Inspired
Inspired
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Pe 1:21 For 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 Ghost.
I have often wondered about the way scripture has been written to form the Bible. Though the Bible does not contain all scripture, it contains enough to bring us what we need by way of the truth. The wonderment therefore is always about how when scripture is interpreted correctly and applied, it brings about the desired result. If interpreted wrongly, it produces disaster in the lives of people. This begs the question as to its veracity (conformity to facts; accuracy - habitual truthfulness).
Since all scripture is given by inspiration sent by God, it is safe to receive it as the truth which is then easily applied through faith to produce results. Herein poses the problem for all of us. We have to receive it as it is intentionally written before it can produce any results. This is where many struggle with the meaning of scriptures and their application to daily life. Can God change its meaning to suit time and person? This is very possible as it is the unfolding revelation of God through time rather than it being static like the Jews made it out to be. This state of being static resulted in their legalistic approach to God’s word. The revelation that follows time and person is seen in what Apostle Paul has to say about it. Eph 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).
No one else had been given such revelation of scripture like Paul up till then. Mind you, he was writing scripture as God gave to him as absolute truth. He had received it by revelation and through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. This is what he was alluding to when he was instructing Timothy his disciple. We too can get revelation on the word of God that no one else may have but we need to be very aware that what we have received is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and not ourselves. The true power of prophecy lays in the fact that it is so. If it is not Holy Ghost inspired, then it is devilish and sensual.
The uninspired revelations that are being purported today in the body of Christ and elsewhere has its origins in the desires of unscrupulous men. They are sons of belial who seek to gain from what they know. Simon the Sorcerer and others in the Bible who sought to gain for themselves ended up making a shipwreck of their faith. 1Ti 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 1Ti 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 1Ti 1:20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Inspired knowledge must only be used for the glory of God and to achieve God’s direction for life. Inspiration by the Holy Ghost is so exhilarating that it can act as a clear and present blessing or danger. I am convinced that Lucifer could not handle what was made available to him because of his character, which it seems was also in one third of the angels who were easily deceived by him to rebel against God. His inspiration up till then was given to him by God. Yet, he failed the inspiration of God and decided to inspire himself with what he knew and made a shipwreck of his faith. Now, he is recruiting ambitious people like himself to take the fall just like he did.
Apostle Paul clearly stated that he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble because of the incredible revelations he received. 2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. This could not have been very exciting for Paul but he bore it because God told him that God’s grace was sufficient for him in his weakness. This can be a great comfort for those who understand the ways of God but for those who do not, it can spell disaster. They may rebel and question God as to His motives in giving revelation on the one hand and then supressing that person who carries the revelation to a point that at times, he is even forbidden to share such revelations. 2 Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. This is where a person who is operating in the Spirit must learn that discretion is the better part of valour. This means, to hold onto revelation till God releases it is a good thing and it will save the individual a heap of trouble. Evidently, not all inspiration is for sharing and so we must seek discernment to the level of allowing wisdom to have its course. When inspired words are finally released for the due season, it will have tremendous impact on lives.
Many Christians in the last days will be inspired by God to come into new realms of the Spirit. The reason for this is, the times are changing and demanding. This requires a greater emphasis of God’s Spirit and His involvement in achieving what is needed. The words of God “Not by might or by strength but by my Spirit’ takes hold in this context and leaves behind everything we would have ever known even though we were given it by God. The days are upon us when the words of Jesus; “ you will do more than I because I go to the Father” takes hold, as we begin to realise that it is by His Spirit. I see so many doing so much more than ever before that it is astounding to watch. It is a realm of the Spirit that is desirable to be operating in because it produces results that are so sorely needed.
The days of having to toil and work hard for hours can be avoided because inspired revelation and knowledge is upon us. The same Holy Spirit is speaking to the Church in the last days just as much He spoke to them from the days of Pentecost. He is causing many to rise up in power and revelation of the word and realm of the Spirit like never before. Unfortunately, this is causing many problems for those who are unable to discern the difference between falsity and truth. This is a great problem but that is why we must abandon ourselves to God in recognition of His will over our lives and His desire to save us from such things. Staying within the boundaries of what is revealed is safe till such time more revelation is needed. As one grows and is able to handle what is revealed, it becomes apparent that they can handle more. Our prayer should be; “Lord don’t give me more than I can handle and don’t give me less than I need”.
As we seek revelation, we also need to seek faith. Inspiration is exciting because what is revealed is exciting and what is given is exciting. It takes a lot to contain what is given and carry it with grace and dignity and also to achieve what God wants out of what He has given. The parable of the talents is a clear indication that, what is given is always for God’s gain and advancement of His kingdom. The one who advances the Kingdom with what He is given, is given much in the kingdom. It takes faith to fulfil a designated task of God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Jesus asked; “Will I find faith when I return?” This is because the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Even though the inspired word of God is given, the seed of inspiration is tested by faith to see if one will live by faith and not by sight. This involves time. Time can be a power that deviates the mind from the revelation. When Joseph received two dreams about his destiny, the revelation caused him to boast. This brought animosity with his brothers and even sidelined his father Jacob. The result was, seventeen years of a painful life lived in misery till God gave him relief. The one thing that happened to Joseph that he was not prepared for, was time.
All revelation which is inspired by God has a time factor involved. From Abraham through to all who are born of faith have faced this encounter with time. Hebrews 11 is full of people who faced time without the fulfilment of the revelation (promise) they received. Yet, their faith saw them through. That is why revelation must have faith attached to it. On the side of inspiration, it can be both instantaneous and prolonged. When one is inspired, they act based on faith and see results immediately like in healing. On the other hand, they act in faith immediately and keep acting in faith but see the result after a long period of time. Such a person was Abraham who walked the length and breadth of the land for twenty five years before he received his promise. Each step he took in those twenty five years were steps of faith. The instructions were acted upon because they were the revealed or inspired instructions of God. He had to follow those immediate instructions of faith even though they made no sense and seemed unrelated to his promise. His revelations were governed by faith. This saw the manifestation of his faith when he received his promised son Isaac.
Friends, let God open the eyes of your understanding to see the glorious plan of God for your lives and the world. It will inspire you to carry on in the face of all difficulty and trials of your faith. At the end, it will produce something more precious than gold.
Lots of love
Pastor Noble
06/05/2018