I. Introduction - What is the Bible?
A. It is a library of books (see chart). It contains books of
History and Biography, Law, Poetry, Wisdom, Prophecy and Revelation,
Parables, and Epistles.
B. These books can be heard and understood to the point that our
emotions are touched and we are roused to action. (Neh. 8: 8-12)
C. The Word of God is variously described by the inspired Bible
writers as: "a fire to warm, a hammer to break, water to
cleanse, milk to nourish, meat to invigorate, light to guide,
a sword to fight, and a mirror to reveal." It is all these
things and more! It is a set of documents that works in believers
by exhorting them, building them up, piercing their hearts and
souls and discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Eph.
6:17; Jms. 1:23-25; 1 Thess. 2:13; Heb. 4:12)
II. Discussion
A. The Bible is Pertinent - The primary aim of the Bible
then, is to do something in the life of its readers. Secondarily
the Bible provides the reader with a sense of history and opens
the door to an understanding of the things of God. It was relevant
when it was written and it is relevant now.
1. It deals with the timeless elements of human nature. We can
easily identify with the men and women of the Bible, because even
the heroes are shown in the light of their failings as well as
their triumphs.
2. God's nature does not change. We see through His interaction
with the people of the testaments, just what He has in mind for
us today. According to Paul the Apostle these things "were
written down for our own instruction and learning," and thus
give us hope for the present and future. (1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4)
B. The Bible is Practical - What are the practical purposes
the Bible aims to achieve?
1. It points people to Jesus by: (Jn. 5:39, 46; Lk. 24:27; Acts
10:43; Jms. 1:21; 2Tim. 3:15)
a. Providing enough information that we may believe on Christ
(Jn. 20:30,31).
b. Showing that "someone is coming" (OT), "someone
is here" (Gospels) and "someone is coming back"
(Acts, the epistles, and Revelation).
c. Teaching us that His death and resurrection is the basis for
our for sins to be forgiven.
d. Indicating its practical purpose - bringing us into a right
relationship with Jesus and through Him, God the Father.
2. It builds a relationship with God:
a. By helping us to grow in the Lord - (1 Pet. 1:23; 1 Pet. 2:2;
Heb. 5:12-14)
b. By helping us to enjoy His companionship through the Word (Jer.
15:16; Ps. 19:10)
c. By helping us to love God by knowing and keeping His commandments;
therefore making the Father's love accessible to us. (Jn. 14:23,24)
3. It equips Christ's followers for battle:
a. By preparing us to spread and defend the gospel (Eph. 6:17).
b. By giving us the Word of God - a mighty weapon to influence
men's convictions and conduct.
c. By giving us the incentive to fill our minds with Bible doctrine
and to make sure that the doctrine is taught to the next generation.
4. It guides our conduct:
a. By laying right standards alongside right beliefs.
b. By demanding that we be doers of the word and not hearers only
(Jms. 1:22).
c. By providing us with moral guidelines for reproof, correction
and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).
C. The Bible is for Plain People - It was written that
any might understand and obey; yet it provides its best students
with a lifetime of mental exercise. However, the imperative qualifications
of profitable Bible study are more spiritual than intellectual.
These qualifications include (but are not limited to):
1. A will to obey - We can never master the Bible unless we let
it be our Master.
2. Concentration - We must search, meditate and examine the scriptures.
3. Patience - We must persevere through faith to inherit the promises
of God (Heb. 6:12).
4. Persistence - We will receive more from our Bible study, only
if we study more.
5. Submission - Because "the scriptures are the comprehensive
equipment of the man of God an fit him fully for all branches
of his work." (2 Tim. 3:16,17)
III. Conclusion - As we read and study our Bibles we must ask ourselves the question posed by Philip the Evangelist to the Ethiopian nobleman: "Do (I) understand what I am reading?" (Acts 8:30) Before we can answer that question we must ask ourselves at least three others:
A. What does the passage actually say? That is, what is: its setting, purpose, context, and form of the passage? What words does it use?
B. What did the passage mean to its original hearers? What is the main point? How does it compare to other (perhaps clearer) passages? Was it written to meet a particular time sensitive need?
C. What does the passage mean (if anything) to us today? Can we put ourselves in an equivalent situation to that of the original hearers? Is there a specific teaching about God, Jesus, man or the church that applies to today? Is there an example to follow, a warning to heed, a promise to expect results from or an action to be taken? Does it lead us down the path to prayer or praise?
"Do you know a book that you are willing to put under your head for a pillow when you are dying? Very well; that is the book you want to study when you are living. There is only one such book in the world." - Joseph Cook
[Adapted from Eerdman's Handbook to the Bible, pp. 48-59, David Field]