God's Word Is? #1
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God’s Word Is His Word
God’s Word Is His Word
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Introduction
Introduction
There is a growing thought among modern day evangelical churches when it comes to how we treat God’s Word. Let me explain......
In Andy Stanleys constant pursuit of pleasing the culture and not pleasing God (you can ask me more of what I mean privately), He says when pushed to explain why he know longer says “God has said” he responds with, “Why can’t we simply say “John” or “Paul” said it?” This is an effort to not come across so offensive to the unregenerate.
Other positions Andy Stanley has been pushed on is his sermon series “Unhitched.” This was essentially saying it is in our best interest when it comes to reaching the lost world to not reference a collection of scriptures that speaks of the harsh judgements of God. Let’s just focus on what Jesus said.
Quote: This indifference to Scripture is the great curse of the church at this hour. — C.H. Spurgeon
The purpose of this series is to ROOT our confidence in continuing to declare, “This is God’s Word” without shame or reservation. You will learn the importance of this preface “God has said” as we answer the question “God’s Word Is______?”
1) The Origin Of The Scriptures
1) The Origin Of The Scriptures
A. The Word Is God
A. The Word Is God
John 1:1-2 “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.”
Jesus ⇔ Word of God n. — a title of Jesus understood as God’s ultimate communication of truth about Himself.
Jesus was the Word incarnate.
The seemingly harmless change in script of declaring who said what, shows either a lack of understanding where truth comes from or fear of admission.
If Christ is the “Word,” then any form of His words carry with them His authority.
Notice verse 15 where it says that the scriptures are HOLY.
This means they are of transcendent purity.
It is of this fact that they are able to do the work that Paul accredits to them.
B. The Words of scripture were inspired by God
B. The Words of scripture were inspired by God
Historically, this is where we discover many heresies regarding what INSPIRATION truly is.
Quote: “A sentence from the mouth of God will have more permanent power over a Christian man than the best composed of human statements.” — Charles Spurgeon
2 Peter 1:19-21 “19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
a. What Biblical inspiration is NOT
a. What Biblical inspiration is NOT
It is not synonymous with STRONG FEELING.
Meaning, I was so moved by what I experienced, I recorded it for others to read about.
We are not reading a story about religious experiences that someone decided to write down.
It is not a collection of religious writings that God later decided He would put His stamp of approval on or adopt.
This puts the authorship of scripture fulling to man’s credit.
It is not an abandonment of God’s divine freedom, sovereignty, holiness, or truthfulness.
Some believe because God used men who were not divine, the divine authority of scripture is lost.
Luke was a physician, David a king, Moses raised by Pharaoh, Paul received teaching from Jewish Rabbis, etc.....
God allowed their unique personalities and characteristics to shine through to bring about EXACTLY WHAT HE WANTED TO SAY.
We must avoid treating the scriptures as if a percentage goes to “divine authorship” and the rest goes to “human authorship.”
Illustration: It is not the same as sunlight shining through a dirty window causing the lack of pure light to shine through.
THINK ON THIS — Who do you think providentially formed the personalities of those whom He used. Cannot the God who governs the cosmos bring His Words through human writers?
b. What inspiration IS
b. What inspiration IS
“inspiration” = breathed out by God
This is the act of God superintending human penmen, causing them to write what He desired.
God authored through them.
BREATHED OUT — God’s words came out of Him to us!
Defined by Matthew Barrett/Albert Mohler: The inspiration of Scripture refers to that act whereby the Holy Spirit came upon the authors of Scripture, causing them to write exactly what God intended, while simultaneously preserving each author’s writing style and personality. This supernatural work of the Holy Spirit upon the human authors means that the author’s words are God’s words and therefore are reliable, trustworthy, and authoritative.
The emphasis of “all scripture is given by inspiration of God” falls on what God has done.
Stressing God’s initiative in giving us the Scriptures.
Paul main point here is that the origin of the scriptures can be traced back to God, NOT MAN.
Doesn’t the Bible say that the scriptures are the Spirit’s Words? Does that mean they are not God’s Words?
