Message by Josh Mutter – May 11, 2025
BIG IDEA: It’s complicated.
THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BIBLE
1. The Bible is ancient – understanding it takes work because its world is not our world
2. The Bible is ambiguous – it rarely gives us clear answers, inviting discernment over certainty
3. The Bible is diverse – it speaks with many voices, not just one
WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT THE BIBLE IS “INSPIRED”?
- All scripture is given by inspiration of God – 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
- All scripture is inspired by God – 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
- All scripture is God-breathed – 2 Timothy 3:16 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.
A WORKING DEFINITION
The Bible is “inspired” because its human authors were guided by the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit continues to help us understand it in new ways when we read it with Jesus in mind.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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