A. WHY ILLUMINATION IS NEEDED
1. Two levels of writers, i.e., dual authors. The Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit. “All scriptures is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Inspiration is the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that human authors wrote what God told them in scriptures within the limits of their language and culture. Yet directed by the Holy Spirit so there was no error and the authority of God extends to every word in the original manuscripts.
2. Two levels of understanding. Human reasoning and spiritual understanding. “We do not use words that come from human wisdom, instead we use words that come from the Holy Spirit . . . spiritual words to explain spiritual truths” (1 Cor. 2:13-14, NLT).
3. Spiritualty blinded. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News” (2 Cor. 4:4, NLT).
4. Spiritual understanding. “We have received God’s Spirit . . . so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us” (1 Cor. 2:12).
B. WHAT IS ILLUMINATION?
1. Illumination is the ministry of the Holy Spirit who enables you to understand and apply the message of the Bible to your life.
2. The Holy Spirit helps you see and understand God’s message to you. “The natural person who is not indwelt by the Holy Spirit cannot receive those truths from God for it is foolishness to them” (1 Cor. 2:14, ELT).
3. Blindness is described as darkness. “The light (Jesus) shines in the darkness . . . and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5, NLT).
4. Why darkness? “All who hate the light refuse to go near it or let it illuminate them, because light exposes their evil deeds” (John 3:20, ELT).
5. Illumination results in understanding the scriptures. “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth . . . the Spirit will tell you” (John 16:13-15).
6. Illumination depends on your relationship with God. “I had to talk as though . . . you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food . . . you are controlled by your sinful nature” (1 Cor. 3:1, 3, NLT).
7. To learn more and to know deeper, you must be controlled by the Holy Spirit. “He that is spiritual, understands all things” (1 Cor. 2:15).
8. You must pray for illumination. “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instruction” (Ps. 119:18).
9. You must study. “Study to show yourself approved unto God . . . rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). “Comparing spiritual things with spiritual things” (1 Cor. 2:13).
C. ILLUSTRATION OF ILLUMINATION: LUKE 24:13-35
1. Cleophas and wife walking 7 miles. “Talking about everything that had happened” (v. 16). Blinded to the realities of resurrection.
2. Jesus joined them, “But God kept them from recognizing Him” (v. 11). Saved but blinded.
3. Jesus explained scriptures. “Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27, NLT). It took the understanding of scripture to recognize Jesus.
4. What changed? “Suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him” (v. 31). The veil was removed. “The veil is taken away” (2 Cor. 3:16).
5. What is spiritual illumination? “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” (v. 32). It touches our intellect, emotions, and will.
6. Amazing grace how sweet the sound . . . I once was blind but now I see.
D. THE BIBLE IS A LIVING BOOK
1. Both Jesus and the Bible are called the Word (John 1:1, 1 Thess. 2:13).
2. Both Jesus and the Bible are the full and final Word of God.
3. Both Jesus and the Bible have a human element, but perfect.
4. A perfect God demands both His son and His Word is inerrant and perfect.
5. God who is life and Spirit, put Himself into both. “The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63, NLT).
6. Just as people are known by their words, both Jesus and the scriptures tell us what God is like.
7. You learn both to learn each other.
Trinity
Equal in nature
Separate in person
Submissive in duties
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Video presentations of the PBC are available online at trbc.org/pbc
Television Airing Times for the PBC
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