Text: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The Process of Inspiration
- God revealed His message to man (Hebrews 1:1-2)
- Work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) — avenue of prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21), guidance of apostles (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13)
Characteristics of the Inspired Word
- True (Psalm 119:160) — because God is always true (Titus 1:2)
- Timeless (1 Peter 1:25) — because man’s needs do not change (Ecclesiastes 1:9)
- Understandable (Ephesians 3:4) — as our Creator, God knows how to communicate with us (Genesis 1:27)
- Unchanging (Galatians 1:6-9) — because God does not change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)
It is Useful to Us
- “For teaching” — setting forth the truth (John 17:17)
- “For reproof” — condemning sin & error (John 16:8)
- “For correction” — showing the path to repentance (Acts 14:15)
- “For training” — producing growth (Acts 20:32)
It Has Everything We Need
- In learning how to please God, we don’t need to look anywhere but His word (2 Peter 1:3)
- The inspired word makes us complete
- The inspired word equips us for every good work
