What the Bible Says About Itself

What the Bible Says About Itself

Whether the bible arose from men alone or God inspired is perhaps the most crucial question of our time. If the bible is merely human, arising from myths & legends – it has no authority in our lives. But…if scripture is from God, as it claims, then it possesses unconditional, divine authority over us. Our faith as Christians rests on the inspiration & trustworthiness of the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:12-19).

I. The bible claims inspiration throughout its pages.

A. OT & NT claim inspiration 4000 times.

B. In the Old Testament:

1. Ex. 17:14; 34:27 – Moses

2. Psa. 119:9 – the Psalmist called the Law the Word of God.

3. Isa 51:16; Jer. 1:7 - The prophets

C. The NT also claims divine inspiration.

1. Jesus – John 7:16-17; 12:49-50

2. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. He would:

1. Lk. 12:11-12 – inspire their message

2. 1 Cor. 2:12-13 – teach them what to speak.

3. John 14:26 – remind them of what Jesus said.

4. John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3-4 – guide them into all truth.

3. Paul’s words – 1 Thess. 2:13 see also 1 Cor. 2:11-13.

II. If the Bible is from God – it will surely make a difference in our lives.

A. Bible contains words that will change our lives.

1. Acts 11:14 – it contains God’s plan of salvation

2. Rom 10:17 – it has the power of God to bring us to faith

3. Rom 1:16 – it contains the gospel – which is God’s power to save.

4. 1 Peter 1:22-25 – we are born again with imperishable seed.

B. The Bible brings us to wisdom beyond our own.

1. 1 Cor. 1:25 – foolishness of God is wiser than men. Rom. 11:33-36

C. Because it is truth, bible should have authority in our lives.

1. Those who reject this/fail to apply are not wise. Mt. 7:24-27

2. John 8:31 – want to be a true disciple? Abide in the word of God.

D. If it is the authority in our lives – it must never be changed.

1. Rev. 22:18-19

1. Who can improve upon the word of God? Rom 9:20-21

2. Gal. 1:6-9 – anyone who preaches a different gospel will be accursed.

III. Answering the critics.

A. The word has too much baggage.

1. This document is either trustworthy or it is not.

B. Some claim scripture is of human origin.

1. Mt. 4:4, 7, 10 – God’s word had a lasting force in Jesus’ life.

2. Lk. 9:26; 2 Jhn 9 - Anyone who goes beyond the teaching of Jesus does not have God.

Conclusion:

A. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – what Paul taught remains true today.

B. John 7:17 - one who practices scripture knows it is indeed the word of God.

C. Jhn. 15:8-10 - Are you keeping His commandments?



What the Bible Says About Itself Whether the bible arose from men alone or God inspired is perhaps the most crucial question of our time. If the bible is merely human, arising from myths & legends – it has no authority in our lives. But…if scripture is from God, as it claims, then it possesses unconditional, divine authority over us. Our faith as Christians rests on the inspiration & trustworthiness of the scriptures (1 Cor. 15:12-19). I. The bible claims inspiration throughout its pages. A. OT & NT claim inspiration 4000 times. B. In the Old Testament: 1. Ex. 17:14; 34:27 – Moses 2. Psa. 119:9 – the Psalmist called the Law the Word of God. 3. Isa 51:16; Jer. 1:7 - The prophets C. The NT also claims divine inspiration. 1. Jesus – John 7:16-17; 12:49-50 2. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to the apostles. He would: 1. Lk. 12:11-12 – inspire their message 2. 1 Cor. 2:12-13 – teach them what to speak. 3. John 14:26 – remind them of what Jesus said. 4. John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:3-4 – guide them into all truth. 3. Paul’s words – 1 Thess. 2:13 see also 1 Cor. 2:11-13. II. If the Bible is from God – it will surely make a difference in our lives. A. Bible contains words that will change our lives. 1. Acts 11:14 – it contains God’s plan of salvation 2. Rom 10:17 – it has the power of God to bring us to faith 3. Rom 1:16 – it contains the gospel – which is God’s power to save. 4. 1 Peter 1:22-25 – we are born again with imperishable seed. B. The Bible brings us to wisdom beyond our own. 1. 1 Cor. 1:25 – foolishness of God is wiser than men. Rom. 11:33-36 C. Because it is truth, bible should have authority in our lives. 1. Those who reject this/fail to apply are not wise. Mt. 7:24-27 2. John 8:31 – want to be a true disciple? Abide in the word of God. D. If it is the authority in our lives – it must never be changed. 1. Rev. 22:18-19 1. Who can improve upon the word of God? Rom 9:20-21 2. Gal. 1:6-9 – anyone who preaches a different gospel will be accursed. III. Answering the critics. A. The word has too much baggage. 1. This document is either trustworthy or it is not. B. Some claim scripture is of human origin. 1. Mt. 4:4, 7, 10 – God’s word had a lasting force in Jesus’ life. 2. Lk. 9:26; 2 Jhn 9 - Anyone who goes beyond the teaching of Jesus does not have God. Conclusion: A. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – what Paul taught remains true today. B. John 7:17 - one who practices scripture knows it is indeed the word of God. C. Jhn. 15:8-10 - Are you keeping His commandments?