2. Sufficiency Of Scripture And The Holy Spirit's Work

1197 0 0

Sufficiency of scripture is the term used to describe the Bible's power to cover everything that is needed for daily life and struggles in general. It goes over spiritual truth, wisdom designed to grow people to think through decisions with good judgment. It does not answer questions such as, “What is two plus two,” or technical computer questions. It doesn't need to.

2 Peter 1:3 talks about how the knowledge of God gives us insight into all things that have to do with life and godliness. The modern problems that we have are not too hard for God. God did not forget to address these problems, it is simply that He has provided tools to use to solve these problems. If they include technical or miscellaneous problems, has He not spoken of being diligent and to work for God and not for men? To keep our mind sober and have calm judgment? To have hope always, even in troublesome times?
 
We can rest assured that we have the power of God on our side, who is safety to all that trust Him, who saves those who seek His face from all the traps of death. By knowing God, we are prepared to combat all suffering and sin- the two problems of this world. His word and the Spirit by which we can understand Him reflects on who man is. That is, that God has created us a certain way, in His image. 

His truth is like a mirror. When we find out about God we find out more about ourselves also. His goodness reveals our unrighteousness, His strength our weakness, His truth our lying tongue, His majesty our wretchedness. We automatically compare ourselves with another in our pride, and to Him we cannot compare, and are put to shame.
 
How does the Bible present its sufficiency? Does it present a long list of problems like a Frequently Asked Questions section on a website and answer them in order one by one? No, it does not. Romans 13:9 talks about this in a stellar fashion. The last part of it talks about how all the Law “is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Notice that it says “briefly comprehended." It means that it shouldn't take much explanation from the passage to know what is right. 

The Spirit is faithful to give us understanding in what loving someone means. And He is also faithful to help carry out the intent of the passage. We will know how to perform it in submitting to His authority by faith. The Bible is as clear as it needs to be. And it's not just enough, as in, passable. It's exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).

The Holy Spirit wrote the Scriptures. He inspired them. Not as if the earthly authors thought on God and the Spirit stoked their imagination. He placed the word into their heart, and wrote it using their own words. 2 Peter 1:20-21 says, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

In Hebrew, there is a word for the word "Words" called Davarim. In Psalm 119, it is what the Scripture is referred to as, as well as receiving a message from God. "Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live, and keep your davar (word). Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous davarim (things) out of your law (Psalm 119:17‭-‬18).

In Greek, there are two words designed to encompass davarim: Logos and Rhema. This is because the New Testament is revealing the nature of God, whereas the Old was purposely obscured. Logos is referred to as Jesus and the Scriptures (physical manifestation). Rhema is the spirit word or spoken word, a message. Rhema is actually the more active- it's the Holy Spirit taking the Logos and making it known, interpreting.

When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. All things that the Father has are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of what is mine, and shall show it unto you (John 16:13‭-‬15).

This is why the Scripture refers to Jesus as living inside of us, even though it's the separate Person of the Holy Spirit. He makes Jesus plain to see in our lives- He manifests Him. The Holy Spirit lives inside of us, and He leads us into all truth. 

He made us alive, bodily (Genesis 2:7). He began the spiritual work and will finish it (Phil. 1:6). He gives us easy access to God, Himself being God. He convicts us of sin (John 16:8). He makes righteousness possible in us (Romans 8:13). He makes intercession for us, and interprets for us when we cannot find words to express how we feel (Romans 8:26-27).

He, doing all these things, makes communication with God possible and essential.

When you go, it shall lead you; when you sleep, it shall keep you; and when you awake, it shall talk with you. 
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.

Proverbs 6:22‭-‬23

Davarim (Dah-vahr-eem)

Logos (Lah-gahs)

Rhema (Rhhay-mah)

Please Login in order to comment!