GLORIFYING GOD IN ALL THINGS Part I Speaking as the Oracles of God

PHBC June 6, 1999

Series: First Peter, Ser. #71

GLORIFYING GOD IN ALL THINGS

Part I

Speaking as the Oracles of God

Scripture: I Peter 4:7-11

TEXT: 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

INTRO: I hope to get back to our series on First Peter and finish it in the next few weeks or whatever it takes. But, I must tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed the study on justification by grace through faith. And, if impressed to do so, I may take another detour before I finish.

The passage I have read is made up of several admonitions concerning the conduct of Pilgrims in light of the imminence of the end, doubtless referring to the end of the age. The paramount purpose for doing what is admonished is that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. I am struck once again with the preeminence of Christ and with the fact that the primary purpose of all created beings is that God may be glorified. May God be pleased to give me the grace and unction to glorify him in this message and in every message I preach. I intend to direct your attention to one portion of this verse. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." The public proclamation of the Word of God is what is under discussion here. This admonition, like so many others in Scripture, brings to the forefront the importance of preaching the Word of God, only the Word of God, and always the Word of God, all the Word of God.

I. LET US FIRST IDENTIFY THE ORACLES OF GOD

A. An oracle is something someone has said and in this case and others it has reference to what God has said. The Greek word LOGION which comes from the word LOGOS which means word.

B. Steven referred to the oracles of God in his last public message. Acts 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.

1. This has reference to all the word of God which was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Acts 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.

2. This is called the Law by Jesus Christ and is often cited as the Word of God. Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

C. The entire Old Testament is called the oracles of God by Paul in his epistle to the church in Rome. Romans 3:1-2 What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? 2 Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

D. I believe that Paul has the entire Bible in mind, at least that which had already been written when he wrote the his epistle to the Hebrews when he referred in that book to the oracles of God. Hebrews 5:10-14 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

E. And, Peter no doubt, had in mind all the Bible that was complete and would be completed when he used the term "oracles" in our text. 1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.

F. Paul used the root word of oracles—LOGOS—in his charge to Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15-4:2 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

II. SPEAKING AS THE ORACLES OF GOD REQUIRES THAT I SPEAK THE ORACLES OF GOD EXCLUSIVELY

A. This does not mean I cannot or should not use illustrations or person experiences in our teaching and preaching of the word.

1. Jesus often used illustrations, sometimes they were parables and other times they involved actual experiences of actual people.

a. Parables in Matthew 13

b. The accounts of the rich man and Lazarus and of the good Samaritan.

2. Paul often related experiences he had.

a. On more than one occasion he related his experience on the road to Damascus when he was apprehended by the Lord.

b. He also recounted his experience at Ephesus when he was ferociously attacked by the people there.

c. He recounted his experience when he was stoned and left for dead.

3. Any one who has read his Bible knows that one of the tools of preaching and teaching it is illustrating it.

B. Speaking as the oracles of God requires that I preach the word exclusive of my own personal prejudices.

C. Speaking as the oracles of God requires that I preach the word exclusively as the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

1. We need no additional information on church government.

2. We need no further information on the qualifications of pastors.

3. We need no further information on how to handle discipline.

4. We need no further information on how to receive members and who should be members.

5. I am amazed and amused when men are affirming the sufficiency of the Scriptures and at the same time trying to justify having something in addition to the Scriptures.

III. IF I SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD I MUST SPEAK THE ORACLES OF GOD THOROUGHLY

A. Speaking as the oracles of God will necessitate preaching the word at all times. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

B. Speaking as the oracles of God will necessitate preaching the word without avoiding portions of it. Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

C. Speaking as the oracles of God was well-exemplified in the ministry of Christ. Luke 4:16-21 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

IV. IF I SPEAK AS THE ORACLES OF GOD I MUST BEAR IN MIND THE BENEFITS THAT WILL COME TO THOSE WHO HEAR ME

A. The oracles of God are used of God to make men wise unto salvation. 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

B. The oracles of God give men an unchangeable standard by which to live. Luke 4:4 And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

