9 - The Authority of God’s Word

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Jesus Begins the Conversation

When we talk about the Bible’s authority, it’s only right to start with Jesus.

In John 10, He’s defending His claim as the Son of God, facing angry religious leaders.

Jesus turns to Scripture, quoting Psalms:

“Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, “You are gods”’? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken)…” (John 10:34–35)

In just that statement, Jesus gives two names for the Bible that anchor our faith: “the Word of God” and “the Scripture.”

They tell us why the Bible deserves our trust.

The Bible — God’s Word, Not Man’s Idea

When Jesus calls it “the Word of God,” He draws a clear line: these truths didn’t start with people.

Men were used as instruments—prophets, kings, fishermen—but God was the original author.

The message flowed from God, through human hands, into human hearts.

The Bible — What’s Written and Why

Calling it “the Scripture” reminds us God chose what to include. It literally means “that which is written.”

The Bible doesn’t contain every detail of God’s work but what He knew we needed. It's selective by divine design—written for our hearts, understanding, and salvation.

Its focus? The nature of sin and the way to rescue through faith in Jesus.

The Unbreakable Word

Then Jesus drops a truth for our reverence: “The Scripture cannot be broken.”

No loopholes.

No fine print.

No expiration date.

Five words holding all the Bible’s authority.

You can argue about inspiration or translation. But Jesus settled it: Scripture stands firm—unshaken, unbroken.

A Thought for Our Times

Scientists launch satellites through invisible waves. So why doubt an infinite God’s ability to share truth perfectly with human hearts?

He designed our minds and guides them. The Bible is that divine message—spirit to spirit, heart to heart.

Far from opposing science, it helps us appreciate God’s amazing communication.

Inspired by the Holy Spirit

How?

“Every Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

That’s the same breath that made stars guiding writers’ hearts.

Peter says:

“Men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)

I picture the Spirit as a captain guiding a ship—directing every word safely to shore.

The Furnace and the Silver

David gives us a powerful picture:

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tested in a furnace, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6)

God’s Word is silver, fire refines the writers, and the Spirit perfects each word. Seven times—meaning flawless work.

That’s why every word shines pure, free from human error.

The Final Word

The Bible is divine yet human. Heavenly truth spoken out through imperfect people.

Its authority stands because God reigns.

The Spirit spoke through those ancient writers and still speaks today—steady, strong, trustworthy.

Reflection Questions

• When you read your Bible, do you see it as God speaking through men—or just human writings about God? How does that change your reading?
  

• Have you ever had a passage come alive? What do you think the Spirit was doing?
  

• How do you balance respecting Scripture’s authority with depending on the Spirit who inspired it?
  

• What can you do this week to treasure even the smallest parts—the “jot and tittle”—of God’s Word?
  

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word—perfect, pure, unshakable. Thank You for breathing it out and sending Your Spirit to help us understand it. Keep my heart humble before Your truth and my mind open to Your power. Make Your Word alive in me, tested by fire and full of light. Amen.

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