God is a TRIUNE God; there is Father, Son, and Spirit; 3 in one; three persons yet one unit; equal to one another.
2) The Extent of Inspiration
2) The Extent of Inspiration
A. The Old Testament was inspired (“all scripture)
A. The Old Testament was inspired (“all scripture)
a. There was always something unique that would preface what the prophet would say; “THUS SAYS THE LORD”
a. There was always something unique that would preface what the prophet would say; “THUS SAYS THE LORD”
EXAMPLES:
Exodus 4:12 “12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
1 Kings 13:21 “21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which the Lord thy God commanded thee,”
2 Sam. 7:4-5 “4 And it came to pass that night, that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 5 Go and tell my servant David, Thus saith the Lord, Shalt thou build me an house for me to dwell in?”
To disobey the prophet was synonomous with disobeying God himself.
b. God commanded prophets of the Old Testament to write down His words.
b. God commanded prophets of the Old Testament to write down His words.
Isa. 30:8 “8 Now go, write it before them in a table, And note it in a book, That it may be for the time to come For ever and ever:”
Jer. 30:2 “2 Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.”
c. Jesus believed the Old Testament was inspired by God
c. Jesus believed the Old Testament was inspired by God
Examples:
Haven’t you read what David did? (Matt 12:3)
Or haven’t you read in the Law? (Matt 12:5; cf. 19:4–6; 21:16)
Have you never read in the Scriptures? (Matt 21:42)
Have you not read what God said to you? (Matt 22:31)
What did Moses command you? (Mark 10:3)
What is written in the Law? (Luke 10:26)
Then what is the meaning of that which is written? (Luke 20:17)
In your own Law it is written (John 8:17)
Is it not written in your Law? (John 10:34)
Luke 4:21 “21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
John 19:30 “30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”
Let us not “unhitch” from the O.T. but rather embrace it for it’s universal truth, principals, prophecies, and it’s message about Jesus!!!
B. The New Testament was inspired (all scripture)
B. The New Testament was inspired (all scripture)
a. Jesus declared His own teaching from God
a. Jesus declared His own teaching from God
Turn to: John 12:48-50 “48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
God’s Word Alone—The Authority of Scripture Jesus Believed His Own Teaching Was from God
When you open your Bible and read the words of Jesus, you are reading words that Jesus himself believed were from God and were authoritative.
b. New Testament writers believed it to be inspired
b. New Testament writers believed it to be inspired
Turn to: Eph. 3:2-3 “2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,”
Turn to: Eph. 3:4-5 “4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;”
Turn to: 1 Cor. 2:10-13 “10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
Turn to: Galatians 1:11-12 “11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Why have we spend such thorough thought into the authority of God’s Word? Simply because there is a message within God’s Word that will either rise or fall based on it’s authority. That message being the gospel of Jesus Christ.....let me summarize that message for you.
1 John 5:13 “13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
My question for you is this: What will you do with what God has said about your need and His provision in Christ?
PART 2
PART 2
God’s Word Is Profitable
God’s Word Is Profitable
“the weight of application”
“the weight of application”
3) The Purpose Of Scripture
3) The Purpose Of Scripture
A. God has given us a resource that is useful, beneficial, and gives us an advantage.
A. God has given us a resource that is useful, beneficial, and gives us an advantage.
Romans 15:4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Question — Have you ever said, “that was really useful?” Or maybe, “That was really beneficial.” Possible, “that will certainly give me an advantage.”
Question — How often is the object being described by those phrases God’s Word?
God’s Word imparts to it’s readers and doers the patience and comfort to wait for Jesus our blessed hope.
B. God’s Word is profitable to you for doctrine (what is right)
B. God’s Word is profitable to you for doctrine (what is right)
Doctrine = activities that impart knowledge or skill.
2 Timothy 3:10 “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,”
Paul is saying that He took the time to TEACH Timothy what he needed to know to live out God’s will.
Illustration: I am forever grateful for when my parents or grandparents would take the time to teach me.
