Studying the Bible
Eternity Online: John Edmiston (Editor)
Eternity-Inspiration for Monday 8th December 1997
Studying the Bible
Six Reasons Why You Need To Take The Bible Seriously
The Scriptures were written by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:20-21
NIV) Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture
came about by the prophet's own interpretation. {21} For prophecy
never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as
they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
All Scripture is inspired by God. This makes it supremely useful. (2
Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, {17} that the man of God may be
complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Jesus had a very high regard for the Bible which He expected His
listeners to share. (Mark 12:24-27 NKJV) Jesus answered and said to
them, "Are you not therefore mistaken, because you do not know the
Scriptures nor the power of God? ....have you not read in the book
of Moses, in the burning bush passage, how God spoke to him, saying,
'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?
{27} "He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. You
are therefore greatly mistaken."
The apostles saw "the ministry of the Word" as a top priority. (Acts
6:2-4 NIV) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and
said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the
word of God in order to wait on tables. {3} Brothers, choose seven
men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.
We will turn this responsibility over to them {4} and will give our
attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
When a matter was settled in the early church it was generally
settled by/interpreted by an appeal to Scripture. (Acts 15:15-19
NIV) The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is
written: {16} "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen
tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, {17} that the
remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my
name, says the Lord, who does these things' {18} that have been
known for ages. {19} "It is my judgment, therefore, that we should
not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.
Church leaders were expected to be able students of Scripture. (2
Timothy 2:15 NKJV) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a
worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
truth.
Prayer:
Lord make us diligent and able students of Your word. Give us
insight through the Holy Spirit and may we encourage others well
from what you have written for us. Amen.
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