The Bible being God’s word is truth. As authoritative word
of wisdom, it has commands, principles and lessons from history for one’s learning.
The Bible speaks of ways in which it benefits those who believe and obey.
The Bible teaches how anyone can be saved from sin, the doctrines
for believers to know and principles for spiritual growth and productivity. Here
are a few verses which highlight the usefulness of the Scripture:
John 17:17 “Sanctify them in the
truth; Your word is truth.”
Acts 20:24 “And now I commend you to God and to the word of
His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all
those who are sanctified.”
Romans 10:17 “So faith comes by
hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”
I Timothy 4: “…..constantly
nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have
been following.”
II Timothy 3:15-17 “And that from childhood you have known
the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to
salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and training in righteousness;
so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
I Peter 2:2 “Like new born babes, long for the pure milk of
the word, so that by it you may grow with respect to salvation.”
- God’s Word explains His provision for salvation:
The Bible shows that all people are
sinners, lost with no hope. God declares that no human merit or effort is adequate
to bring anyone into a right relationship with Him. As holy God, He hates sin. As
a loving God, who understands human helplessness, He sent His Son the Lord
Jesus Christ as the Savior. Christ, the sinless one, paid for the sins of the
world by His voluntary death on the cross. Having fully met God’s demands on
behalf of the sinners, He victoriously rose from the dead on the third day. Those
who repent toward God and believe in Christ as Savior are forgiven of all sins
and given new life for time and eternity.
- God’s Word teaches the essentials of faith:
The Bible teaches doctrine about God,
who is Father, Son and Spirit and their ministries. It also teaches about man,
sin, salvation, church, ordinances, sanctification, the Spirit filled holy life
which God wants His people to live, the hope of resurrection, the return of the
Lord Jesus Christ for His own and the judgment of unbelievers. The Bible teaches
all the doctrines God desires Christians to know and believe for their good.
Doctrines are teachings which determine how one should live
- God’s Word helps believers grow spiritually:
A believer is born into God’s
family and the Bible is the nourishment. As found in Hebrews 5:13, 14, it is
like milk for new believers and solid food for the mature. God’s Word points to
sin in life and reproves. Along with reproving, it corrects and changes lives. It
is like setting upright a pole that is tilted to one side. Not only does it deals
with failures but also positively trains believers in practical righteousness. Christ
offers not just life but abundant life. Progressive growth or sanctification is
God’s will for His children and the Word is His appointed means. John 17:17
- God’s Word informs and motivates believers to be productive:
Christ chose His disciples to bear
fruit. John 15:16. They are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God
has prepared beforehand. Ephesians 2:10. Their good works are to cause men to glorify
God. Matthew 5:16. The believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit and equipped
with His gifts for service. I Peter 4:10, 11. Being enriched with God’s Word enables
believers to serve God and man meaningfully. Colossians 3:16. Christians are
motivated to serve faithfully by the truth that their labor is not in vain. I
Corinthians 15:58.
APPLICATION:
We need to honestly evaluate our
lives to see if God’s Word has its rightful place and confess any failure in
this regard.
Make a heart commitment right now
to read, study and understand the Bible regularly, for the purpose of obeying.
Be disciplined
in setting aside daily time to effectively learn from God’s Word.
Be mindful always that blessing is
in obeying. Jesus said, “If you know
these things, you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:17
Endeavour to study the Bible alone,
be part of a meaningful study group and sit under sound expository preaching/teaching.
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