The Inspiration of Scripture

Introduction:

There is much talk these days about the formation of the bible. The DaVinci Code in particular has raised speculation and discussion. The book and movie provide us w/a unique opportunity to explain God’s plan and revelation to others who otherwise not listen. The DaVinci Code tells us that the Bible, specifically NT, not the inspired word of God. How did the bible come into being? What evidence do we have that the NT books were accepted by NT Christians? Is the Bible the inspired word of God?

I.  The need for revelation.

A.     The creation of man makes it necessary for God to reveal Himself.

1.     Rom. 1:20 – We can know there is a God w/o revelation, but we cannot know who He is.

2.     Necessary because of man’s sins and the need for redemption.

B.     God has revealed himself in a number of ways:

1.     Psa. 19:1 – through creation itself; 1 Cor. 10:1-11 – through history.

2.     John 5:36 – through miracles; Num. 12:8; Mt. 1:20; 2:13, 19 – orally: visions, etc.

3.     Ex. 32:16 – written (10 commandments); John 14:9 – Jesus Christ

II. The Bible IS God’s revelation to man.

A.     2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21 -The NT writers testify that the scriptures are God-breathed.

1.     John 10:35 – scriptures are inerrant and infallible.

B.     God exercised complete control over the content, while allowing writers to choose their own words.

III. Examining the Biblical Claims of Inspiration.

A.     When we examine what the Bible claims about itself, we must demand that the bible be accepted or rejected as a whole.

1.     Either it is ALL the word of God or none of it is the word of God.

B.     OT writers claimed to be inspired of God:

1.     Deut. 31:19, 22, 24-26 – Moses claimed what he spoke was from God.

2.     Deut. 18:18; Amos 3:8 – God told the prophets what to say.

3.     2 Sam. 23:1-2 – David claimed to be inspired of God.

C.    NT writers claimed to be inspired of God.

1.     1 Cor. 2:11-13 – Paul’s testimony that he was given knowledge of God’s will.

2.     Jude 17-18 – Jude believed what Peter wrote was scripture – 2 Pet. 3:3.

3.     2 Pet. 3:14-16 – Peter calls writings of Paul “scripture”

D.    Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-4 – God speaks to us today through Jesus.

E.     Writers of Scripture recorded their own shortcomings & how bible heroes are fallible.

IV. How did the people of God view the Scripture?

A.     OT:

1.     Deut. 31:24-26; 1 Sam. 10:25 – law kept in the tabernacle/temple and read.

2.     1 Sam. 19:20 – prophecy kept by a “company of prophets”

3.     Psa. 113-118 – psalms were chanted/sung during worship.

4.     Pro. 25:1 – proverbs were collected and used.

B.     NT:

1.     1 Thess. 5:27; 1 Tim. 4:13 – letters of apostles were read before the church.

2.     Col. 4:16 – letters were circulated from church to church.

3.     After the apostolic age, church fathers referred to and endorsed the NT books.

C.    The FC Christians viewed & treated scripture with reverence because it is the word of God.

Conclusion:

A.     1 Thess. 2:13 – what will we do w/the word of God?

B.    Will we accept it for what it is and conform our lives to its expectations?