INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Process of Divine Revelation
Introductory Remarks.
1. This series of lessons will discuss the theme: “Divine Revelation and Inspiration.” In truth, we can only say these two processes, revelation, and inspiration, are the work of the “Hands of the Father, the Lord, and the Holy Spirit.” Human translations were done entirely through the hands and minds of uninspired men and women. The translation process was void of biased interpretations and religious influences.
2. Today, we will consider the process of divine revelation of the word of God. “Revelation” means to: “Uncover, reveal, or to make known." Who "Knoweth the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out. For who hath known the mind of the Lord...to whom be glory forever. Amen,” Romans 11:33-36.
3. Paul wrote that what God has done through “revelation” is to have made known His divine will and way, which had been kept secret since: “The world began. But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me (and the other apostles) according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3.
4. His word was manifested through “revelation unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,” Ephesians 3:1-7; Galatians 1:11-12. With this brief introduction, let’s consider the first point in this series of lessons.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE PROCESS OF DIVINE REVELATION
A. To begin our discussion of the word "revelation," we must define what it means in the scriptures. To have a clear understanding of how the Bible uses this word to convey an understanding of the word of God to the readers.
1. The word “revelation” in Gr., is apocalyptic, which means a disclosure: —appearing, coming, enlightening, manifestation, being revealed, or revelation. The disclosure of truth, instruction, and divine enlightenment concerning heavenly things before unknown — especially those relating to the Christian System — given to redeem the soul of humanity by the Father and the glorified Christ through the revelations of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:10. Paul wrote,
a. To Corinth: “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit that is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. We also speak of those things, not in the words of man's wisdom, but the Holy Ghost's teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (unlearned),” 1 Corinthians 2:10-14; 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 1:7-11.
b. To Rome, he penned: “Who...knoweth the wisdom and knowledge of God? How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out. For who hath known the mind of the Lord...to whom be glory forever. Amen,” Romans 11:33-36. [Text shortened for brevity].
c. To Ephesus, “Wherefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you making mention of you in my prayers. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom, and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,” Ephesians 1:15-18; 1 Timothy 3:16. The making known this,
2. Revelation of Christ. The revelation was from eternity the work of the divine Godhead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all collaborated to reveal the Plan of Redemption to the world at their chosen time. I liken it to the military “Chain-of-Command.” Military men and women and “first responders and receivers” understand this terminology. Let's consider the divine "Chain-of-Command," in uncovering Christ's revelation. First,
a. The doctrine of the Father became – the doctrine of the Son, John 16:15. Notice, John the beloved Apostle: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son," 2 John 1:9.
NOTE: Illustrate, The Oneness Doctrine, Ephesians 4:4-6. There is a notion that Jesus is all of these: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Anyone who is a casual reader or learned student of the Bible knows such a doctrine is in error and is unsustainable in the Word of God. Further,
b. The doctrine of the Son became – the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. John again: “Howbeit when He the Spirit of Truth comes...He shall guide you into all truth…He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine and shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore, said I, that He (the Spirit) shall take of mine and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:13-14; John 14:26; John 15:26-27. [Text shortened for brevity]. Next,
c. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit became – the doctrine of the apostles, Luke 10:16. The doctrine was granted to the apostles by “the Holy Spirit,” Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-14.
Note: Illustrate the revelation of the gospel, revealed unto the Apostle Paul by Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:10-12. Finally,
d. The doctrine of the apostles – became the doctrine of the first-century church, Act 2:42.
1) Luke wrote: "And they (saints) continued steadfastly (Gr., proskartereo, e.g., devoting themselves; continued instantly), in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship (Gr., didache kia koinonia), and in breaking of bread, and in prayers," Acts 2:42.
2) The Holy Spirit guided and directed the word and work of the first-century church of Christ, Acts 5:3-11; Acts 15:28-29; Acts 13:1-4.
