THE WORD OF GOD
“What Is The Significance of the Bible In My Life?”
What separates Christianity from any “religion” in the world is its claim of having an absolute written authority from God. The Word of God is essential to a Christian if he is to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. The principles necessary to live the Christian life are found in the pages of the Bible.
This lesson aims to teach the new Christian basic facts about the Bible and how the Word of God relates to everyday life so that he may let it guide every step of his walk with Jesus Christ. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
The Word of God is the mechanism of CHANGE. The Scriptures are more than mere paper and ink: “For the word of God is quick [alive] and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to…” (Heb.4:12). The Book is alive, living truth, having the ability to discern, convict and change the human heart, and therefore play an essential role in salvation.
1 Peter 1:23 says a man is born again “BY THE WORD OF GOD.” The Word of God is the agent that brings about the new birth. [Emphasis added]
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For by grace are you saved through faith…” Romans 10:17 says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing BY THE WORD OF GOD.” [Emphasis added]
James 1:21 says the Word of God is “…able to save your souls.”
We come to salvation through knowledge of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15).
You must believe what the Scriptures say about the vital subject of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to be saved. (1Corinthians 15:1-4)
The Word of God plays an essential role in the process of “sanctification” (spiritual growth) in the Christian life.
The Word of God equips you inwardly for service (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Word of God sustains you. It is “spiritual food” (Matthew 4:4; Jeremiah 15:16 and Ezekiel 2:8; 3:1-3)
Milk (1 Peter 2:2)
Bread (Luke 4:4)
Water (Isaiah 55:10-11; Ephesians 5:26)
Meat (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1Corinthians 3:1-2)
The Word of God keeps you clean within (Psalm 119:9-11; John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26).
The Word of God guides you through this world (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:20-23).
The Word of God will be the basis of final judgment (John 12:48; Romans 2:16; Hebrews 4:12-13).
Basic Facts about the Bible:
The Bible consists of 66 individual books. It was written over a period of more than 1900 years by more than forty authors, yet it fits together perfectly as if written by one man! It was initially written in Hebrew and Greek, with small portions in Aramaic. The Old Testament deals primarily with Israel and prophecies regarding her Messiah and future glory. The New Testament primarily deals with the life of Jesus Christ, His church, and His coming kingdom and glory. The Bible is accurate in matters of history, science, and prophecy. It is the most influential book on the planet, having changed the course of history for many nations and transformed the lives of countless numbers of people. Although wicked men and devils have tried since the beginning of time to destroy the Bible, it still stands – and it will continue forever.
Five essential subjects related to the Bible that you should understand.
REVELATION – The Bible is God’s special revelation of Himself to man. It is not just a book ABOUT God but a book BY God. It is essential to know and believe this. A man could never have known what was in God’s mind unless God had chosen to reveal it (1 Corinthians 2:9-11).
INSPIRATION – The Bible is a “God-breathed” book! (2 Timothy 3:16) The Holy Spirit spoke to men in such a way that they knew what needed to be written. (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Samuel 23:2)
Compare the following passages: (Acts 28:25-27 with Isaiah 6:9-10; Mark 12:36 with Psalm 110:1).
PRESERVATION – God not only inspired His words, but He promised to preserve them forever! (Psalm 12:6-7). His promise was not to preserve His “teachings” or His “message” but His very words! (Matthew 24:35)
Consider additional verses: (Psalm 119:160; Isaiah 59:21; John 12:47-48; and I Peter 1:24-25).
The original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts no longer exist but were precisely copied many times through the centuries. The copies that Bible-believing Christians accepted as the true Scriptures (called the “Received Text”) were translated into other languages and eventually, in 1611, became our English King James Bible. This happened without any loss of God’s words. Such a thing would have been impossible were it not for God’s promise and His power to preserve His words forever.
INTERPRETATION – Making the unknown known. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20) . Each passage in the Bible may have several personal “applications” to your life but only one correct interpretation. The correct interpretation is” “the truth” that God wants you to know! (1 Timothy 2:4; John 8:31-32). The Holy Spirit is our teacher to show us the truth (John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:11-14). Understanding the Word requires a proper heart attitude; to receive the truth, you must first be willing to be changed by it (Prov.17:16).
APPLICATION – The Bible will be the most profitable to you when you make personal application of its truths in your life when you read it and do it. (2 Timothy 3:16; James 1:21-25; Revelation 1:3). It should always be remembered that God’s Word works from WITHIN; therefore, MEDITATE on what you read, keep it within your heart, and it will equip you “thoroughly” (inwardly) for life! (2 Timothy 3:17; Proverbs 22:17-21; 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
How do I learn the Bible?
The Holy Spirit is the Bible’s Author and is your Teacher. He will guide you into all Truth. God may use other instruments to aid in learning (preachers, bible teachers, commentaries, etc.), but ultimately, truth is revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; John 16:13-15).
You learn the things of God by “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (scripture with scripture) and by relying on the Holy Spirit, not your natural intellect, to open “the eyes of your understanding” (Ephesians 1:17-19; 1 Cor.2:10-16 and Psalm 119:18).
Some common questions.
Where should I start reading? You need to read the whole Bible, but as a young Christian, it is good to focus on the parts that will help you learn about your new life in Jesus Christ. Here are some excellent places to start.
The Gospel of John is written that you might believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (John 20:30-31).
The Epistle of 1 John is written that you might have complete assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13).
What if I find something I don’t understand?
Don’t be discouraged; God will reveal it to you when you are ready, John 16:12, Isaiah 28:9-10. As you apply what God has shown you, He will entrust you with more; become a “doer” and not just a “hearer” (James 1:22) (Philippians 4:9; Psalm 111:10).
“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here, paradise is restored, heaven is opened, and the gates of hell are disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.” -Author Unknown.