Biblical Inspiration and Biblical Preservation – Part 2

Temple Baptist Church - 1-30-2022

2 Timothy 3:10-17; Psalm 12:6-8

 

A.  Last week, we saw biblical inspiration: a one-time act where God gave mankind His inerrant, infallible Word.  God infused (inspiration) the Word of God with eternality and life.  This morning, I want to answer the question: "Why the big fuss about Divine Preservation?"

 

1.  Without Divine Preservation of Scripture, we cannot know for certain that our Bible is correct in every aspect!  If preservation of Scripture is an act of man, then there can be mistranslations, additions, omissions, copyright issues that cause huge changes (plagiarism), and the usage of synonyms which are like words but not exact words.

 

2.  Without Divine Preservation of Scripture, we can only have a Bible that contains the Word of God and not the actual Word of God.  If there are errors because of deviations from the original manuscripts, and no one in our world has an original or even seen a copy, then we have no way to correct errors.

 

3.  Without Divine Preservation of Scripture, then we must rely on the "experts" in Greek and Hebrew as our final authority as they continually change bibles while disagreeing with each other on words and translations.  Who corrects the authority becomes the authority.  WE HAVE AN AUTHORITY PROBLEM IN SO-CALLED FUNDAMENTALISM TODAY!

 

B.  I also ended the message with this thought: biblical inspiration means nothing without divine preservation.  Most will agree that God inspired His Word in the original manuscripts, but many believe that inspiration died with the original manuscripts. I see this in the Statemen of Faith of many churches, mission boards, pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and universities.

 

C.  If this be so, then we cannot have an inerrant, infallible Bible today!  Divine Inspiration without divine preservation is NOTHING!  I want to reiterate that no one has an original manuscript nor has anyone seen an original manuscript in our time.  The original manuscripts are NOT what Paul referenced in 2 Timothy!  Paul was speaking to Timothy about the Holy Scriptures that he had from his youth.  The Holy Scriptures that led him to a saving knowledge of Christ.  Therefore, without Divine Preservation, no one can be assured of exactly what those inspired words were in the originals.

 

Psalms 118:8-9  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  (9)  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

 

Human preservation of Scripture is confidence in fallible men to bring to us an infallible Bible.  This is an impossibility.

 

D.  Therefore, biblical preservation cannot be an act of mane alone!  Let me give you an example of what I am talking about.

 

1.  The Pentateuch, Genesis-Deuteronomy, were written by Moses 3500 years ago.  The completed canon of the Old Testament was finished 2400 years ago.  The New Testament canon of scriptures is almost 2000 years old.  Thus, biblical preservation has been an ongoing thing for 2000-3500 years.

 

2.  So, let us just look at the past 140 of those 3500 years.  In the 1800's, the Wescott-Hort Text or line of scriptures were found. 

 

3.  In 1881-1885, the Wescott-Hort text was translated and printed in the Revised Version.  Since that date, 141 years ago, we have seen the multiplicity of "bibles" come upon the scene that have cast doubt upon the King James Bible bringing confusion and division among Christendom.  For centuries prior to the Critical Text, there was NO confusion among Bible believers about where or what God's Word was.

 

4.  So, let me share with you what this means.  For 3360 years, the Word of God was preserved and translated without confusion and division?  You either believed the Word of God or you did not.  There was no middle ground.  The Bible declares that God is not the Author of confusion, so who is?  Man!  And man has become the source of biblical criticism and confusion that we now endure.

 

E.  Now, we will begin to answer the question: "How can we be sure that we have the very Word of God and not just a book that contains the Word of God.  Biblical Inspiration without Divine Preservation makes no sense.

 

1.  The last 141 years has eroded the confidence of God's people in God's Word.  Since the introduction of the Wescott-Hort Text in 1853 and the New Testament translation finished in 1881.

 

2.  Since this time, there have been numerous "bibles" produced off the Wescott-Hort with each new version contradicting all others.  Whereas from 1611 until 1881 (the Revised Version of the New Testament), there was no confusion concerning the Bible.  You either believed it or you did not. 