3) The Holy Spirit had oversight to not just what they taught but also all that they had written through His revelation and inspiration, Acts 20:28. Observe,
e. Paul wrote: "If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord," 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Corinthians 7:25; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2; 2 Peter 3:2.
3. The doctrine of the church is called "sound doctrine." Healthy teaching!
a. Paul reminds Timothy:
1) First, “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightiest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,” 1 Timothy 1:3. Again, he admonishes Timothy.
2) Further, “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast learned of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:13. Also to Timothy, "But continue thou in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them: And that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which can make thee wise unto salvation through (the) faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God…unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:14-17. [Text shortened for brevity]. He concludes,
3) Finally, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Timothy, remember the things given unto you from me, and many witnesses: and commit them to faithful men, who are competent to teach others also, to be faithful in discharging their duties in "preaching and teaching the sound doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:5; Colossians 4:17-18. Similarly,
b. Paul admonishes Titus, that he:
1) First, should: “Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1. Speak the things given you through the Old Testament Scripture and the words I have imparted unto you. So, all believers might be built up in "the most holy faith," Jude 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:4; Colossians 2:7. This must be our charge today unto all our beloved brothers in the faith.
2) Next, should “In all things shewing himself a pattern of good works…Sound speech that cannot be condemned,” Titus 2:7-8. [Text shortened for brevity]. Titus is an example that enlightens and strengthens the body of Christ. Charge the leadership that you appoint to do the same. Observe,
3) Finally, he charged the bishops: “To hold fast the faithful word [as they had been taught] that they may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers,” Titus 2:9.
c. That charge was also given unto us today: “To teach no other doctrine.” We once believed sincerely in this charge as a congregation of God’s people. But something has happened along the way? We have been “removed from faithfully teaching and preaching sound doctrine.” Why? We will deal with some reasons in the last point of this lesson! Continuing,
d. Paul admonished all the churches to be united in the teaching and “commandments of the Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 1:27, etc. This charge has yet to be rescinded. Every generation of God’s people must strive to: “Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made them free, and not to be overcome in the yoke of bondage,” Galatians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Observe,
4. The divine revelations and manifestations of the will of God have been given unto His people over the centuries through many forms and mediums. Observe,
a. First, The heavenly Father unto our earthly fathers. Paul wrote: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds, Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High,” Hebrews 1:1-3; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 3:22.
1) God spoke first to the fathers by the prophets. The prophets also spoke to the leaders concerning the word of the Lord. This mode of communication made it possible for Israel's fathers and spiritual leaders to know the will and way of the Lord. Sadly, sometimes, these fathers and leaders did not want to hear or abide in the word of the Lord, Jeremiah 6:16; Jeremiah 5:30-31; Isaiah 30:8-11. Paul continued,
2) In these last days, Hath spoke unto us by His Son. In the "last days," God spoke unto the people by His Son, who was sent to fulfill all the prophecies concerning Him. John the Baptist was a prophet sent unto the people to "prepare the way of the Lord," Matthew 3:1-3.
3) Who did the Son of God speak to first? It was unto the apostles. Observe,
b. Further, The Son unto His apostles. Jesus said, "I have many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. Howbeit, 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 shew you: things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore, said I, that He shall take of mine, and shew it unto you," John 16:12-15; John 7:16-18.
1) The Lord promised these apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. That only means "all truth had not yet been revealed.” Jesus said unto those Jews that followed and believed in Him: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32; John 8:36. The Lord speaks here of the truth that “makes one free from their sins.” It is this truth many have “err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God,” Matthew 22:29; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
2) The Holy Spirit is the last and final revealer of the truth: “the divine word of the living God.”
3) We have the Lord’s words and the Holy Spirit’s work in this divine revelation and inspiration of the “truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1-3. We will speak more about this later in the lesson. However, for now, we will describe the Spirit of God's work in the revelation of Christ.
c. Finally, The Holy Spirit’s advent unto the apostles, prophets, and the first-century church. His work began on the first Pentecost after the Lord's death, burial, resurrection, and ascension into the heavens, Acts 1:8-11. They were empowered to speak the "word of truth" unto all the nations gathered on that Day in Jerusalem, Acts 2:5.
