THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26
2 Timothy 3:13-17
2 Peter 1:19-21

“…deliver me from every evil…”

THE SPIRIT TEACHING (II)

God the Holy Spirit gave the Church only one Bible as its Magna Carta or the Great Charter. The Church stands or falls with it. Satan and his forces through the ages have assailed the Bible by perverting it (Gal 1:7), by sowing doubt (Gen 3:1, 4) or by introducing extra-biblical teachings. Many have imbibed his deceptive doctrines resulting in their faith being shipwrecked.

Can we be sure that the Bible is all sufficient for our guidance and instruction? The Spirit has the answer. He says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). The Spirit gives clear teaching on the status of the Bible. “All scripture,” meaning the whole Bible, was given by inspiration of God, i.e. “God breathed.” This is the operation of the Holy Spirit, “breathing” or “inspiring” the words which the prophets and Apostles were to write. This was how the Bible came to be written. It is no human book.

The prophets and Apostles did not write for themselves or of their own initiative. They were instruments of the Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21: “Knowing this first, 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” This “more sure word of prophecy” is to be loved, studied and obeyed. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom 15:4).

Now let’s return to our opening verse: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” Our Lord says, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt 24:35). If we receive this Word and in faith do as it says, our Lord compares us to a wise man who builds his house upon a rock. Such a house will stand fast against the storms of doubt and unbelief. This is the message for today from the Holy Spirit our teacher.

THOUGHT: (Read Psalm 119:89.)
PRAYER: (Use Psalm 119:97.)