(The Holy Spirit) 16. THE SPIRIT OF INSPIRATION
A.B. Simpson teaches that the Holy Spirit is the divine source of inspiration, guiding prophets and believers alike to reveal God's will and truth.
In this sermon, A.B. Simpson explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit as the divine source of inspiration behind biblical prophecy. He traces the history of God's communication through prophets like Moses and Samuel, emphasizing the Spirit's ongoing work in revealing God's will. Simpson encourages believers to recognize the Spirit's guidance and the authority of Scripture as inspired by God. This teaching deepens understanding of how God speaks to His people across all ages.
Text
"No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.†2 Peter 1: 20, 21.
This passage directs our attention to the inspiration of the ancient prophets, and to the work of the Holy Ghost as revealing the will of God to His chosen messengers. God at sundry times and divers manners spake to our fathers by the prophets.
Divine revelation began in Eden, and God has never ceased to maintain communication with His devoted subjects. In the antediluvian and patriarchal dispensations He spake at intervals to particular men, revealing His will to them; but from the time that He called Moses to lead the chosen people out of Egypt, He has had a special class of messengers through whom He has revealed His will to His people. These have been called the prophets of the Lord. Moses was, perhaps, the first of them.
In the fourth chapter of Exodus, God distinctly calls him to this special ministry. "Now, therefore, go," He says, "and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say." When afterwards He appointed Aaron to be His spokesman, He added, "Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God."
Moses recognized himself as a prophet, and said of his Antitype, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear."
The next great prophet was Samuel. Like Moses he also appeared at a special crisis in the history of his people. They had been for centuries in the deepest declension and distress. Like Luther, God\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Source of Prophetic Inspiration
- Scripture is not of private interpretation but inspired by the Holy Spirit
- Holy men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost
- Divine revelation began in Eden and continues
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II. The Role of Prophets in God's Plan
- God spoke through chosen messengers in various dispensations
- Moses as the first great prophet called to lead and reveal God's will
- Samuel as another key prophet during Israel's crisis
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III. The Continuing Work of the Holy Spirit
- The Spirit teaches and guides God's people
- Prophecy is a divine communication, not human invention
- Believers are called to listen to the prophets and the Spirit
Key Quotes
“No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 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.” — A.B. Simpson
“God at sundry times and divers manners spake to our fathers by the prophets.” — A.B. Simpson
“Moses recognized himself as a prophet, and said of his Antitype, 'A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.'” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding of Scripture and God's will.
- Recognize and respect the prophetic voice as a divine communication, not human opinion.
- Remain open to the Spirit's ongoing work in your life for guidance and inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that prophecy is not of private interpretation?
It means that prophecy originates from God through the Holy Spirit, not from human ideas or personal opinions.
Who were the prophets mentioned in the sermon?
Moses and Samuel are highlighted as key prophets who revealed God's will during critical times.
How does the Holy Spirit inspire believers today?
The Holy Spirit continues to guide, teach, and reveal God's truth to believers, just as with the ancient prophets.
Why is divine inspiration important for understanding Scripture?
Because it assures that the Bible is God's authoritative word, communicated through men moved by the Spirit.