1) Luke wrote: "When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all in one accord in one place…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. They began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance,” Acts 2:1-4. The day of Pentecost was the beginning of the Holy Spirit’s revelation unto the twelve apostles. This started with their “preaching of repentance and remission of sins,” Acts 2:36-41. The advent of the Holy Spirit into the world, and His "uncovering of the mystery of godliness" began on the Day of Pentecost, in the city of Jerusalem, just as the Lord had promised to them before His ascension into the heavens, Luke 24:44-47, Acts 1:4-11.
2) Paul also became an apostle and was guided by the Holy Spirit in the revelation of the gospel's truth. To the Galatians, he wrote: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ,” Galatians 1:11-12; Galatians 3:1-5.
3) He received the same gospel message as the original twelve apostles. He wrote: "I was one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me," 1 Corinthians 15:8-10. This Apostle revealed more of this revelation through inspiration than any others. Observe,
5. Three passages of the scriptures afford us an understanding of this revelation. They are: 1) Romans 16:25-27, 2) Ephesians 3:1-7, and 3) Titus 1:1-3. Each of these reference scriptures outlines unto the world the “divine revelation of the will of God."
a. And how unsearchable it was indeed until God made it known to the world: His "plan and purpose" through this revelation, ordained by Him before the world began, hidden until the "last days," and finally made known unto the world by His Son, Jesus Christ, and His “holy apostles and prophets,” by the Spirit of God.
b. By examining these three scriptures, we can be confident that what we have in various New Testament Bibles and Interlinear are an accurate testimony of the word of God, provided unto us through divine revelation and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Now,
c. Let’s consider Paul’s writings to the churches, evangelists, and fellow laborers of the divine revelation of God. Observe, in Paul’s,
B. Letter to Rome. He opens his writing into this revelation by declaring his apostleship with:
1. First, “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God…Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord…declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection of the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for (preaching the necessity of) obedience to the faith among all nations, for His name,” Romans 1:1-5; Romans 10:16-18. [Words in parentheses are mine].
2. Further, “For I will not dare to speak of any things which Christ hath not wrought by me to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed; through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God: so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ," Romans 15:18-19.
3. Finally, “Now to Him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. But, now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandments of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen,” Romans 16:25-27. Observe,
4. Conclusion. Paul's apostleship was according to the will of God and His obedience to the faith.
a. God sent him to preach the gospel of Christ unto the Gentiles to enable them to be: “Obedient (to the faith), by word and deed, through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit of God,” Romans 15:18-19; Acts 6:7; Acts 26:19.
b. Which was through the gospel he preached according to the revelation of the mystery. God kept it secret until it was made known through the scriptures of the Old Testament prophets, unto His holy apostles and prophets “through the faith in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 3:15; Acts 17:2-3; Acts 18:27-28. Just like Jesus opened the eyes of His apostles' understanding: "According to the scriptures," Luke 24:45-47; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 1 Peter 1:10-12.
c. According to the commandments of the everlasting God, made known to all the nations for the obedience to (the) faith, ordained before the foundation of the world. Similarly, in Paul’s
C. Letter to Ephesus. He continued his writings into this revelation, affirming his apostleship with:
1. First, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus,” Ephesians 1:1. He establishes,
2. Further, “Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of time, He might gather- together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:9-12.
NOTE: The word “mystery” in Gr., is mysterion, which means a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): —a hidden or secret thing, not apparent to human understanding, the secret counsels which govern God’s in dealing with the righteous, but hidden from ungodly and wicked men, yet reveal unto the holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit of God. We will discuss this further in the lesson. Paul now ends with,
3. Finally, "For this cause, I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ, for you Gentiles. If you heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery: (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ); Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and the partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel,” Ephesians 3:1-6; Galatians 3:14.
