Sermon Central
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The Process Of Divine Inspiration (Part 2) Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Dec 12, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: To establish that the “word of God” was given to the apostles through divine revelations and recorded by them through divine inspiration. We’ll explore if the truth of God has been preserved during its translation from Greek into our English language.
INTRODUCTION
Outline.
2. The Process of Divine Inspiration
Introductory Remarks.
1. This series of lessons discusses the theme: “Divine Revelation and Inspiration.” In truth, we can only say these two processes, revelation, and inspiration, are the work of the “Hands of the Father, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit.” Human translations were done entirely through the hands and minds of uninspired men and women.
2. Today, we will discuss the process of divine inspiration in recording the word of God. “Inspiration" means "the breathing forth of the word of God,” Matthew 4:4. We can be sure of the authenticity of the “word of God” recorded by the hands of the apostles because it was done through the “inspiration of God,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Holy men of God: “Spoke and wrote as the Spirit gave them utterance and recollection,” 2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 2:1-4.
3. Peter further explained: "If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God," 1 Peter 4:11. God's divine truths were revealed and recorded through the process of divine inspiration: “through the hands of the apostles and prophets by the Spirit,” Galatians 6:11; Ephesians 3:3-4; Hebrews 13:22; 1 Peter 5:12.
4. Referring to these first two processes: the revelation and inspiration of the “word of God.” The Psalmist David wrote: “The word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth,” Psalms 33:4. And, “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the second point in this series of lessons.
BODY OF LESSON
II. THE PROCESS OF DIVINE INSPIRATION
A. Inspiration of God. In the fashion of point one, we must begin this point by defining the word "inspiration." The word in Gr., is theópneustos, which means to breathe in divinely: —given by the inspiration of God. The word of God is breathed forth from His mouth. In this regard, it refers to the revelation of the mystery of Christ, meaning all the contents of the scriptures, which God inspired. Jesus said,
1. Unto Satan during His temptation: “It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” Matthew 4:4.
a. We should remember this rebuttal during our temptations.
b. Quote the book to the tempter, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee,” Psalms 119:11.
c. It worked for the Master, and it will work for us! Back to our lesson, the Apostle,
2. Paul inscribed: “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnish (equipped) unto all good works,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Paul affirms these certain truths,
a. All scripture was imparted to him by God’s revelation and inspiration. The apostles and prophets received and recorded God's word through God's inspiration (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Therefore, it is without error and human influences. As such,
b. It is profitable (in every aspect that God intended it to be so). Isaiah wrote: “So, shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing(s) whereto I sent it,” Isaiah 55:11.
1) It is, therefore, profitable, i.e., helpful, serviceable, and advantageous: —profit(-able), in every aspect of spiritual guidance, enlightenment, and salvation.
2) Paul uses the word: "profitable" three times in his Pastoral Epistles written unto Timothy and Titus, 1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; and Titus 3:8.
3) These two evangelists were working to build up and fortify the churches of Christ where they were laboring in "doing the work of an evangelist," 2 Timothy 4:5. If I might impart some instruction here, it would be as did Paul, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” 2 Timothy 2:15. Study what? The word of God. Listen to him. Notice beloved in the Lord!
4) For what purpose, Paul? That you might be approved unto God, His workman, that shall not be ashamed, by rightly dividing (cutting it straight) the word of truth. Why, Brother Freeman? The word in Gr., is ophelimos, which means profitable, helpful, and necessary for your entire work in the ministry as an evangelist, minister, preacher, or teacher of God’s divine precepts, statutes, commandments, and instructions in righteousness. I recall what,
NOTE: Brother Warren told me when I undertook this great work to study His word to be approved in His sight, not to him, nor any others. In doing so, you will never be ashamed or afraid of the task set before you. You will always have His help, guidance, approval, and success. I have never forgotten those words from my mentor and beloved Father in the Lord! Whom I loved dearly!