 

3.  THINGS have not changed: you still believe it, or you do not.  If you correct it, you do not believe it.  It is as simple as that! 

 

4.  I have chosen to believe the Bible!  I am neither uneducated not am I an ignorant man.  I chose over the past 45 years to read and study what the King James Bible says.  Because of this, I have been scoffed at, maligned, and castigated.  Pleases, just let this poor old Bible believer continue to be ignorant enough to believe the Bible!

 

F.  As we get to Timothy's Day, possibly 2200 years since the Book of Job was written (Job probably lived in Abraham's day as the land of UZ was mentioned in genealogy [Genesis, chapter 10]), over 1500 years has passed since Moses recorded the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy).  It has also been over 400 years since Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament was written.  As God the Holy Ghost moved the Apostle Paul to write 2 Timothy and mention Biblical Inspiration, He refers to the inspired Scriptures in 3 distinct tenses which denote preservation of inspiration.

 

G.  Now, let us tie our two texts together.

 

1.  God gave us the promise of Divine Inspiration and Divine Preservation.

 

Psalms 12:6-8  (Divine Inspiration) The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.  (7)  (Divine Preservation) Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.  (8)  The wicked walk on every side, when the vilest men are exalted.

 

2.  God faithfully gave to Timothy as well as you and me that save promise.

 

a.  The Scriptures Inspired in the Past Tense.  2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

 

Timothy is no longer a child.  He is the pastor of the Church of Ephesus!  The Scriptures that Timothy grew up with were not the original manuscripts.  They were divinely preserved copies!  Every synagogue had copies of the Law and the Prophets.  Our Lord Jesus said time and time again, "IT IS WRITTEN," because He knew that the people knew what was written in the Holy Scriptures.

 

b.  The Scriptures Inspired in the Present Tense.  2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

 

The divinely preserved Scriptures is given by inspiration of God and continues to be profitable to those who now read.  "Holy Bible" (biblia sacra) is still used to refer to the Word of God.  Those two  words were placed on yor 1611 King James Bible!

 

c.  The Scriptures Inspired in the Future Tense.  2 Timothy 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 

 

This refers to every man of God to come.  Without the Divinely Preserved Inspired Word of God, no man of God can be "perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."  The Bible that I hold in my hand will perfect me, the Bible that I hold in my hand will thoroughly furnish me for the work of the ministry.

 

Conclusion:  Do I fully understand Divine Preservation?  The answer is no.  I believe Divine Inspiration because God said it and the Bible declares it.

 

Proverbs 30:5  Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

 

Matthew 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

 

Matthew 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

 

1 Peter 1:23-25  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  (24)  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  (25)  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

 

2 Peter 1:19  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:

The Battle of Armageddon

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-30-2022

Revelation 19:14-21

 

A.  Tonight, we come to Armageddon, the culmination of the conflict between Satan and God.  A time that God's people throughout the ages have looked forward to.  A time when wrong will be destroyed by right; this atheistic world destroyed by the God that they chose to ignore and reject.

 

B.  These verses speak of the Battle of Armageddon (to be differentiated from the Battle of Gog and Magog which takes place at the end of the Millennial Reign of Christ).  The bible refers this place as Armageddon. 

 

Revelation 16:16  And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

 

1.  The Prophecy is Right.  The Time is Right.  The Harvest is Ripe.  The Judge is Righteous.

 

2.  The word "Armageddon" means to rendezvous.

 

Joel 3:12-21  Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.  (13)  Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.  (14)  Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.  (15)  The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.  (16)  The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.  (17)  So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.  (18)  And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.  (19)  Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.  (20)  But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.  (21)  For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.

 

Revelation 14:15-20  And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.  (16)  And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.  (17)  And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.  (18)  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.  (19)  And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.  (20)  And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.

 

There will be a river of blood app. 4 feet deep and 200 miles long because of the slaughter of the wicked. 

 

Isaiah 63:1-4  Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.  (2)  Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat?  (3)  I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.  (4)  For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

 

C.  In His First Advent, He came meek and lowly, riding on the foal of an ass.  In His First Advent, He came as a Babe born in humility; He came born in poverty as He that was rich became poor for us that through His poverty, we might be made rich; He was born in the weakness of humanity that He might be touched with feeling of our infirmity as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.   In His First Advent, He established His Second Advent.