4. Conclusion. Again, Paul declared his apostleship of Jesus Christ by the will of God. He explains how God had made known unto him the “mystery of His will in the dispensation of the fulness of time, that He might gather all things in Christ, both in heaven and earth.”
a. And how these saints had obtained “an inheritance being predestinated according to the purpose of Him that worketh all things after the counsel of His own will. That (these things) should be to praise His glory, in all who first trusted in Christ,” Ephesians 1:12-14.
b. And that purpose and will of God, given in the dispensation of the grace of God, was given unto Paul by revelation, and he preserved this mystery by inspiration. Paul affirms that when these saints read what he wrote, they would be able to understand his knowledge of the mystery of Christ. Notice, “which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.” Stay with me, beloved church!
c. And, what was the mystery, Paul? Here it is: "That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and the partakers of His (God's) promise made in Christ by the gospel." What a tremendous promise. Although the Gentiles were not the recipient of the Law, they would through this promise be heirs according to the promise God made unto Abraham when they (Jehovah and the Word) were passing through the pieces,” Genesis 15:15-18; Galatians 3:8. This great Covenant, is described by Paul unto the Galatians, in Galatians 3:6-29.
NOTE: Download our lesson on SermonCentral.com, “Passing Through the Pieces" by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. This lesson will further explain this promise in detail. Conclusively, in Paul’s,
D. Letter to Titus. He validates this revelation by vindicating God’s promise with:
1. First, "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and acknowledging the truth after godliness. In the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour," Titus 1:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:16. He continues,
2. Further, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, encourage, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee," Titus 2:11-15; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 2:10. Finishing up, he charged Titus,
3. Finally, “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour: That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and you should affirm that those who believe in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto (all) men," Titus 3:4-8; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 3:20-21.
4. Conclusion. We now conclude Paul’s discussion of his apostleship of Jesus Christ and God, making known the faith unto His elect and acknowledging the truth, which affords godliness and the hope of eternal life. Notice how God did these things! Paul outlines it in this fashion,
a. Conceived by God before the foundation of the world. Just as in his Letters to the churches, this plan or purpose in Christ. The hope of eternal life, which God (the one) that cannot lie, promised before the world began. Again, this is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise that God would bring together both Jews and Gentiles into "one body," the "church of Christ," and they would sit together in fellowship as the "children of Abraham." Ishmael and Hagar, who were once "put out of the camp," are: “Now no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God…In whom also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit (of God),” Ephesians 2:19-22; Genesis 21:8-21. [Text shortened for brevity].
b. Commissioned by God in due time to be manifest through preaching. God chose when His message of the "hope of eternal life" would be made known to the world. He manifested His word through the preaching of the gospel of Christ. Which was manifested in “due times.”
1) The term "dispensation" in Gr., is oikonomía, which means an administration (of a household or estate), especially a religious ("economy”): —a dispensation, time, or stewardship. It is viewed,
2) In a sense, God provides a means for man's salvation and reveals it to the world. In this case, His plan or purpose, which He made manifest through preaching “the good news of the gospel,” Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18.
3) All people must hear, believe, and obey to be saved, or to receive the forgiveness of sins, “through the faith in Jesus Christ,” Romans 3:24-26. It is also called,
a) “In the fulness of time,” Galatians 4:4.
b) “In the dispensation of the fulness of time,” Ephesians 1:10.
c) “In the dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 3:2; Ephesians 3:9.
d) “According to the dispensation of God,” Colossians 1:25.
4) Thus, making the "preaching of the cross" necessary for the world's salvation, 1 Corinthians 1:18-20. In this message: “The mystery which had been hidden from ages and generations, but now (in due time) is made manifest to the saints: To whom God would make known what the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you is, the hope of glory,” Colossians 1:26-28. Paul provides the same message to Ephesus. He finally concludes,
c. Committed by God unto me (Paul and the other apostles). The apostles of Christ were made “stewards of this mystery.” Paul wrote to Corinth: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:11-16. Lastly,
E. The mystery of godliness. We have referred to this mystery throughout this point. However, it is necessary to investigate this “mystery of Christ.” To Timothy, Paul wrote: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory,” 1 Timothy 3:16. The beloved Apostle speaks of six things concerning the mystery of godliness. So as not to stray too far from the thought, I will summarize the Apostle's message with only a few comments on each one.
