1 Corinthians 14:37
If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:37
Last week we looked at the confidence that Jesus placed in Scripture. Remember, it was Scripture alone that he used as a defense against the Devil himself during his temptation in the wilderness. In fact, four different times, Jesus responded to the Devil’s temptation with “…it is written.” And the word of God prevailed.
Many times when we read our New Testament, we see references to Scripture that refer back to the Old Testament. As a matter of fact, according to the book Inerrancy, edited by Norman Geisler, there are almost 300 quotations and some 1,600 citations of Old Testament verses contained in the New Testament. So, I think it’s safe to say that the New Testament writers had complete confidence in the sacred writings that now make up what we call the Old Testament.
Geisler points out that the Old Testament writings are used in a variety of ways in the New Testament. Says He: “…[they] may be reproduced to support or to illustrate an argument, to serve as a point of departure in a discussion, or to act as a proof text. Constant throughout all New Testament books is the view that the Old Testament is authoritative.” So in this sense, the Bible itself speaks of its own authenticity and authority.
But what did the New Testament writers think of their own work? Did they consider their work to be a fascinating and engaging work of fiction? No. Did they present it as allegory; open to any interpretation the reader wished to place on it? No again. As a matter of fact, you won’t find a New Testament writer taking creative credit for his writings.
For example, Luke begins his Gospel account by saying that he has researched his subject matter thoroughly in order to set out an accurate written account. And then in Acts, he writes from an eye witness point of view many times. But in neither book do we get a hint that Luke simply invented the story.
Paul takes an even stronger stand in our verse today. In this letter to the Corinthians, he tells them that the message he has brought them is a message from the Lord; from Jesus Christ Himself. Paul is stressing the authority of the message he has written. Paul doesn’t claim to write on his own authority, or to be inspired by his own vivid imagination. No, Paul claimed to teach and write by divine inspiration and authority.
And so it was with other early church writers. Acting as instruments of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, they set to paper these books that have come together to compose what we now refer to as the New Testament.
From time to time, I will hear someone complain that they don’t read or study the Bible because it is too hard to understand. It always brings to mind what I heard Zig Ziglar say once: “…I don’t think it’s the parts they don’t understand that really bothers them.”
Let the Bible, God’s authoritative and sufficient word, be the rule and guide of your faith and daily living; it will not lead you astray.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. Comments on his column may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.
ESV 1 Corinthians 14:37
Last week we looked at the confidence that Jesus placed in Scripture. Remember, it was Scripture alone that he used as a defense against the Devil himself during his temptation in the wilderness. In fact, four different times, Jesus responded to the Devil’s temptation with “…it is written.” And the word of God prevailed.
Many times when we read our New Testament, we see references to Scripture that refer back to the Old Testament. As a matter of fact, according to the book Inerrancy, edited by Norman Geisler, there are almost 300 quotations and some 1,600 citations of Old Testament verses contained in the New Testament. So, I think it’s safe to say that the New Testament writers had complete confidence in the sacred writings that now make up what we call the Old Testament.
Geisler points out that the Old Testament writings are used in a variety of ways in the New Testament. Says He: “…[they] may be reproduced to support or to illustrate an argument, to serve as a point of departure in a discussion, or to act as a proof text. Constant throughout all New Testament books is the view that the Old Testament is authoritative.” So in this sense, the Bible itself speaks of its own authenticity and authority.
But what did the New Testament writers think of their own work? Did they consider their work to be a fascinating and engaging work of fiction? No. Did they present it as allegory; open to any interpretation the reader wished to place on it? No again. As a matter of fact, you won’t find a New Testament writer taking creative credit for his writings.
For example, Luke begins his Gospel account by saying that he has researched his subject matter thoroughly in order to set out an accurate written account. And then in Acts, he writes from an eye witness point of view many times. But in neither book do we get a hint that Luke simply invented the story.
Paul takes an even stronger stand in our verse today. In this letter to the Corinthians, he tells them that the message he has brought them is a message from the Lord; from Jesus Christ Himself. Paul is stressing the authority of the message he has written. Paul doesn’t claim to write on his own authority, or to be inspired by his own vivid imagination. No, Paul claimed to teach and write by divine inspiration and authority.
And so it was with other early church writers. Acting as instruments of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit, they set to paper these books that have come together to compose what we now refer to as the New Testament.
From time to time, I will hear someone complain that they don’t read or study the Bible because it is too hard to understand. It always brings to mind what I heard Zig Ziglar say once: “…I don’t think it’s the parts they don’t understand that really bothers them.”
Let the Bible, God’s authoritative and sufficient word, be the rule and guide of your faith and daily living; it will not lead you astray.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church where he teaches an adult Sunday School class. Comments on his column may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.
posted by TBC at
5:18 PM
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