The first thing we need to remember is that the Scriptures were inspired by the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 1:10-12
“This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when He told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and His great glory afterward. They were told that their messages were not for themselves but for you. And now this good news has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.” (NLT)
2 Timothy 3:16 ESV “All Scripture is breathed out by God and (is) profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
2 Peter 1:21 ESV “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Definition
The inspiration of Scripture refers to God’s direction of the human authors of the Bible to compose and record His message to humanity in their original writings.
· Sometimes this came about by God speaking directly to the author. Exodus 17:14 “After the victory, the LORD instructed Moses, ‘Write this down on a scroll as a permanent reminder, and read aloud to Joshua: I will erase the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
Ezekiel 24:14 NLT, “I, the LORD have spoken! The time has come and I won’t hold back. I will not change My mind, and I will have no pity on you. You will be judged on the basis of all your wicked actions says the LORD.”
John, in Revelation 14:13 NLT “And I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write this down: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, they are blessed indeed, for they will rest from their hard work, for the good deeds follow them.’”
2. It seems that most often God’s direction came from the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit himself.
· God’s word is true and truth.
In 2 Samuel 7:18-29 NLT, we have David’s Prayer. Verse 28 we read “For you are God, O sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”
In 1 Kings 17:24 NLT, the widow of Zarephath said to Elijah — “Now I know for sure that you are a man of God and that the Lord truly speaks through you.”
Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:7 NLT, wrote, “We faithfully preach the truth. God’s power is working in us. We use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and the left hand for defense.”
In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 NLT, Paul wrote — “Therefore, we never stop thanking God that when you received His message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God – which of course it is. And this word continues to work in you who believe.”
Consider these verses that speak the truth about —
1. Salvation – Titus 3:4-5, 4 But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit
2. Our Assurance – Romans 8:1-2, So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
3. The Truth about Fear – Romans 8:31, What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Isaiah 41:10, Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
4. The Truth about Temptation – 1 Corinthians 10:13, The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
5. The Truth about Trials – Romans 8:28, And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
6. The Truth about Pride – James 4:6-7, And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
7. The Truth about Anger – Ephesians 4:25-27, So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
8. The Truth about Justice – Isaiah 1:17, Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.
9. The Truth about Wisdom – James 1:5, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
I will continue with more “Truths” in next week’s Jubilee Weekly.
And all of us together say “AMEN!”
Pastor Leonard
