Why Study the Bible
The main message of the Bible is the Gospel. I trust that you have considered the truth of that message. The Bible, however, does contain more information than just the Gospel. It also tells us what God wants us to do after we have accepted His gift of eternal life.
God desires that we enjoy life. He has given us guide lines that will help us to avoid unnecessary trouble and live the best possible life. Living life according to God's will is a testimony to others of the power of the Gospel. Our lives should be used to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'' (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
These verses tell us that the Bible can help us in at least four areas. First, the Bible is useful for doctrine. This refers to what we believe. The Bible tells us what is true. Everything we hold to in terms of religious doctrine should be found in the Bible. If what we believe is not taught in the Bible, then we should reject it. I challenge you to read and study the Bible for yourself. Accept only what it teaches not what men might tell you.
The Bible is also useful for reproof: telling people what is wrong in their lives. The Bible gives us God's perfect standard of what is right and wrong. This standard does not change with time or circumstance. It is universal and eternal. A lot of laws are based on personal and public opinion. Driving 80 miles per hour may be illegal in one country and legal in another. However, the moral standard that God sets does not change. Telling a lie is always wrong. We can use the Bible to examine our own lives and discover what needs to be changed.
The Bible is useful for correction. Not only does the Bible tell us what is wrong, it tells us how to change what is wrong. It does not just condemn us; it also gives us a solution. The ultimate solution for all sin is allowing Jesus to live in us.
The Bible gives us help in dealing with individual sins. For example, if you often find yourself in arguments, the Bible tells you, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) The Bible tells us not to be angry and argue. It also tells us that by speaking softly and gently, we can avoid arguments.
The Bible is also useful for instruction in righteousness: teaching how to live right. It tells us what is wrong. It also tells us what is right. If we stop our sinful habits then we have gone only half way. God wants us not just to stop doing what is wrong but to replace it with what is right.
Paul wrote, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.'' (Ephesians 4:28) The thief is not to just stop stealing. He is to also start working and giving to the poor.
In order for the Bible to teach us these things, we must read and study it. A Car Repair Manual can only help us repair our car if we study it and do what it says. God's guidebook for our life: the Bible, can only help us live a satisfying, joyful and peaceful life when we study it and obey it.
God desires that we enjoy life. He has given us guide lines that will help us to avoid unnecessary trouble and live the best possible life. Living life according to God's will is a testimony to others of the power of the Gospel. Our lives should be used to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.'' (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
These verses tell us that the Bible can help us in at least four areas. First, the Bible is useful for doctrine. This refers to what we believe. The Bible tells us what is true. Everything we hold to in terms of religious doctrine should be found in the Bible. If what we believe is not taught in the Bible, then we should reject it. I challenge you to read and study the Bible for yourself. Accept only what it teaches not what men might tell you.
The Bible is also useful for reproof: telling people what is wrong in their lives. The Bible gives us God's perfect standard of what is right and wrong. This standard does not change with time or circumstance. It is universal and eternal. A lot of laws are based on personal and public opinion. Driving 80 miles per hour may be illegal in one country and legal in another. However, the moral standard that God sets does not change. Telling a lie is always wrong. We can use the Bible to examine our own lives and discover what needs to be changed.
The Bible is useful for correction. Not only does the Bible tell us what is wrong, it tells us how to change what is wrong. It does not just condemn us; it also gives us a solution. The ultimate solution for all sin is allowing Jesus to live in us.
The Bible gives us help in dealing with individual sins. For example, if you often find yourself in arguments, the Bible tells you, "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. (Proverbs 15:1) The Bible tells us not to be angry and argue. It also tells us that by speaking softly and gently, we can avoid arguments.
The Bible is also useful for instruction in righteousness: teaching how to live right. It tells us what is wrong. It also tells us what is right. If we stop our sinful habits then we have gone only half way. God wants us not just to stop doing what is wrong but to replace it with what is right.
Paul wrote, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.'' (Ephesians 4:28) The thief is not to just stop stealing. He is to also start working and giving to the poor.
In order for the Bible to teach us these things, we must read and study it. A Car Repair Manual can only help us repair our car if we study it and do what it says. God's guidebook for our life: the Bible, can only help us live a satisfying, joyful and peaceful life when we study it and obey it.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 3:05 AM
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