We Can Know the Truth about the Bible (John 8:31-32)
Introduction:
1. Jesus said that we can know something very special -- "the truth." 2. He also revealed the key to knowing the truth -- "continuing in His word." 3. Knowing the truth provides a wonderful blessing -- it makes us "free." 4. Recently we have searched the Lord's word so we can know the truth about a variety of important subjects. 5. In this lesson we are searching the Lord's word so "we can know the truth about the Bible." Discussion: I. THE LORD'S WORD TEACHES THAT THE BIBLE CAME FROM GOD (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17)
A. Several important points are made about the Scriptures in these verses. 1. (vs.15a) They can be known, even by a child. 2. (vs.15b) They are able to make a person wise unto salvation. 3. (vs.16b-17) They are profitable. B. We are especially concerned with the point made in vs.16a -- "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God." II. THE LORD'S WORD EXPLAINS HOW GOD GAVE THE BIBLE TO US
A. According to 2 Peter 1:20-21,: 1. the prophecies of the Scriptures did not originate with men 2. the prophecies were delivered by men who spoke "as they were moved by the Holy Spirit." B. Additional details are given in 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 and Ephesians 3:1-5. 1. God revealed certain things to the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. a. These things are very special, and we needed to know them. b. If God had not revealed them we would have no way of knowing them. 2. The Spirit guided these inspired men as they spoke and wrote the things revealed to them. 3. We can read the writings of the apostles and prophets and we can know God's will. III. THE LORD'S WORD PROVIDES PROOF THAT THE BIBLE CAME FROM GOD
A. The unity of the Bible suggests that it came from God. 1. The Bible is a collection of 66 books that were written: a. over a period of approximately 1500 years (1400 BC - 100 AD) b. by about 40 people from a variety of backgrounds and occupations c. in 3 languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek). 2. Throughout the Bible there is great unity of purpose with no contradictions. B. The indestructibility of the Bible indicates that it came from God. 1. The Bible claims to be indestructible (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35). 2. The Bible has survived many attempts to destroy it (Jeremiah 36:22-28). C. Scientific facts revealed in the Bible prove that it came from God. 1. About 700 BC, Isaiah mentioned the shape of the earth (Isaiah 40:22). 2. Job stated that God hangs "the earth upon nothing" (Job 26:7). 3. About 1000 BC, David mentioned "the paths of the seas" (Psalm 8:6-8). D. The fulfilled prophecies of the Bible prove that it came from God. 1. About 700 BC, Isaiah stated that a man named Cyrus would allow the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:24-45:4). 2. In 536 BC, Cyrus conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem so they could rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23). 3. Isaiah's prophecy helps us understand what Peter wrote (2 Peter 1:20-21). Conclusion:
1. By continuing in the Lord's word "we can know the truth about the Bible." 2. Let us develop the attitude that is expressed in Psalm 119:97.