy obeys because he loves Christ and His ways, or whether he obeys mainly because “the Bible commands” it; the transcript itself doesn’t describe early Christians’ assumptions about retaliation and lawsuits.

Support from Transcript:

  • Bill asks: “What if it turned out the Bible wasn’t true? Do you think you’d still live the godly life you live now?”—a question aimed at motive, not just behavior.
  • Timothy admits, “There are a lot of things I do only because the Bible commands them,” showing authority-driven compliance.
  • He says, “I certainly wouldn’t turn the other cheek if Jesus hadn’t commanded it,” revealing that his heart doesn’t embrace the command as good.
  • He has been “cheated in business dealings” and would “relish taking those people to court,” exposing an inward desire for retaliation/justice on his terms.
  • The chapter repeatedly frames Type 2 obedience as service to a Master rather than love that makes the commands desirable.
Discussion Follow-ups If Scripture’s authority were removed as a “rulebook,” what would still shape your instincts—love for Christ’s character, or personal preference? Since the transcript doesn’t address early Christians here, how might you research that question responsibly?

Jumpstarter 5 of 10
Back Questions Next