Back to the Basics: The Bible and our relationship with it

Introduction

Thank you all for coming out tonight. This evening we are going to be looking at the Bible and our relationship with the Bible.

This book that we

This is one of the most basic studies I believe we will be doing in this series as we cover a very important topic, the Word of God.

The Bible is the book that we base our faith in and should guide us in our Christian life.

Tonight I want us to see how God’s Word meets our needs, how we can access its power and wisdom, and how it will transform our lives.

Here are a few facts of the Bible you may or may not know.

It contains 66 individual books.

It is divided into 2 sections (OT and NT)

The OT was before Jesus came to earth

The New Testament tells about when Jesus was on earth and the early church after his ascension.

The Bible is not in chronological order. Although I believe there have been a few publishers that have come out with a chronological Bible. I’ve never tried reading one though.

The Bible itself was written by God

God wrote the Bible

He is the sole author.

There are two words that describe how we got the Bible. Those are Revelation and Inspiration.

Revelation is defined as God communicating previously unknown truth. An example of this would be the coming Messiah.

Inspiration is God having His truth recorded. An example of this would be that Jesus is the Messiah and this is what He did.

We spoke already a few weeks ago about how God has revealed himself through general revelation in nature but it’s through specific revelation in scripture that God has best revealed himself

2 Peter 1:19–21 KJV 1900

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

It’s in this passage that we see Peter, who saw Christ after the resurrection, identifying the Bible as a more sure word of prophecy. We have God’s revelation for us written down in black and white.

Let’s look at that verse a little more and break it down.

We see that the Bible did not originate with humans because Peter wrote, it came not by the will of man.

The Men of God recorded the words of the Bible: Holy men of God spake

God is the author: As they were moved by the Holy Ghost

This is the process of inspiration.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Biblical Inspiration is not the same as what “inspired” Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel or Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet.

The proper definition for inspiration is “the drawing of air into one’s lungs; inhaling.”

2 Peter 1:19–21 KJV 1900

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

That’s what the phrase in 2 Timothy means. That’s why we can say the Bible is literally “God-breathed.”

It’s an amazing collection of books. God used more than 40 different authors from a variety of backgrounds to compile the texts that we live by.

There were 1500 years between the writing of Job and Revelation. It is believed that Job as written before Genesis but obviously not taking place prior to the events of . Revelation was written by John around 90-95 AD.

With all of these different men writing from different countries and backgrounds we find no fault in scripture. All of it lines up with each other and has been validated through history, archaeology, and science.

I believe there is only one explanation for this…God is the author.

God wrote it and He also preserved it.

God Has preserved the Bible

We know this because God promised it.

Turn over to

Psalm 12:6–7 KJV 1900

The words of the Lord are pure words: As silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

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Psalm 119:89 KJV 1900

LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven.

Psalm 119:152 KJV 1900

Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever.

Psalm 119:160 KJV 1900

Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

I

Isaiah 40:8 KJV 1900

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: But the word of our God shall stand for ever.

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Over and over He promised His Word would be preserved. The Bible is banned in many nations. It has been burned, and people have been attacked for trying to translate it into a common tongue.

God tells us the process by which He has preserved His Word.

He specifically told people to write His Word

Exodus 17:14 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Jeremiah 30:2 KJV 1900

Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.

Habakkuk 2:2 KJV 1900

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, That he may run that readeth it.

He then told specific people to copy His Word

Fathers

Turn over to

Deuteronomy 6:7–9 KJV 1900

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Priests and Kings

Deuteronomy 17:18 KJV 1900

And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

In the OT God used the Home (fathers), the government (kings), and religion (priests) to multiply copies of His word for generations.

In the NT God has chosen the church to preserve His Word.

says God word is truth

Then in 1 Timothy we find that ...”the house of God, which is the church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Those of us that have trusted in Jesus as their savior are instructed to teach what has been preserved to others

Matt

Historically, there is evidence that God has preserved His Word.

There are over 5 thousand preserved manuscripts of the New Testament alone. All tediously copied with the utmost care dating all the way back to AD 130.

There is more evidence for the validity of scripture than there is for secular works from Aristotle. The NT is the most well-attested piece of ancient literature in the World.

Christians have not always obeyed God’s Word, but historically it has always been accepted as authoritative.

Some would believe that it has been corrupted and can’t be trusted. They then rewrite the Bible to conform to their religious teachings. Which goes directly against the command from Revelation to not change anything.

We can trust the bible because God promised to preserve it.

It has been copied and it has been translated into thousands of languages.

God uses the Bible today

The Holy Spirit Guides us

1 Corinthians 2:12–14 KJV 1900

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The holy Spirit teaches us the Bible and how to understand. It’s why an unsaved person cannot fully comprehend and understand all that the Bible is.

The Holy Spirit will illuminate scripture to us and shed light on God’s Word

John 16:13 KJV 1900

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

The bible tells us what is true

John 17:17 KJV 1900

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

The bible tells us how the church should operate

It’s why we are going through our series on Sunday “Authentic.” It’s my desire to lead a church to function and operate as God desires it to. What better way than for me and us a church family to examine different aspects of the NT church and conform our practices to those of scripture.

