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Advent Lessons

God's Word Through the Ages · Lesson 6 · Sabbath, November 7, 2026

How the Bible Was Written, Inspired and Preserved

Discover how God guided the writing of Scripture, preserved His Word through the centuries and calls us to study it prayerfully, with Christ at the centre.

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  1. 0:00 Opening
  2. 2:22 Write It in a Book
  3. 5:30 The Roll in the Fire
  4. 8:43 Holy Men of God
  5. 12:35 Treasure in Earthen Vessels
  6. 16:13 Search the Scriptures
  7. 20:37 The Lesser Light
  8. 25:52 For Discussion
  9. 27:26 Hidden in the Heart
  10. 29:56 Written for You

Memory verses

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”
Romans 15:4 KJV
“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 1:21 KJV
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
2 Corinthians 4:7 KJV

0 of 3 known by heart.

For discussion

  1. Receiving God's correction. When King Jehoiakim heard Jeremiah's message, he burned the scroll rather than receive its warning. When Scripture challenges something we have believed or practised for years, how can we recognise whether we are listening to God or defending ourselves? [Jeremiah 36]
  2. God's Word through human writers. The Bible was written by human beings, yet its message came from God. How does Jesus Christ, who is both divine and human, help us understand this? How should our trust in Scripture shape the way we obey its teachings? [2 Peter 1:21; 2 Corinthians 4:7]
  3. Treasuring the Scriptures. Through the centuries, believers have faced suffering and danger to preserve and share the Bible. What does the time and attention we give to Scripture reveal about how much we value it? What might need to change in our daily lives? [Psalm 12:6–7; Isaiah 40:8]
  4. Letting Scripture explain Scripture. Why is it important to compare Bible passages before settling on what a verse means? How can this practice help us recognise a mistaken interpretation, even when it comes from a teacher we respect? [Luke 24:27; Isaiah 8:20]
  5. Testing claims of prophetic guidance. The Bible tells us not to despise prophesyings, but also to prove all things. How should we respond when someone today claims to have a message from God? What place must Scripture have in deciding whether that message is true? [Joel 2:28; Isaiah 8:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21]

Study notes

Read the study notes

God Commanded His Word to Be Written

The Bible did not begin as a collection of human ideas about God. Scripture records God commanding His servants to write down His words. Moses was told to record God's dealings with Israel, and later to write a song that would serve as a witness to future generations. Writing helped preserve these messages beyond the lives of those who first received them. [Exodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 31:19–22; 32:1–43]

Inspired by God, Written by Human Hands

The Scriptures came through people with different backgrounds and experiences, yet their message was given under God's guidance. Peter explains that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Paul teaches that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for teaching and correction. God's treasure was entrusted to human vessels. [2 Peter 1:19–21; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Corinthians 4:7]

God's Word Endures

When King Jehoiakim burned Jeremiah's scroll, God commanded the prophet to write its words again. Destroying the written message could not silence the God who gave it. Across the centuries, Scripture has been copied, translated and passed from one generation to another. Human efforts to suppress it have not prevented its continued witness. God's Word endures when human power and glory fade. [Jeremiah 36; Psalm 12:6–7; Isaiah 40:8]

Studying Scripture with Prayer

The Bible should be read carefully, prayerfully and in context. Difficult passages become clearer when compared with other Scriptures. Jesus Himself explained the writings of Moses and the prophets in relation to His life and work. We should seek the same Christ-centred understanding, allowing the Bible to guide our beliefs rather than making it support conclusions we already hold. [John 5:39; Luke 24:27; Isaiah 8:20]

Testing What We Hear

God promised to pour out His Spirit, and Scripture tells believers not to despise prophesyings. Yet every claim to speak for God must be examined. We are called to prove all things and hold fast to what is good. No teacher or claimed revelation stands above the written Word. As we study, our confidence must rest in God, whose Scriptures lead us to Jesus Christ. [Joel 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21; Isaiah 8:20; John 5:39]

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Bible texts in this lesson

Jeremiah 36 · Romans 15:4 · 2 Peter 1:21 · 2 Corinthians 4:7 · Psalms 12:6-7 · Isaiah 40:8 · Luke 24:27 · Isaiah 8:20 · Joel 2:28 · 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 · Exodus 17:14 · Deuteronomy 31:19-22 · Deuteronomy 32:1-43 · 2 Peter 1:19-21 · 2 Timothy 3:16-17 · John 5:39

Topics: Bible PreservationBiblical InspirationGod's WordProphecyStudying Scripture

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