The Bible Is Inspired

Introduction:

Today we will focus on inspiration of the Bible. In our time, we have bibles available in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Bibles are marketed to specific groups/trades/ages/etc. Because bibles are relatively easy to obtain in the western world, In some circles the value of God’s world may be underappreciated. It is time to reexamine why we can rejoice that Scripture is inspired.

I. What does it mean to say scripture is inspired?

A.    In the Old Testament, Thus says the Lord is used 419 times.

1.     Isaiah 45:18-19

a)     Isaiah and others – knew they were writing the words of God.

B.    NT writers also believed the OT was inspired. 2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:20-21

C.   What about the New Testament?

1.     2 Peter 3:16 – Peter refers to Paul’s writings as difficult and misunderstood…but nevertheless…part of scripture.

2.     1 Timothy 5:18 – Paul quotes Jesus & refers to it as scripture.

D.   They way the New Testament writers wrote indicates they knew what they were writing was from God.

1.     1 Corinthians 14:37 – they wrote with the authority of God Himself.

2.     1 Corinthians 2:10-13

II. Developing a Deeper Appreciation for God’s Word.

A.    By looking at its past.

1.     Bible came from God Himself. Revealed to around 40 men over 16 centuries.

2.     Think of the diversity of the writers God used to reveal Himself & His will.

a)     They story God spoke to them is unified and complete.

3.     The message of God’s word is that there is hope and deliverance from sin.

4.     Rom. 5:6-8 – a great summary here.

B.    By looking at it in the present.

1.     Live in a time when we are dominated by a secular worldview.

2.     Think of how the bible has been attacked by those in society

a)     But yet, God’s word remains the same.

3.     Think of how bible has been transmitted through the centuries.

a)     Study of the ancient texts proves the clarity and accuracy of the Bible.

4.     Scripture reveals to us important things for today’s world:

a)     Genesis 1:26-27 – we came from God & were created in His image.

b)    John 14:1-3 – assurance of where we go after this life…if we believe in God.

c)     1 Peter 1:13-16 – meaning of life is rooted in glorifying God.

C.   By looking at the future.

1.     Bible is not going anywhere. It is indestructible.

2.     Matthew 24:35 – God’s word will never perish.

3.     John 12:48-49 – God’s word will be clearly heard at judgment.

Conclusion:

A.    Every time the bible is read or proclaimed…God speaks.

B.    Rom. 5:6-8 – Do you need to come to Christ?