Given by Inspiration of God Part 3

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by 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 furnished unto all good works.

Degrees of Inspiration: Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Deut. 5:4, 24; Matt. 3:17). Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21). Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21). In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Luke 1:1-4; John 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2). The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated “profitable” (3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (1Tim. 4:8).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

‘Reproof’ [Greek: elengchos] reproof (3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

‘Correction’ [Greek: epanorthosis] to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices.

‘Instruction’ [Greek: paideia] It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (3:16-17; 2:19-21).

‘Perfect’ [Greek: artios] complete; exactly fitted as a joint.

‘Thoroughly furnished’ [Greek: exartizo] to finish out; equip fully. Translated “accomplish” in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Matt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (3:16-17).

Given by Inspiration of God Part 2

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by 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 furnished unto all good works.

‘Inspiration of God’ [Greek: theopneustos] God-breathed. It is that special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men which qualified and enabled them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man.

The purpose of inspiration is to secure truth and unity in the record, not the sameness of words or statements. Revelation discovers new truths; inspiration superintends the communicating and recording of that truth. We have examples of inspiration without revelation (Luke 1:1-4); of inspiration including revelation (Rev. 1:1, 11); of inspiration without illumination (1Pet. 1:11; 1Cor. 14:13-19); and of revelation and inspiration including illumination (1Cor. 2:12-16; 14:30).

We find lies of satan and men; false doctrines; and many sins listed in Scripture. Inspiration simply guarantees that these lies were actually told; these fallacies were taught by certain men; and that these crimes were committed, but it does not make these lies and fallacies the truth or place God’s sanction upon the crimes. One must find out whether satan, evil men, or God is speaking in Scripture. God is not responsible for what others have said just because He causes what they did say to be recorded by inspiration. All God guarantees is that these things were said and done as they are recorded. Only what God says or teaches is the truth which He requires men to obey.

To be continued…

Given by Inspiration of God Part 1

2Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by 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 furnished unto all good works. 

‘All scripture’ ALL, not a part of Scripture. Even if the law was abolished, all commandments of a righteous life and conduct are still in effect. Many people today choose either the Old or the New Testament as the Word of God, but both Testaments make up the Word and must be read in context and relation – thus to whom it was given (Israel or other nations, Christians or the ungodly, etc.) and for what purpose (only individual were commanded to preach, teach or write and every one to obey commandments, follow instructions, learn from given examples, etc.).

‘Scripture’ – Twenty-one Names of the Bible: The Scripture (Mark 15:28; John 7:38). The Scriptures (Luke 24:27; John 5:39). The Promises (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8). The Oracles of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11). The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38). The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Luke 24:25, 44). The Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2). The Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15). The Book of the Lord (Isa. 34:16). The Word of God (Mark 7:13; Rom. 10:17). The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The Old and New Testament (2Cor. 3:6-15). The First and Second Covenant (Heb. 8:7). The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16). The Word of Life (Php. 2:16). The Scripture of Truth (Dan. 10:21). The Word of Truth (2Tim. 2:15). The gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). The Word of Faith (Rom. 10:8). The Word of the Lord (2Thess. 3:1). The Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13).

‘Given by inspiration of God’ Nine ways the Bible was given: Audible voice of God (Ex. 19:19; Deut. 5:1-33; Matt. 3:16-17; John 12:28). Angels (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:2). Prophets (Acts 3:21; Heb. 1:1). Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1; Rev. 1:1-20). Apostles (Acts 1:2; Eph. 4:1-32). Visions (Isa. 6:1-13; Daniel 7-8; Ezek. 1:1-28). Dreams (Dan. 2:1-49; Matt. 1:20; 2:12). Revelation [Greek: apokalupsis] to unveil or uncover. It implies the lifting up of a curtain so that all can see alike what is uncovered. When used in writing, it means to reveal or make clear (Eph. 3:3; Gal. 1:12); when used of a person, it denotes visible presence (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). Inspiration (3:15-17).

To be continued…