The Bible instructs us in every area of life

It’s a practical book. It’s why I try to make a practical application at the end of each message and study. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is useless. But knowledge with application becomes wisdom.

An important thing to remember is that it is US that is responsible to read, study, and obey the Bible. No one else can do that for us.

When we learn and apply the Bible God promises to bless us.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV 1900

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Joshua 1:8 KJV 1900

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

And why wouldn’t we want to apply it?

God’s Word can Meet your needs

The Bible is Profitable for your life

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That verse mentions 4 different areas in which God’s Word helps us in.

Doctrine- The Bible teaches us what to believe

Reproof- The Bible shows us where we are wrong

Correction- It tells us how to get back on track when we are wrong

Instruction- It gives direction for daily living the truth

Each one of these is vital for our growth as Christians

Each one of these is vital for our growth as Christians

I believe we can find ourselves putting a focus on the first and last one on that list, Doctrine and instruction. Both of those are important but without the reproof and correction they do not amount to much.

Hear me out here, and I understand some may say its just semantics but if all we know is what to believe and what is right without seeing how we are doing it wrong and how to get back on track, then whats the point of knowing the right things if we don’t understand how to do them?

It’s through reproof and correction that the Bible nourishes our spiritual growth.

The Bible nourishes your spiritual growth

1 Peter 2:2 KJV 1900

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Babies love milk. They eat it at all hours of the day and night. It’s as though they just can’t get enough of it or go without it.

Peter is writing here and telling us that as newborn babes desire milk, we should desire the Word of God.

When we saturate ourselves with the Word of God we will find ourselves being changed and more conformed to Christ. Don’t believe me, try it.

Make the Bible apart of your daily routine

God’s Word should be in your routines

What could God do you

Read it daily, listen to preaching in your car instead of music, find an interactive Bible study you can do during your lunch hour, attend all services at church and events that are geared toward your life stage.

Here is some practical instruction for how to do some of those things

Read it daily

God’s Word should be in your routines

Job 23:12 KJV 1900

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

I’ve already ment

This is one of the best habits we can develop as Christians.

It’s been made very easy to that for anyone who uses the bible app on your phone.

There’s umpteen reading plans that you can set a reminder for. There’s plenty of great through the Bible plans you can do during the year. There are topical plans that you can go through.

For those that don’t like apps, I suggest taking your Bible and putting it in a place you will always look each morning. Even if that means the fridge. or next to the coffee pot. Maybe even put it on your coffee pot.

Whatever works for you here are some tips that will help in any of those situations.

Set a time and place to read regularly.

Follow a Bible reading plan…Don’t just open and start reading. Have purpose.

Ask God to guide you before you read

Ask questions about what you read

Keep a journal or notebook to record verses and passages that the Holy Spirit applies to your life.

Seek to Hear it consistently

I’m talking to the Wednesday night crowd so I know you all are make yourselves available to the teaching and preaching of God’s Word when you can.

Meditate on it continually

Don’t let the Word of God go in one ear and out the other. Think on it throughout your day. Let it transform your heart and mind.

One of the disciples of mediation is to begin memorizing scripture.

To help with memorizing scripture. Find verses that apply to your situation in life at the moment and seek to use them as encouragement and motivation for living for Christ.

We should also Study it regularly

Study it regularly

It’s interesting to note that I’ve never seen in scripture where we are commanded to read it. Yes I know it’s good for us to. Yes I believe we should but I don’t believe thats all we should do.

We saw the verse in 2 timothy already that says to study to show ourselves approved. Take passages and dig deep into scripture. Getting through the Bible in a year is a great goal but don’t neglect the truths and principles that are found when you take more than quick glance at what the Bible says. Dig out the truth from it.

And once you find the truth or principle. Apply it

Doing so will transform your life

God’s Word will transform your life

It works on us from the inside out. Many of you are not the same people you were years ago because of the transforming work of God.

The Bible should become so much a part of our lives that it invades our thoughts constantly. It’s through our knowledge and understanding of the Bible that we increase our knowledge of God.

Gaining better knowledge of God, who he is and how much He loves us leads to us having a better reason for obeying the Bible.

Obeying the Bible produces Christlike maturity

We start out as babes in Christ and then grow to mature believers that become more like Christ.

There is never an age on this earth that the Bible is not needed in our lives.

Continued use of it produces Spiritual discernment.

Hebrews 5:13–14 KJV 1900

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

We move from the milk of the word to the meat. We move from the stories of Sunday school about samson and Delilah to understanding the pride in Samsons heart, his ignorance, and see the faithfulness of God still as He turns back to Him one last time.

Then we apply that to our lives.

Just as a growing church will always be in transition, so will a growing Christian. Each year you should find yourself a little different from the year before as you grow closer to the Lord.

If no change is taking place though…we should evaluate our relationship with the Word of God.

Hermeneutical Circle

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