 

Isaiah 9:6a "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given …"

 

D.  In His Second Advent, He comes as The Word of God: "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."  The Lion of the tribe of Judah!

 

Isaiah 6:6b-7 "and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

 

E.  In verse 11, we saw His appearance.  Revelation 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

 

F.  Verse 14.  Here we see His followers.  The word "armies" is used in this instance instead of "army."  Most nations on earth have an army: a military branch to serve and protect.  The plural usage is because His armies will be made up of multitudes that will come from every nation on earth.  In verse 19, the Bible uses the word "army" as opposed to the "armies" of the beast and the kings of the earth.  There is no contradiction here in the word usage.  The LORD's "armies" will be diverse in their ethnicity but totally unified in their following.  Thus the "armies" will be an "army." 

 

Allow me to illustrate what I believe that the Bible is saying.  In the WWI and WWII, we had "armies" that fought together to defeat a common enemy.  Today, we have the United Nations that often sends an occupation force to an area in a "peace keeping" role or, in extreme cases, to fight a common enemy.  These "armies" fight together but are far from unified which often causes conflict of interests among the sending nations.  The LORD's armies, though diverse in their original ethnicity, are totally unified in their allegiance and purpose.

 

G.  His armies come down from heaven with Him and likewise ride upon white horses.  Their clothing will be the righteousness of God, illustrated by the fine linen, white and clean.  The armies of the beast and kings of the earth will no doubt be as varied in their clothing as they are in their ethnicity.

 

H.  Verse 17-18.  Here we find the birds of carrion invited to the "supper of the great God."  This is not the Marriage Supper of the Lamb but a gathering of birds from all over the world to pick clean the bones of those who hate and will gather to fight against God.

 

Most birds of prey are protected species for a reason.  They keep the earth clean as they are opportunistic omnivores: God's "cleanup crews."  To name a few: vultures, eagles, ravens, crows, jays, magpies.

 

J.  Verse 19.  The armies of the world gather under the leadership of the beast.  Think of the vast power of today's armies.  Their killing machines, hundreds of millions of soldiers, nuclear power with precision missile delivery systems.  In the sight of man, a force that cannot be defeated.  But, their Foe is He who has never lost a battle!  Their foolishness will be their downfall as our KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" cannot be withstood. 

 

K.  Verse 20.  The beast and false prophet that deceived the world, causing them to take the mark of the beast and bow to his image in worship, will be taken.  These two will be the first to be cast into the Lake of Fire (First Mention).   These are cast into the Lake of Fire alive!  No perishing of the wicked but an eternal punishment burning with fire and brimstone (sulfur).  Taken before the eyes of the armies that followed them.  Their confidence absolutely destroyed!

 

Daniel 7:8-11  I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.  (9)  I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  (10)  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.  (11)  I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

 

L.  Verse 21.  After their leaders are cast into the Lake of Fire, the remnant of the army is destroyed and the flesh of them and of their horses become carrion for the birds of prey that will fill the air.  That the sword comes out of His mouth indicates that He wins the battle with the power of His word. Though the saints return with Christ to reign and rule, they are not the executioners. That is His work, and He will destroy them with the power of His Word, the Sword that proceeds out of His mouth.  The end of the wicked will be followed by Christ setting up His kingdom, the Millennial Reign of Christ called the Kingdom or Golden Age.

The Brevity of Life

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-26-2022

James 4:13-17

 

Introduction. 

 

A. The passage that I read this evening deals with the subjects of our future and death.  I may break this message up into 2 or 3 parts as it is something that we will all face if our Lord has not come back soon.

 

B.  If the Lord does not come soon, we that are older will face the last enemy: death!  An enemy already conquered by our Lord Jesus Christ.  Turn with me to 1 Corinthians, chapter 15: the resurrection chapter.