NOTE: Download our lesson, "The Mind of Christ," from SermonCentral.com; it will outline these points in an informative manner. Herein, therefore, is the mystery of godliness. Please observe,
1. First, God was manifest in the flesh. Let's consider closely this entire sentence. Paul states, "without questions or further discussions (controversy), confessedly, by the consent of all: great is the mystery of godliness" 1 Timothy 3:16. The word "mystery" in Gr., is mysterion. We have already discussed it. Therefore, I will make no more comments about the word. However, the word “godliness” does bear further investigation and discussion. Consider,
a. The word godliness in Gr., is eusebeia, which means purity, especially the gospel scheme (of redemption): —godliness, holiness, and righteousness. Godliness is the method of acquiring “holiness or righteousness” in the presence of God, Acts 2:5; Acts 10:2. And, I might add, it is not what many teach and preach in today's many forms of religious doctrine. Here is the scheme or plan hidden from the world since the foundation of the world. What is it? Observe,
b. God, was. The God, in Gr., is “Theos,” was made visible and known to the world. God in the person of Jesus. Paul discusses "the pre-incarnated Christ, the Son of God," Philippians 2:4-11; John 1:1-3. Continuing,
c. The word “manifest" in Gr., is phaneroo, which means to render apparent: —to appear, declare, to shew (forth), or to reveal. The idea is to make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown, whether by words, deeds, or in any other manner. How was God made manifest or known? Observe,
d. In the flesh. God took upon Himself: “The form of a servant, being found in the fashion as a man.” The word "flesh" in Gr., is sarx, which means flesh, or the body of a man, its physical nature, that like others, was subject to temptation and sin, human suffering, and death: “Even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:8; Galatians 3:11-14. Christ, assumed,
1) The earthly nature of a man apart from all divine influence (all glory, authority, and power), and therefore, was Himself subject to temptations, trials, and possible disfavor unto God, His heavenly Father. The beloved Apostle,
2) Paul wrote: “He was in all points tempted like as we, yet without sin,” Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5. I wish I had time to discuss this more, but that’s another lesson! Paul continued,
3) He took upon Himself this form, “To sanctify through the offering of His body once for all…But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God…For by one offering, He hath perfected them forever that are sanctified… Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus: By a new and living way which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, or His flesh,” Hebrews 10:10-20; Matthew 26:26-30; Hebrews 1:3. [Text shortened for brevity]. Thank God for the “power of the resurrection!” Observe,
2. Christ was justified in the Spirit. Paul now begins his discussion of the resurrection of Christ by the Holy Spirit. Christ was,
a. Justified. The word here in Gr., is dikaioo, which means: “to render (i.e., to show or to regard one) as just or innocent: —free, to be just, justified, or a justify(-er), to be declared right, or righteous.
1) It means also to be declared, pronounced, or considered one to be just, right, righteous, or in favor of, or considered "well pleasing unto God,” Matthew 3:15; Romans 6:7; Romans 12:1-2.
2) Someone might be "gainsaying" or objecting right about now. Saying, Freeman, you are surely wrong on this point! You sound like Paul while speaking before King Agrippa, whom Festus accused, saying: "Paul, thou art beside thyself, much learning has made thee mad," Acts 26:24. Let me ask you,
3) When was Christ not holy, godly, righteous, or pleasing unto God, His Father? I'll answer, NEVER! Remember, however,
4) Paul is discussing Jesus' human state! The question should be: "When was Christ declared righteous or pleasing to God before men?" The answer is after fulfilling His first act of obedience unto His heavenly Father. What act was that, Freeman? By submitting Himself unto the "baptism of John the Baptist," Matthew 3:13-17. Stay with me! Paul also wrote about,
5) Christ’s last act of obedience, he composed: “He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross," Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:7-9. As Paul did to the Hebrew saints, I must tell you, "I have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing you are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, you have (are in) need that one (should) teach you again that which be the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as need milk, and not of strong meat…But strong meat belongeth to them that are full age, even those who because of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil," Hebrews 5:10-14. [Text shortened for brevity].