We are living in a time of doctrinal ignorance!
Of course blame goes to the individual believer for not studying God’s Word themselves.
The majority of the blame is laid on the church.
God has commissioned the local church with the responsibility of clearly teaching the plain sense of scripture.
This is seen through Paul’s conversion (insert scripture)
This is why the local church must never loose focus on missions and church planting!
C. God’s Word is profitable to you for reproof (what is not right)
C. God’s Word is profitable to you for reproof (what is not right)
What does reproof/rebuke mean: To be made aware of something truthful regarding one’s self.
First, my mind goes to the fact all of humanity is a fallen race and must come to Jesus.
This particular enlightenment is the thread that runs through the entirety of scripture.
Secondly, I think about the pattern I should live my life by.
Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; And lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Where would Job be without the rebuking of God?
Where would Jonah be without the rebuking of God?
Where would Elijah be without the rebuking of God?
Where would King David be without the rebuking of God?
Where would the human race be without the rebuking of God?
Lastly, I think about what is waiting for me after this life.
We may have not been told about every detail of Heaven, but we have been told that is where Jesus is!
Paul told the Colossian believers kill the sinful notions of your life because your life is hid in Christ.
D. God’s Word is profitable to you for correction (how to get it right)
D. God’s Word is profitable to you for correction (how to get it right)
“Correction” = Offering an improvement to replace a mistake
The only way you can improve your life for Christ, you must be open to receive His correction.
How does correction happen?
By simply continuing in a faithful reading of God’s Word.
By faithfully being under Bible preaching.
By Christian friends who have God’s Word hid in their heart.
I want to encourage you to start adding to your prayer life this request: “Lord, help me to always be willing to embrace your correction on my life.”
E. God’s Word is profitable to you for training (how to stay right)
E. God’s Word is profitable to you for training (how to stay right)
This refers to education and training of children or the cultivation of heart and mind — John Philipps
In connection to God’s Word, it carries the idea of chastening.
Question: After the first time you were corrected, did you always do it right from then on? You probably needed continued correcting.
This purpose of scripture should motivate us to NEVER STOP reading God’s Word.
Quote: The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to train us in righteousness. It commands us. It convicts, corrects, and counsels us. It curbs us, commends us, and comforts us. John Phillips, Exploring the Pastoral Epistles: An Expository Commentary, The John Phillips Commentary Series (Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2009), 2 Ti 3:16c.
4) The Impact of Scripture
4) The Impact of Scripture
A. You can become a man/woman of God
A. You can become a man/woman of God
What does this phrase mean?
Properly directed to an appointed leader of God’s people.
ANS (general) — someone who becomes devoted to God’s Word; studying, obeying, and living surrendered to it.
Couple of words to focus on:
“Perfect” = complete, in fit shape, in fit condition.
Not sinless perfection, but rather fitted for use.
You have the necessary components for a task.
Illustration: Have you ever lacked that one thing that would allow you to get the job done?
“Furnished” = equipped to live a life and do the work that pleases God.
“throughly” = you will always be equipped to get the job done!
Illustration: If you purchase a piece of equipment or buy a car, the best way to get the most out of it is to first real the Manual.
The times are not going to get better, however, every Christian can become better lights in the world.
5) Our Treatment Of The Bible
5) Our Treatment Of The Bible
Some believe that we should approach Scripture like any other book. In other words, put your critical glasses on and determine if it meets our modern day criteria.
The picture painted here is you standing over scripture judging it.
In other words, scripture is to undergo the scrutiny and judgement of our own enlightened reasoning.
This is heretical!!!
A. Scripture should captivate our mind by it’s own claims about itself.
A. Scripture should captivate our mind by it’s own claims about itself.
Approach God’s Word with open ears.
Ask yourself, “What does the scriptures claim about itself?”
The Bible is the only book to consult in determining what type of book it is.
Sit at the feet of scripture.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Do treat God’s Word as the final authority from God to you?
Is the voice of scripture the first one you listen too?
Is application of scripture a priority in your life and home?