Don Tarbet
INTRODUCTION
I. Listen carefully to the words of a poem by William Olney, entitled “Not Man’s Opinions, But God’s Word.”
A. This poem sets forth the concept that the mind of man is subordinate to the God’s will, the BIBLE.
Not my opinions may I speak; If so, my witness may be weak. Not what in human books I find, Or the conclusions of men’s minds.
But what my God has deigned to give, The teaching whereby we may live; The Book of Heaven, the Sacred Page, The Rock of Faith in every age!
That only must my message be, If I shall bless humanity.
I am not left to seek, forsooth, In learning’s page to find the Truth.
But here it is beneath my hand, The Word which shall forever stand..
Unalterable, enduring, sure; Flows the Divine Fount fresh and pure.
B. The Bible is indeed, the MIND OF GOD IN WRITTEN FORM—THE BIBLE.
1. Now listen carefully to the words of the apostle Paul, in 1 Cor. 2:9. (Read)
2. I realize that this verse begins with the word “but”, signifying a contrast between what has just been said, and what is about to be said; however for our study, we will be concerned about what about to be said, about what God has prepared for those who love Him.
a. Generally, the passage is used by many to allude to the beauties of .heaven, which we have not seen with our eyes.
b. If that be true, why would Paul go ON to state that God has revealed them to us by His Spirit? v. 10
3. Obviously, we are to understand that God’s revelation of scripture, which contains all “the things which God has prepared” for those who love Him.
II. Now let’s look at God’s preparation of all “these things” alluded to in 1 Cor. 2:9
DISCUSSION
I. 1. 1st, God’s preparation BEGAN IN HIS MIND.
A. In eternity, God purposed (in His mind) to redeem fallen man by a Savior, and to establish His church. Gen. 3:15; Eph.3:10-11
B. God ALWAYS revealed what was in His “mind” for man to do, and to not do what He had not in His mind.
1. This was true in Old Testament days. Jer. 7:31; 19:5; 32:35
2. It is also true in New Testament days. Acts 15 :24
II. 2nd, God’s preparation CONTINUED IN HIS PROPHETS.
A. The prophets were inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak for God, as they further revealed His preparation.
1. They foretold the virgin birth of Jesus as the Savior. Isa. 7:14
2. The prophets also foretold the death of the Son of God, His resurrection and His ascension to God’s right hand. Acts 2:30-35 3. The prophets also foretold the beginning of the church in Jerusalem. Isa. 2:2-3
B. The New Testament also records the fulfilling of the prophets’ word.
1. Jesus was born of a virgin to fulfill the prophet’s word. Matt. 1:21-23
2. Jesus was crucified, resurrected and ascension to fulfill the prophets’ word. Acts 2:29-36
3. Jesus also established the church in fulfillment of God’s purpose. Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:37-38, 40,41,47; 1 Tim. 3:15
III. 3Rd, God’s preparation CLIMAXED IN THE WRITING OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.
A. The record of the New Testament was by the inspiration of it’s writers, who by the Holy Spirit were inspired to record of the will of God for the church until the end of the world. (Analyze 1 Cor. 2:9-13; 2 Tim. 3:14-17)
B. The Bible then, is in essence, the MIND OF GOD in printed form.
CONCLUSION
I. Not only has God prepared (through the scripture) all the things revealed, but He has has also prepared a place in heaven, with all it’s beauties, for those who love Him and do His will. John 14:1-3; 14:15
II. The love for God involves our obedience to the gospel by belief in Jesus as the Savior, Repentance of all sins, being baptized into the Savior, and living faithfully in the church and it’s worship—until death.