b. In, in Gr., is en, which means in, on, at, with, by, among, etc. "In" is a preposition introducing direction, location, time, or an object. It is most likely followed by: — a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun. Observe,
1) The New Living Translation of 1 Timothy 3:16 reads: "Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body, and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory," 1 Timothy 3:16. The NLT changes the word "in" to "by" in this phrase: "by the Spirit."
2) Christ was: “Declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead,” Romans 1:4. Paul also affirms that the Holy Spirit raised Christ from the dead. The "preposition" in the NLT is not: "in" but "by.” Of which I agree! It was "by the Spirit" that Christ was vindicated through His: "Resurrection from among the dead." Therefore,
c. The Spirit (of our God), 1 Corinthians 6:11. Paul penned: “But if the Spirit of him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal body by His Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11. I argue, the “vindication” of Christ’s holiness and righteousness was validated by His: “resurrection from among the dead, by the Spirit of God.” Conversely,
d. Conclusion. No one having the Spirit of Christ would argue:
1) That the Father did not aid in the resurrection of Christ’s body, Acts 2:24; Acts 3:15.
2) Nor Jesus Himself, having no part in the resurrection of His “body from among the dead,” John 2:19-21. This authority was given unto Him from His Father, John 10:18. Therefore,
3) The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit jointly participated in the resurrection of the body of Christ from among the dead. To this, I say, Amen. He continued,
3. Christ was seen of (by) angels in the world. The angels sought to understand the divine will of God: “In His plan of redemption.” Mentioned earlier as “the scheme of redemption.”
a. They inquired into it, “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desired to look into,” 1 Peter 1:12.
b. They announced, “And (as) shepherds abided in the field in the same country (Bethlehem), watching their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and goodwill toward men,” Luke 2:8-14.
c. They minister to Him after His temptation: "Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him,” Matthew 4:1-11. Likewise, after His prayer in the Garden: “And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him,” Luke 22:43. This was after His prayer in anguish unto His Father in the Mount of Olives, Luke 22:39; Hebrews 5:7-9.
d. They assisted in the resurrection: “At the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulcher (tomb). And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for Fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men,” Matthew 28:1-4; Acts 1:10; Acts 10:30. I can surely understand this moment of Fear in the hearts of these Roman guards, keeping watch at the tomb of Christ. Observe, the power of the "angel of the Lord."
e. They witnessed it, "And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not you: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he has risen, and he said: Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee, there shall you see Him: lo, I have told you,” Matthew 28:5-7. Angels were the first of God’s creation (not the women) to: “announce the good news of Christ’s resurrection” unto the world. He told the women to tell the brethren that He has risen! Amen! Paul again states,
4. Christ was preached unto the Gentiles. This sentence bears some discussion. This was the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. Observe,
a. Preached, the word in Gr., is kerysso, which means: “to herald (publicly), especially divine truth (the gospel): —preach(-er), proclaim, announce, or publish.” This was the work of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, ministers, and teachers, Ephesians 4:11.
b. Unto, in Gr., is eis. But this is different from the preposition in this Text. The preposition is "en.” The word that conveys Paul’s message here of “en” is not “unto,” but “in, or among” the nations. Some later Interlinear translations inscribe it in their glossing.
c. The Gentiles, the word in Gr., is “Ethnos,” which means: “a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; especially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan): —Gentile, heathen, nation, or a people.” Moving ahead, Paul affirms,
5. Christ was believed in the world. The preaching of the mystery of godliness went into all the world. Paul and his company encompassed all the nations of the then-known world, preaching the “good news of the gospel.” See Romans 10:18-21; Colossians 1:23, etc.
