Scripture: Revealing The Mediator

Minister:
Date: AM
Text: II Timothy 3; Lord's Day 6
Psalters: 124, 40, 334, 337
  1. Its inspiration.
    1. "Scripture" is literally "writing," words that have been written.
      1. Paul referred to the writings of the O.T., recognized by the O.T. Church and by Christ and the apostles.
      2. By implication this includes the N.T. books because they bear the same marks of sacred Scripture.
    2. II Tim. 3:15 says that Scripture is “inspired,” i.e., "God-breathed," "breathed out from God."
      1. Inspiration speaks of the origin of Scripture, where it comes from, what is its source.
      2. The Holy Spirit is the Author of Scripture.
    3. Implications of Scripture’s divine inspiration.
      1. The result of God breathing is the Word of God.
      2. The work of the Holy Spirit in writing the Bible is a tremendous miracle received only by faith.
      3. Thus Scripture possesses absolute authority, before which we must submit.
  2. To what degree is the Bible God-breathed? To what extent is the Bible inspired?
    1. It is very common to deny inspiration by speaking of only a partial inspiration.
    2. II Tim. 3:16 speaks of "all" Scripture being God-breathed!
      1. This implies that Scripture is in no respect the word of man.
      2. The singular: "all Scripture" (cf. also 4:2) shows Scripture's total inspiration.
      3. Different words which describe inspiration.
  3. The maintaining of the God-breathed Bible is "profitable."
    1. Basic profit of the Bible is “salvation” (vs. 15; Deut. 8:3).
    2. Scripture equips each believer for every good work.
    3. Let us use this useful book, for that is why God inspired it and gave it to us.