The Divine-Human Book

MEMORY VERSE: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” —II Corinthians 4:7

LUKE 1:1-4; I COR. 2:12,13; II COR. 4:7; II TIM. 3:14-16; II PETER 1:20,21

THE title of this lesson suggests that the Word of God is a divine revelation, and that it is conveyed to his servants on earth through human instrumentalities. This is true both of the Old and the New Testament Scriptures. Speaking of the prophetic aspect of the Old Testament Scriptures, the Apostle Peter wrote: “The prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”—II Pet. 1:21

Peter also wrote of that salvation concerning which “the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 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 … sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”—I Pet. 1:10-12

Peter here suggests that while God inspired the Old Testament prophets to set forth truths concerning the outworking of his plan, he did not give them a clear understanding of the messages which they wrote. What they wrote concerning the divine plan was directed rather to the people of God of the Christian era, those here referred to by Peter as “us.”

Jesus and the apostles of the New Testament were also inspired in their teachings by the Holy Spirit, but in their case the revealing power of the Spirit gave them an understanding of the things about which they spoke and wrote. It is through their inspired and revealing testimony that we are able to comprehend the significance of the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.

There was, without doubt, a divine overruling in the writing of the historical books about the life and ministry of Jesus. Luke’s preface to his Gospel informs us that he “having had perfect understanding of all things” relating to the life of the Master, felt it incumbent upon himself to set forth a written record, that Theophilus, and all of us as a matter of fact, might “know the certainty of those things.”

The divine plan of the ages reflects the wisdom of God as it pertains to his purpose of redemption and deliverance of the human race from sin and death. We, as followers of Jesus, are able to grasp and appreciate that wisdom because it has reached us by the Holy Spirit of God through his Word.

In our memory verse Paul informs us that we have this treasure in an earthen vessel; that is, in human minds and hearts. In the verse immediately preceding the memory verse, Paul states, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, bath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” Then follows the information, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.”

The light of the knowledge of the glory of God—the truth, that is, of his Word—gives us the hope of a new life. Peter wrote, “Being born [‘begotten’] again not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (I Pet. 1:23) Being begotten by the Word of God is equivalent to being begotten by the Spirit, for the Word reaches us through his Holy Spirit.

Paul wrote that the Word of God is able to make us wise unto salvation; that is, it points out the way of salvation. (II Tim. 3:15) Paul further wrote, “Every inspired scripture has its use for teaching the truth and refuting error, or for reformation of manners and discipline in right living; so that the man who belongs to God may be efficient and equipped for good work of every kind.” (II Tim. 3:16,17, New English Translation) How precious, indeed, is the Word of God to every child of God!

QUESTIONS

What is implied by the title of this lesson?

How did God inspire the writers of his Word?

Did the Old Testament prophets have a clear understanding of what they wrote?

Why can we understand those messages today?

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