Monday, 19 April 2021
THE POWER AND CHARACTER OF THE SCRIPTURES
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee… (Romans 9:17).
Some years ago, after a certain programme which had several ministers in attendance, one of them said to me, “You talk about the Scripture as though it’s a person.” I said, “Oh, yes; it is!” It matters that you know this: the Scripture has personality and character. This is what Jesus revealed in the various things He said about the Scripture.
His apostles captured the same truth, and propagated it. For example, our theme verse says, “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh…” He could have said, “For God saith unto Pharaoh…” and that’d be right, because we know that God did talk to Pharaoh; that’s what the Scripture tells us. The Bible says Moses went to Pharaoh and said, “...Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Let my people go…” (Exodus 5:1).
Again, we find Paul echoing the same truth in his writing to the Galatians in Galatians 3:8. He said, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” It doesn’t say the Spirit preached to Abraham, or the Lord preached to Abraham. It says the Scripture preached to Abraham. The Scripture “talked” to him.
Galatians 3:22 says, “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Also, look at Galatians 4:30; it doesn’t say, “What saith God?” Rather, it says, “…what saith the scripture?” It’s so important that you put a premium on the Scriptures. When you want to know anything, get into the Bible to find out what God says about it. Whatever God says about it is what should matter to you. Build your life on the Scripture, for they’re able to make you wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15), and make you an absolute success; complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work (Read 2 Timothy 3:16 AMPC). Hallelujah!
PRAYER: Thank you Father, for the blessings and impartations I receive from studying the Scriptures, and the deeper insight into the past, present and future of your plans and purpose for the Church, for me, and for the world. I’m transformed from glory to glory — complete and proficient, well-fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work as I walk in your preordained path for my life, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Timothy 3:14-17; Romans 15:4; Romans 9:17 ESV
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 17:20-18:1-14 & 1 Samuel 8-10
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 3:20-35 & Leviticus 19