Online Sermons
Lesson #15 - Inspiration
Series: One WordLESSON #15 – INSPIRATION
Our English word “inspiration” often covers a broad range of emotions and is used in a wide variety of ways.
“This spring I am hoping to get inspired to clean out our garage.” … “Have you read any inspirational books lately?” …
“Watching the winter Olympics inspires me to learn to ski.” ... “My parents were a great inspiration to me!” …
“Reading a biography of Stonewall Jackson has inspired me to want to re-trace his Civil War battles in Virginia.”
But when we affirm that, The Bible Is INSPIRED BY GOD!, this takes the word “inspiration” to whole new level!!
DISCUSSION SUB-POINTS
1) GOD-BREATHED WORDS
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. / 2Tim.3:16-17
The word “inspired” is the translation of a compound Greek-work, theo-pnuestos, meaning “God-breathed”.
Thus the Scriptures are SACRED WRITINGS (2Tim.3:15) - -
which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2) THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD CONTAINING WORDS WRITTEN AND SPOKEN BY MEN GUIDED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Throughout redemptive history (Old Testament and New Testament) God has revealed His will to mankind.
~ Heb.1:1-2 / in many portions and in many ways…
? Jer.7:1 / The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying… cf. Ezk.6:1; Hos.1:2; Job 32:8 & 33:1-4
? Ezk.2:8 thru 3:11 / Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel…
? Isa.7:7 / Thus saith the Lord…
~ Jn.16:12-15 / when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you in all truth…
2Pet.1:21 / men moved by the Holy Spirit
? 1Thess.2:13 / you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God
3) HOW SHOULD WE HANDLE THE WORD OF GOD?
WITH REVERENCE – not as a mystical relic, but as a God-given compass – Ps.119:105
WITH DILIGENT STUDY – 2Tim.2:15
~ It is not enough to just read the Bible occasionally, it must become a part of our primary diet (Mt.4:4)
~ Examining the Scriptures DAILY – Acts 17:11
~ Treasured in my heart – Ps.119:11
“The church’s great problem is biblical illiteracy and theological amnesia.”
WITH APPLICATION
“Observation plus interpretation without application equals abortion.”
~ prove yourselves DOERS OF THE WORD (Js.1:22)
~ The one who looks intently at…the law of liberty, and ABIDES BY IT…this man shall be blessed (Js.1:25)
~ We must read the Bible as God’s AGENT OF CHANGE.
4) WHY DON’T WE STUDY THE BIBLE MORE?
What holds you back? What discourages you once you get started?
laziness … busyness … a lack of student skills … doubts … discipline … __________, etc.
Why won’t your commit yourself to more group Bible studies?
Sunday school … Midweek study … L.I.F.E. groups … group home bible studies …
5) WHY CAN’T BIBLE STUDY BE EASY?
Why are some things hard to understand? – 2Pet.3:16