C. The oracles of God accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit are used of God to regenerate those dead in sin. James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

D. The oracles of God are used of God in giving men faith. Romans 10:14-15 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

E. The oracles of God are some of the means God uses in sanctifying his people. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

V. SPEAKING AS THE ORACLES OF GOD IS GLORIFYING TO GOD BECAUSE THERE IS NO BETTER MESSAGE THAT I CAN PREACH

A. No message has or can be magnified more than the oracles of God have been magnified. Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

B. No message is more perfect than the oracles of God.

1. There are other sources of information about God but none are as sufficient for this task as the oracles of God.

2. There is something written in the consciences of men that cause them to recognize the existence of God. Romans 2:14-15 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;).

3. Men, regardless of how wicked, have some knowledge of God, even if it is revealed to them only by the creation. Romans 1:18-20 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

4. One has but to look at the marvel of the heavens and their constellations and the earth with all its marvels to know that behind all this there is a very wise and powerful Master builder. Psalm 19:1-3 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

C. The oracles of God, as originally written, needed no correcting or revising, because they were written by men divinely inspired. 2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 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.

D. The oracles of God, as originally written, were God-breathed and could not, therefore, contain error. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

E. The perfection and exalted nature of the Scriptures, even in the Septuagint translation, is seen in the fact that Jesus repeatedly appealed to them as the final authority in matters spiritual.

1. He appealed to them in his contest with the devil. Matthew 4:3-11 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and Seth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And satin unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

2. He cited the oracles of God when addressing unbelieving multitudes. Matthew 11:13-14 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.

3. He cited the oracles of God in his disputes with the religious leaders of Israel. Matthew 15:1-4 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

4. He cited the oracles of God when his disciples were having trouble believing him. Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

5. He cited the oracles of God when commissioning his people to preach the gospel into all the world. Luke 24:46-47 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

F. The perfection of the oracles of God is revealed in depraved men’s attitude toward them. Romans 8:7-8 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

VI. SPEAKING AS THE ORACLES OF GOD GIVES ME THE PUREST POSSIBLE MESSAGE TO PREACH

A. Every word in the God-breathed Scriptures is pure. Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

B. Every word in the God-breathed original manuscripts is truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

C. The word of God is holy in all its precepts. 2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Romans 1:2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,).

D. The word of God is the only sure and certain revelation of the truth that God would have us know, believe and proclaim. 2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

E. They are to be received above any vision or voice from heaven. 2 Peter 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

VII. SPEAKING AS THE ORACLES OF GOD GIVES ME THE MOST POWERFUL MESSAGE THERE IS TO PREACH

A. The things that I am about to say about the power of the word take into consideration that it has been and continues to be blessed by the Holy Spirit.

B. These oracles have the marvelous power to cleanse.

1. Jesus taught his disciples they were clean through the word that he had spoken to them. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

2. Paul declared the churches would be made clean through these oracles. Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.

3. David ascribes cleansing power to these oracles of God. Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

C. These oracles of God have the power to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

D. These oracles have the power to produce faith. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

E. These oracles have the power to quicken. John 6:63-65 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

VIII. SPEAKING AS THE ORACLES OF GOD NECESSITATES SPEAKING OF THEIR INSPIRATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

A. There is a presumption in favor of the inspiration of these oracles.

1. The creation does not give enough of a message for men to have any clear idea about all that we need to know about God.

2. The creation is evidence that there is a great and powerful, all-wise creator but leaves much to the imagination and depraved men end up worshipping and serving the creation more than the creator.

3. It is logical to presume that such an all-wise God as the one who created this marvelous universe would give to his intelligent beings a more complete revelation of himself, his ways and his will than is revealed in the creation.

B. The enduring freshness of these oracles bear witness to the Divine Inspirer.

1. Its contents are never exhausted as attested by men who have studied it exhaustively for many years.

2. It is like the widow’s oil and meal that nourished Elijah, there is a never ending supply.

3. It is like a spring of water that never runs dry.

C. The unmistakable honesty of the writers of human writers of these oracles bears witness of their inspiration.

1. Jewish pride would have kept Moses and the other Hebrew writers from recording the military defeats and moral backslidings of their countrymen.

