Amazingly, God has decided to speak to humanity. Throughout history, He has spoken to men in various ways (Hebrews 1:1). Sometimes, men heard and obeyed (Genesis 12:1-4). Other times they heard and disobeyed (Exodus 5:1-2).
How does God speak today? What are the consequences if we fail to listen?
God Has the Right To Speak to Us
- God is sovereign (Psalm 135:6). He can speak whenever and however He pleases.
- Our responsibility is to listen and respond with obedience (Matthew 7:24-29).
God Speaks Through Jesus
- Jesus is the superior mouthpiece of God (Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1-2).
- He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
- He is the King and the Head (Colossians 1:13, 18).
- His words will serve as the standard on Judgment Day (John 12:48).
- All claims that God speaks through sources different from Jesus are false!
Jesus Sent the Holy Spirit To Guide the Apostles and Prophets
- The Holy Spirit brought to the apostles’ memory the things taught to them by Jesus (John 16:12-15).
- The Spirit knows the will of the Father and revealed it to inspired writers (1 Corinthians 2:9-13). This even includes what some Bibles have in “red letters.”
The Apostles and Prophets Speak Through the Written Word
- Paul claims to have written the Lord’s commandments (1 Corinthians 14:37).
- Paul says that we can both read and understand the written revelation of the Spirit (Ephesians 3:1-5). Write down the process of inspiration in the chart below.
- Men who study the revealed word are being taught by Christ (Ephesians 4:20-21).
- The written word is how men hear from God (1 John 1:1-4).
- The written word is God’s final revelation (Jude 3). It is complete and fully sufficient for us to know and fellowship with God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Steps of Inspiration
List the steps of inspiration, in order of priority.
