Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sunday, November 4, 2018
Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-11-04-2018
This is devotional thought number 4 in our devotional series, “The Protest is Not Over: Transformation is Key to Reformation.”
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
This is respect the Bible day. OK, I you caught me; I just made that up. I think we should have a day like this, however. In this devotional thought, though, we will respect the Bible.
I have very good news. The entire 66 books of the Bible were inspired by God. Let me just pause here before we get too far. The verb, “to inspire” here means, “God-breathed.” The Scriptures were God breathed. Your brain should be on fire right now. Have you heard such a concept before? The Bible says that God breathed His breath into Adam’s nostrils and he came alive. This is where those with CPR certification get the idea to revive those whose breathing has stopped as they employ rescue breathing techniques. Jesus breathed on His disciples before the ascension. So, when God gave the Scriptures to us, He was providing them by means of His life giving power. God gave life giving principles, power, understanding, abilities, and wisdom to the holy men He used to communicate the essentials of His will to humanity.
Some wonder whether they need an earthy authority to interpret Scripture for them. This is a complex matter, but let me simplify. The body of believers, which God calls the church (not some hierarchical authority) has been given the tools, by virtue of their faith in Christ and submission to the same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures, for understanding said Scriptures. That is to say, the Holy Spirit has committed to leading us into all truth, as long as we are willing to submit to His will (John 7; John 16). While it is true that the Spirit has given spiritual gifts to many to teach the Word, even these teachers (I am one) are not the authority of Scripture. God continues to give understanding to every diligent seeker of truth. If we run into difficulty, there are many in the body of Christ who may have gained understanding over the years, and can guide the seeker to the Bible’s inherent interpretation. And, God is so good that He gives light to even the simplest of minds. You need to know, however, “that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20–21).
Where does this leave us, then? I am so glad you asked. God is too wise to leave us to our own devices, especially when it comes to the Bible. He has promised to stay with us and inspire understanding. When we compare scripture-with-scripture, continue to pray for understanding, and remain willing to live what we already know, by faith, God will continue to provide the light we need from His Word.
In the near future, we will briefly discuss one sure-fire way, among many, to recognize that the Bible is solid and reliable.—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)
#theprotestisnotover