2. Only a Jew possessed and moved by the Holy Spirit would have recorded some of the shameful events in Jewish history.

3. It is extremely doubtful that uninspired men would every have recorded the shameful conduct of the religious leaders of Israel in the crucifixion of another Jew, the Lord Jesus Christ.

D. The character of the teachings of these oracles is evidence of their Divine authorship.

1. One has only to read the first chapter of Romans to see the conception the natural man has of God.

a. Consider Romans 1:21-23. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

b. Consider Romans 1:25. Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

c. Notice also Romans 1:28. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

d. Finally consider Romans 1:32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

2. Man, with such a conception of God as found in Romans 1 would never write of God as he is described in the oracles.

a. Man, who does not want to think of eternity would not write of a God who is from everlasting to everlasting. Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

b. Man who is finite would never naturally want to write of a God who is infinite.

c. Man who is always trying to achieve sovereignty would never write of a God who is infinitely sovereign and because of his sovereignty, man can never be truly sovereign.

(1) Consider these words from the pen of David as he wrote under Divine inspiration. Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Psalm 135:6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.

(2) Consider these words uttered by a man who was one of the most sovereign rulers in the history of human government, words uttered after God humbled him to show him who truly ruled in the kingdoms of men. Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

(3) Consider these words from a man who at one time was one of the proudest Jews to ever live. Romans 11:33-36 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

d. Would man, who is so weak yet thinks himself so powerful, ever describe the God he worshipped as omnipotent, and unequaled in power.

e. Would man, who is as unstable as the troubled sea, describe his God as immutable and unchangeable. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

f. Would man, who is so utterly devoid of any natural holiness describe his God as being one whose chief attribute is absolute holiness. Psalm 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

3. Uninspired men would never have penned the description of men that is found in Scripture.

4. Those who like to believe that all men are good in heart would never have written that man’s heart is desperately wicked. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

a. Men, who believe that all children are born innocent and only sin because of the example of others, would never have said what David did about man being conceived in a sinful state. Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

b. Men, who naturally believe that all men have at least some natural good in them would never have written what Paul did on the matter. Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

c. Men, who naturally think that all are men are the children of God would never have written the exact opposite as did Paul. Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

5. Man, in all his worldly wisdom, would never have written the gospel message found in the Scriptures except God had moved upon him and caused him to write it. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

a. The gospel of Christ is so far above the thinking of men that only inspired men would have written it.

b. The gospel of Christ is so far above the thinking of men that only divinely called and regenerated men see it as the power and wisdom of God.

6. Man, without the breath of God upon him, would never have written of sin as did those holy men of God who wrote as moved by the Holy Spirit.

a. Uninspired men would never have written of sin as scarlet and black.

b. Uninspired men would never have written of sin as deceitful, lawless, and wicked.

c. Uninspired men would never have written of sin as infinitely hateful to God.

7. Men, unless inspired by God as the writers of the Bible were, would never have written of the certain punishment of unbelievers as they did.

a. It is abundantly evident that such ideas as the purgatory of the Catholics, the limbo of the Lutherans, the immediate and total annihilation of the Seventh-Day Adventists, and the non-existent dust of the Jehovah’s Witnesses come from man’s unwillingness to accept the idea that his sins are deserving of everlasting punishment from the presence of God.

b. Only inspired men would write of a lake of fire for all unbelievers. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

c. Only Divine inspiration could cause a man to write that mere unbelief could keep a man from ever seeing eternal life and keep him under the abiding wrath of God. John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

d. Only a divinely moved upon man would write that one who is an unbeliever stands now condemned before God. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

e. Only men possessed of and controlled by the Holy Spirit of God would have written of final judgment for unbelievers that is final, irrevocable, and inescapable.

f. Only men divinely inspired would have written of final punishment that is indescribable in its agony and unending in its duration.