 

1 Corinthians 15:19-27  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.  (20)  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  (21)  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  (23)  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.  (24)  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.  (25)  For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.  (26)  The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.  (27)  For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

 

C.  Death is simply the cessation of life as we know it here on earth.  A place of appointment; a place of destiny.

 

D.  The Brevity of Life.

 

1.  King David is a great example of the brevity of life.  Though the Bible does not give David's age at death, we do know that he lived a long, full life here on earth.  Psalm 37 was a Psalm of David and, in the later part of the Psalm, David reflects back over his life and the brevity of it.

 

Psalms 37:23-26  The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  (24)  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  (25)  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.  (26)  He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.

 

2.  King David had a purpose for living and an appointment with death when his work on earth was done.

 

1 Samuel 17:26,29  And David spake to the men that stood by him, saying, What shall be done to the man that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?  …  And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?  (King David had a purpose for living and an appointment with death.)

 

2 Samuel 23:1  Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,  (Never more on this earth would we hear from the King of Israel, David the Beloved.)

 

3.  Job's take on Life.  No age is given but, through the Scripture, we know that Job lived a long life.  The Book of Job is said to be the oldest book in the Bible so we know that his generation possibly lived for hundreds of years.  He lost his first children but God gave to him 7 more along with 3 more generations of grandchildren.  He lived 140 years more after Job, chapter 1.  Though long in the sight of man, Job's life was swift and short.

 

Job 42:16-17  After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations.  (17)  So Job died, being old and full of days.

 

a) Swift Days - Job 7:6  My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.  (I was once young and now I am getting old.  My generation is swiftly passing off the scene.)

 

b) Few Days - Job 14:1  Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.  (As the days pass so quickly, I realize more than ever the brevity of life.)

 

c) Troublesome Days.  Job had to endure much hardship in the early years of his life.

 

4.  Jacob's take on Life.  According to the Bible, Jacob lived to be 147 years old.  Genesis 47:9  And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

 

Psalms 39:5  Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.

 

5. What is your life?  It is short at best and shorter at worst!  The Bible says threescore and ten or fourscore by reason of strength.  Some live longer than 80, but on the other side of the coin, some do not live until they are 70.  This is what James says: do not worry about tomorrow because for you and me, tomorrow may never come.

 

Psalms 90:4  For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.  (As we now place flowers on the graves of our loved ones, someone soon will place flowers on ours.  Tracy!)

 

6.  The Surety Of Death.

 

a) We Will Die - Hebrews 9:27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:  (My day is coming and so is yours.  I have watched as many have died and each time have wondered what it is like to know death.)

 

b) Our Bodies Will Decay - Genesis 3:19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.  (These old fleshly bodies wear out; these fleshly bodies will go back to the dust from whence they came.  No physician or mortician can stop the process.)

 

c) We Will Not Return - 2 Samuel 14:14  For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means, that his banished be not expelled from him.  (Pay no attention to the “Out of the body experiences.”  When you die, it is like water spilt upon the ground.)

 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2  To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:  2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

The Second Coming of Christ - Part 3 - KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

 Temple Baptist Church - 1-23-2022

Revelation 19:14-16

 

A.  In verse 11, we saw His appearance in the Second Coming or Advent.  Revelation 19:11  And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

 

B.  In His First Advent, He came meek and lowly, riding on the foal of an ass.  In His First Advent, He came as a Babe born in humility; He came born in poverty as He that was rich became poor for us that through His poverty, we might be made rich; He was born in the weakness of humanity that He might be touched with feeling of our infirmity as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.   In His First Advent, He established His Second Advent.

 

Isaiah 9:6a "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given …"

 

C.  In His Second Advent, He comes as The Word of God: "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."  The Lion of the tribe of Judah!

 

Isaiah 6:6b-7 "and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  (7)  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this."

 

D.  The Contrast of the two Advents.

 

First Advent—meek and lowly / Second Advent—power and glory.

First Advent—a Lamb / Second Advent—a Lion.

First Advent—riding the foal of an ass / Second Advent—riding a white horse.

First Advent—a carpenter-servant / Second Advent—a conquering Sovereign.

First Advent—He wore a crown of thorns / Second Advent—He will wear a golden crown (Revelation 14:14)

First Advent—He died for the sins of the world / Second Advent—He will judge the sins of the world.

