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Is The Bible Inspired?

February Give me the

Bible

Inspired?• If the Bible is inspired

a message “from God to us” then it must be heeded

• But, it was written by men. Was their writings their own findings or did God actually direct their the words?

Inspired?

• 2 Tim. 3:16,17NOTE: Writings is γραφή “graphe”, are inspired – NOT just the oral teachings!

Inspired?

2 Pet. 1:19-21“…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Character of the Bible

• Written by 40 different men from varied background, 3 languages, 3 continents, over 1600 years

• Prophecies and miracles• The influence of the Word, its

accuracy, “unexcelled moral tone”, brevity and calmness, etc.

From God to the Bible

God – PRIMAL authority Ac.17:22-24, Heb.1:1-2 - Jesus – DELEGATED authority

Matt. 28:18, Jn. 14:10, 24 - - Holy Spirit REVEALED the word John 14:24-26, 16:7-15

From God to the Bible - - - Apostles (inspired men) DELIVERED the word

Acts 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9-12, Ac. 4:13, 2 Cor. 5:18-20

- - RECORDED for us1 Cor. 11:23, 14:37, Eph. 3:3-4, 2 Peter. 3:1-2, 1 John 4:6

From God to the Bible

God – PRIMAL authority –Ac.17:22-24Jesus – DELEGATED authority

Matt. 28:18 Holy Spirit REVEALED the word Jn. 14:24-26, 16:7-15

Apostles DELIVERED the wordActs 2:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9-12,

RECORDED for us1 Cor. 11:23, Eph. 3:3-4

The Bible is:

• Complete – 2 Tim. 3:16,17

• Irrevocable, unbreakable – John 10:35, Luke 16:17

• Inerrant – Jn. 17:17, Psa. 19:7, 119:160

Can we Understand the Bible

• With all the different religions, does this mean we cannot understand the Bible?

• NO! We can understand the Bible and are expected to!

Can we Understand the Bible

• The Bible claims to be truth

• John 17:17 – the message is unmistakable.

• When you have 2 different views, both cannot be right!

Can we Understand the Bible

• Eph. 3:3-4 Paul explained “the mystery” so that they could understand

• Eph. 5:17, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Can we Understand the Bible

Matt. 4:4“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ”

Can we Understand the Bible

• Speak the same thing!

• 1 Cor. 1:10

• Philippians 2:2

How can we speak the same thing if we cannot understand?

Can we Understand the Bible

• Same thing taughtin every church

• 1 Cor. 4:17, 2 Pet. 3:15-16• Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29, etc.

There was ONE message and it could be understood from

congregation to congregation

Can we Understand the Bible

• Claims in scripture• 2 Tim. 3:16,17 – COMPLETE• 2 Pet. 1:3-4 – ALL things that

pertain to life and godliness

Can we Understand the Bible

• Why is there so much division?

• It is NOT about what God’s word says, but what it does NOT say!Faulty attitudesPoor study habits cf. Matt. 22:29, Jn. 3:10

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Do YOU understand

what YOU are reading?