8. Unless inspired of God, no man would have ever set forth in Scripture a plan of salvation that is all of grace, a free gift, and that gives all glory for to God. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

a. Every plan of salvation that man has concocted has some element of human merit or human effort included in it.

b. One ABA preacher several years ago wrote in a Sunday School quarterly that "God owes every person one opportunity to be saved; if he gives him more than one that is grace."

c. Some contend that you have to leave just a little bit for man.

d. All men are by nature Arminians and as such give man some part in obtaining his own salvation.

e. This is why the gracious scheme of salvation set forth in Scripture can only be ascribed to Divine inspiration.

E. Fulfilled prophecy speaks of and proves Divine inspiration for the oracles.

1. The exact city where Christ was to be born was prophesied long before he was born. Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

2. The manner of his birth was foretold long before it came to pass. Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

3. His rejection by men was described in the oracles many years before it came about. Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4. The price paid for his betrayal by Judas Iscariot was revealed in the inspired oracles long before it was paid. Zechariah 11:12 And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

5. These are only a few of many prophecies found in the Old Testament that have been fulfilled showing the divine inspiration of the oracles of God.

F. The many types and shadows found in the writings in the Old Testament that have been fulfilled in Christ also show the authenticity of the oracles claim to Divine inspiration.

G. The amazing unity of the Scriptures validates our confidence in the inspiration of the Scriptures.

1. This wonderful book was written over a period of 1500 years, on two continents, in three languages, by forty men, yet it is designed to reveal God the Father in all his majesty, God the Son in all his glory, and God the Spirit in his mighty and effectual workings.

2. This amazing book was written in tents, deserts, cities, palaces, dungeons, caves and shepherd fields yet it is consistent in one central theme, salvation that is in Christ.

3. This marvelous library of 66 books that is called The Book, was written by judges, kings, herdsmen, scribes, soldiers, a gatherer of sycamore fruity, a doctor, and ignorant and unlearned fisherman, yet it is one book, containing one code of ethics, one plan of salvation from start to finish, and one rule of faith and practice.

4. Such marvelous, wonderful, amazing unity can only be explained in these words, "2 Peter 1:21 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.

H. The marvelous influence of the Bible declares its Divine authorship.

1. It has brought a higher form of civilization to every country where it has been taught.

2. Where the Bible is preached there is much lesser demonic possession than in countries where paganism and other isms dominate.

3. When a nation forsakes the word of God it returns to naked savagery and increased criminal activity.

4. The oracles of God are quoted in the great literature of the world.

5. A Harvard President once declared, "No man who is ignorant of the Scriptures can be said to be truly educated."

I. The dynamic power of the oracles attest their Divine inspiration.

1. Where they are read and preached men are led out of sin.

2. Where they are read and preached they have a sanctifying effect on the children of God.

3. Their power to cleanse lives is often set forth in Scripture. Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

J. The indestructibility of the oracles is proof of their Divine authorship.

1. Centuries of pagan efforts to destroy it and those who have penned it, preached it, and proclaimed it have been unable to rid the earth of it.

2. Centuries of popish efforts to keep it from the people, to destroy it and those who held faithfully to its doctrines have been unsuccessful in the efforts to bind the word; it remains unbound and unbroken.

3. Centuries of efforts on the part of deceitful men who have offered up some perverted imitations of translations have failed to keep God's people from having faithful translations available to preach, study, and teach.

K. Inward confirmation testifies of the Bible’s veracity.

1. It frees men from the bondage of ignorance; it is truth and truth makes men free. John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

2. It assures us of God's providential and purposeful care for us and we know that nothing can befalls us that he will not turn so that it is for our good and his glory. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3. The fact that it is practically a sealed book to the lost that opens readily to the saved testifies to its Divine inspiration. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

L. It may truly be said of this book, Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

CONC: As Peter admonishes these people to prepare themselves for the end of the age it is marvelous that he would call on their preachers and others to speak as the oracles of God. In these last days, so many care little or nothing for the word of God. Let us love it, study it, and when we declare it, let us declare it heartily and honestly for it is the greatest message one can proclaim.

This page last updated Friday, March 04, 2011