First Advent—He became obedient to death / Second Advent—He will do away with death.

 

E.  Verse 14.  Here we see His followers.  The word "armies" is used in this instance instead of "army."  Most nations on earth have an army: a military branch to serve and protect.  The plural usage is because His armies will be made up of multitudes that will come from every nation on earth.  In verse 19, the Bible uses the word "army" as opposed to the "armies" of the beast and the kings of the earth.  There is no contradiction here in the word usage.  The LORD's "armies" will be diverse in their ethnicity but totally unified in their following.  Thus the "armies" will be an "army." 

 

F.  Allow me to illustrate what I believe that the Bible is saying.  In the WWI and WWII, we had "armies" that fought together to defeat a common enemy.  Today, we have the United Nations that often sends an occupation force to an area in a "peace keeping" role or, in extreme cases, to fight a common enemy.  These "armies" fight together but are far from unified which often causes conflict of interests among the sending nations.  The LORD's armies, though diverse in their original ethnicity, are totally unified in their allegiance and purpose.

 

G.  His armies come down from heaven with Him and likewise ride upon white horses.  Their clothing will be the righteousness of God, illustrated by the fine linen, white and clean.  The armies of the beast and kings of the earth will no doubt be as varied in their clothing as they are in their ethnicity.

 

H.  Verse 15.  Here we find the inspiration of God's Word, "Out of His mouth," and the characteristic of God's Word, "sharp sword. 

 

Hebrews 4:12-13  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  (13)  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

 

God's Word is quick—alive; God's Word is powerful—wonderous in its accomplishments; God's Word is sharp—it cuts to the heart and soul of man; God's Word is discerning—both the thoughts and intents of the heart; God's Word is all-seeing—nothing is hidden from it.

 

J.  He is coming to Smite the Nations at Armageddon for their rebellion; He is coming to Rule the Nations during the Kingdom Age in righteousness and equity; He is coming to Judge the Nations in His fierceness and wrath for their rejection.

 

K.  The theme of the Bible is all about ownership.  The words "King" and "Kingdom" are found throughout the Bible as the two together are mentioned 3,273x.  As Adam and Eve walked with the Voice of God in the beginning of creation, it will be the ultimate state of man to eternally with the Voice of God.  God's desire was always to establish His kingdom on the earth but it was corrupted by sin.  He is coming again to reestablish His kingdom on earth in righteousness.

 

L.  Psalms 22, 23, and 24 form what is called a trilogy.  Psalm 22 portrays the Cross of Christ; Psalm 23 portrays the Care of Christ; Psalm 24 portrays the Coming of Christ.  In Psalm 24, we find a description of the Coming of Christ:

 

Psalms 24:7-10  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.  (8)  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.  (9)  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.  (10)  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

 

Jesus was hailed as a King at His birth - Matthew 2:2  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

 

When the people saw the miracles that Jesus performed, they desired to make Him King - John 6:13-15  Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.  (14)  Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.  (15)  When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

 

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the people called Him King - Luke 19:37-38  And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;  (38)  Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

 

Pilate questioned Jesus pertaining to His kingship - John 18:33-40  Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?  (34)  Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?  (35)  Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?  (36)  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.  (37)  Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.  (38)  Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.  (39)  But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?  (40)  Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.

 

Pilate placed Jesus before the crowd with this statement - John 19:14  And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!

 

The soldiers mocked Christ - Matthew 27:29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

 

Pilate placed a sign upon Jesus' cross - Matthew 27:37  And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

 

Paul announced Christ's coming to Timothy - 1 Timothy 6:13-16  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;  (14)  That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (15)  Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;  (16)  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

 

M.  I believe that one verse in Acts says it all - Acts 10:36  The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

 

Philippians 2:9-11  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  (10)  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  (11)  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Romans 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Biblical Inspiration and Biblical Preservation – Part 1 - Biblical Inspiration

Temple Baptist Church - 1-23-2022

2 Timothy 3:10-17; Job 32:8

 

Introduction: 

 

A.  Every few years, I preach a series on the Bible. 

 

1.  I know that our people are well versed in the Scriptures, but we have young people growing up that need to know what we know. 

