Study 1 Objective: To Discuss the Relevance of the Bible to the Christian...
Paul expounds further in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” Scripture, which points us to Christ for salvation, also informs us of the teachings of Christ so that through the Spirit we can grow to be like Him. 2 John 9 explains that “whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God”, and Paul insists on our consenting to the “wholesome words” of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:3). Jesus asserted that believers who obey His words are like wise people who build their houses on a rock (Matthew 7:24). Therefore not only is Scripture wise for salvation, but also it brings the believer towards spiritual maturity and equips her or him for the work of the Gospel. The Bible does not fail to deliver in any of these things. The Holy Scriptures are infallible and are foundational to the church in all matters of doctrine and godly living. Reflection: What is the main purpose of the Scriptures? In addition, does Paul suggest two other reasons as to how the Bible profits the believer? Does the Bible indicate that it is meant to be a reference book for non spiritual subjects? Studying the Bible – a Christian discipline
Studying the Bible is a fundamental Christian discipline that is well illustrated in the New Testament record. |
The fair-minded Bereans “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily” to confirm their faith in Christ (Acts 17:11). The treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia was reading the book of Isaiah when Philip preached Jesus to him (Acts 8:26-39).
Timothy, who had known the Scriptures from childhood through the faith of his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15), was reminded by Paul to explain correctly the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), and to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul tells Titus to instruct each elder to hold fast to “the faithful word he has been taught” (Titus 1:9). He also reminds the Romans that “we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The Bible also warns us against relying on our own private interpretation of biblical passages (2 Peter 1:20), against twisting the Scriptures to our own destruction (2 Peter 3:16), and against becoming preoccupied with debates and battles about the meaning of words and with genealogies (Titus 3:9; 2 Timothy 2:14, 23). “The Word of God is not chained” by our presuppositions and manipulations (2 Timothy 2:9), rather it is “living and powerful” and “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Reflection: Does the precedent of the NT discipline of Bible study suggest a practice for the Christian today? Can you think of ways in which the biblical passages have been twisted and manipulated? How do you let the Bible. |