NOTE: Download our lesson, “Lord Who Hath Believed Our Report?” On SermonCentral.com.
Concluding, Paul, with excitement, states,
6. Christ was received up into glory. The incarnated Christ "suffered, died, was buried, and rose from the dead" to ascend into the heavens, Acts 1:8-11. Called there,
a. To be seated “at the right hand of God, exalted above all things in heaven and earth,” 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews 1:3. Given unto Him then, the kingdom of God, Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 2:44; Acts 2:30-36.
b. Paul wrote: "Which God wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all," Ephesians 1:20-23.
c. Paul again, “Wherefore, God, also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father,” Philippians 2:9-11. Amen, and Amen! When we return, I will discuss the second point in this lesson, the process of divine inspiration. Recall that I discussed...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Process of Divine Revelation
B. Summarize main points.
1. Today, we consider the process of divine revelation of the word of God. “Revelation” means to: “Uncover, reveal, or to make known.” Who, however, “Knoweth the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways are past finding out. For who hath known the mind of the Lord...to whom be glory forever. Amen,” Romans 11:33-36.
2. What God has done through “revelation” is to have made known His divine will and way, which had been kept secret since: “The world’s beginning. But hath in due times manifested His word through preaching, which is committed unto me (and the other apostles) according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3.
3. His word was manifested through “revelation” unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,” Ephesians 3:1-7; Galatians 1:11-12.
C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14]. See the attachments below.
D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Consultations and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, Copyright 1970.
2. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, Copyright 1990.
3. The Greek–English Interlinear, ESV New Testament, Published by Crossway, Wheaton, IL 60187, Copyright 2018.
4. The New Greek/English Interlinear, NRSV, New Testament, United Bible Societies,’ Fifth Revised Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188, Copyright 2020.
5. The Greek-English Interlinear CSB New Testament, Holman Bible Publishers, 28th Revised Edition, Christian Standard Bible, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Copyright 2022.
6. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, Copyright 2022. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/. The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it in your bible study and research—The Link to this tool is (www.BLB.org).
7. [12] McKim, DK, Westminster Dictionary of theological terms, Westminster John Knox Press, 1996.
8. [13] Geisler, N. L. (ed), Inerrancy, Zondervan, 1980, p. 22.
9. [14] Frame, John M. "Is the Bible Inerrant?" IIIM Magazine Online, Volume 4, Number 19, May 13 to May 20, 2002. 1]. The article "Is The Bible Inerrant?" by Professor John M. Frame,
10. [15] Lindsell, Harold. The Battle for the Bible. Zondervan, 1978, p. 31. ISBN 978-0-310-27681-4.
11. [46]. McGrath, Alister E., Christian Theology: An Introduction, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1994; 3rd ed. 2001. p. 176.
12. [53] Driver, S. R., Church Congress speech, cited in F.W. Farrar, The Bible: Its Meaning and Supremacy, Longmans, Green, and Co., 1897.
13. [54]. Mozley, J. K., "The Bible: Its Unity, Inspiration, and Authority," in W.R. Matthews, ed., The Christian Faith: Essays in Explanation and Defense, Harper, and Bros., 1936. pp. 58-59.
14. [90]. See Encyclical Letter of 1893 quoted in Schwarz, W., Principles, and Problems of Biblical Translation: Some Reformation Controversies and Their Background, CUP Archive, 1955, p. 11.
15. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
16. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
17. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
18. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
19. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
20. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
21. Wikipedia Foundation, Inc., 1 Montgomery Street, Suite 1600, San Francisco, CA 94104, Copyright 2023. http://en.wikipedia.org.
22. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org.
Thank you for this valuable study tool, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Author’s Contact Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Director of Ministry and Operations (DMO)
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org.TM
Post Office Box 1112
Anniston, AL 36202
Email: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
Website: https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