 

2.  Also, because of the constant "chipping away" of doctrinal truth through false teaching and peer pressure.  We adults need re-enforcement. 

 

3.  What I will preach over these weeks will be what the Bible says and teaches about the Bible.  This series will not be about opinion; it will be about God's truth.

 

B.  In 2 Timothy, the key verse is chapter 2, verse 15:

 

1.  "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Here, Paul is admonishing young Timothy to study the Word of God!  IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE BIBLE SAY, STUDY THE BIBLE.

 

2.  Thank God Timothy did not go join a liberal church nor did he go off to some liberal Bible College.  He sat under God's man who both told him to study the Word of God for himself and also mentored him in the faith.

 

3.  As your pastor, I tell you to study the Word of God!  As I begin this message on Biblical Inspiration, I want you to know that I have not consulted one commentary or anyone else's sermon on the subject.  What I am doing today is strictly Bible based.

 

4.  Most people never study a biblical subject for themselves because it is much easier to just look at what someone else has said on the subject.

 

C.  I do not know how far that I will get this morning, but I want to look at the word "inspiration" for a few minutes.  I want you to know what the Bible says concerning Biblical Inspiration.

 

D.  The word "inspiration" is used only twice in your King James Bible.  Thus, we have a First Mention Principle found in the Old Testament and a Last Mention Principle found in the New Testament.  The First Mention and the Last Mention ALWAYS confirm God's teaching on the subject.  These two mentions are all that you need to understand inspiration.

 

First Mention - Job 32:8  But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. 

 

Last Mention – 2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

 

1.  Old Testament: Inspiration gave Adam Physical Life. 

 

a.  The First Mention of Inspiration is found in the Old Testament -

 

The First Mention Principle: "God indicates in the first mention of a subject the truth with which that subject stands connected in the mind of God." 

 

1)  The Old Testament word "inspiration" speaks about what God did in man. He inspired wisdom in the spirit of man.  The spirit of man is that part that is God-concious.

 

2)  When God created Adam, He created him both male and female.  This speaks of both creation and procreation or reproduction.  In the day that God made Adam, Eve was already in him because God would never create another man.  In the future, Adam and Eve would procreate through the birth of children.

 

Genesis 1:27  So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

 

Genesis 5:1-2  This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;  (2)  Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

 

3)  How did God inspire Adam?

 

Genesis 2:7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

 

John 1:9  That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

 

4)  God breathed both out (expiration) and into Adam (inspiration).  God breathing out is called expiration, but inspiration is to infuse or to force breath into someone.  Physically, we breath in (inspiration) and we breathe out (expiration).

 

5)  God infused, through inspiration, the very life of God into Adam's nostrils and Adam became a "living soul."  God has never again done such because it is no longer required.  Life is now procreated and, therefore, preserved in our children through Adam.

 

6)  God breathed life into a dead body and the result was eternal life in Adam.  Now, with the First Mention of inspiration in mind, let us go to the New Testament

 

2.  New Testament: We find Biblical Inspiration in gives us the Word of God.

 

2 Peter 1:21  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.

 

2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 

 

3.  The Inspired Word of God gives to us eternal Spiritual Life.  that gives Spiritual Life.

 

a.  Paul, writing to Timothy:  2 Timothy 3:15  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

 

b.  Jesus speaking to Nicodemus: John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

 

c.  Paul speaking to the Roman Church: Romans 10:17  So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

 

d.  Peter speaking to the dispersed Jews: 1 Peter 1:23-25  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  (24)  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:  (25)  But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

 

Conclusion: The inspiration of God is a one-time act in both usages. 

 

1.  In creation, God breathed into Adam the "breath of life."  God has never "inspired" any other human being. 

 

2.  In giving us the Word of God, God "inspired" the human authors of the Word of God to write as thy were moved  by the Holy Ghost.  God has never inspired man to do so again. 

 

3.  Inspiration is an act of God in giving us the complete canon of Scriptures, both verbally and plenarily in the completed canon of Scriptures.