01-07-2023

God’s Love Letter

Introduction:

The Word “All” its is an important word in the English language isn’t it. It means: The whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing. It also, as an adverb, is used for: Emphasis

The all® laundry brand is for all … and we mean it.

The Stain-lifter that’s All

It’s All or Nothing

“All men are created equal.” - Thomas Jefferson

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” - Shakespeare

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” - English Proverb

“All roads lead to Rome.” - Latin Proverb

Now, when we think about the Word all in a Biblical manner, it can become even more important and significant to us:

Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 11:36 “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”

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,”

Link:

A. Definition of inspiration of Scripture:

The inspiration of Scripture refers to God’s direction of the human authors of the Bible so that they composed and recorded His message to humankind in their original writings (2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). Occasionally this inspiration was achieved through dictation, where God spoke directly to the original authors. Most of the time, however, this inspiration was achieved through the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit through the personalities of the authors so that their writings can be considered the very words of God.

The way God brought the Bible together is important.

It’s important that we realize that God didn’t just say words nor did men just write words they thought about God, but that God gave His Words, His Way in His Time for His Purpose.

The Doctrine of Inspiration is of most importance, this is why L Boettner was correct when he calls the Biblical teaching of INSPIRATION “The mother of guardian of all the others.”

An unsound view of inspiration of Scripture is bound to countenance unsound views, produce distorted teachings or serious gaps in essential doctrinal systematization, or offer a temptation to too easy subscription to plausible but unsound scientific or philosophic theorizing.

I. Biblical Basis for Inspiration

A. Scriptural references supporting the concept of inspiration

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,”

2 Peter 1:19–21 “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

B. Inspiration is divine guidance to human authors

It is important to note that inspiration applies only to the original autographs of Scripture, not the Bible writers; there are no inspired Scripture writers, only inspired Scripture. - John MacArthur

Secondly it is well to note that no Translation is inspired, only the original manuscripts were inspired.

Having said that, the way the Bible was translated and preserved was done delicately and over time when the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, it confirmed that Scripture was preserved almost 100% over the years. And what did change was so minimal it doesn't change the way we view or interpreter even one doctrine.

So identified with God with His Word that when Scripture speaks, God speaks. - John MacArthur

The Spirit did not erase the natural characteristics of the writers. In fact, God in His providence prepared the writers for the task of writing the Scriptures. Each writer has his own distinctive style and vocabulary. Each book of the Bible grew out of a special set of circumstances. In His preparation of men, in His guiding of history, and in His working through the Spirit, God brought about the miracle of the Scriptures. - Warren W. Wiersbe

II. Methods of Inspiration

A. Dictation

1. Instances where God directly communicated with authors

Moses

Joshua

Jesus Baptism

Jeremiah 1:9 “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.”

B. Supernatural by the H.S.

1. The Holy Spirit's role in inspiring the authors

These Men were inspired by God, GOD BREATHED into them, telling them what to write. We trust these men because:

They were trustworthy men and men that were reputable by the witness of other Godly men

What they wrote, didn't contradict with what other men of God wrote when they too were inspired by God.

2. Collaboration of the Spirit with authors' personalities

Inspiration isn’ t so much like me dictating to 40 different secretaries as much as it is me ridding 40 different horses. EXPLAIN THIS

III. Understanding the Nature of Inspired Writings

A. Identifying the writings as the words of God

B. Maintaining the uniqueness of individual authorial styles under divine influence

C. The significance of the inspired message for humankind

We must ask, why did God go to what seems to us as such great lengths to prep and work with 40 men over a period of thousands of years in order to give us His Word, so perfectly? B/C it’s His love letter to us.

IV. Implications and Applications

A. Importance of acknowledging the divine nature of Scripture

B. Understanding inspiration affects interpretation and application of the Bible

C. Personal implications for believers regarding the authority of Scripture

When we understand why He went to the great lengths, it should give us a better appreciation to why He did it. And allow that appreciation to drive home in our lives, the application He has for us. Applying the whole of the Bible to our lives to:

shows us the way of salvation

to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him 2 Peter 3:18 “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

Conclusion: What will you do with God’s Love Letter to you?

Unsaved: Do you recognize God’s Word is directly from Him? If so what does that mean to and for you? If you have never trusted Christ: ABC John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:”

Saved: Have you already trusted Christ as your Savior? If so do you still recognize God’s Word as His ongoing love letter to you? Do you study it and allow the HS to work in your heart to interpret it and allow God’s Word to change you?