WHY STUDY THE BIBLE

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. - Jesus

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

Abraham Lincoln said, “I believe the BIBLE is the best gift God has ever given to man.  All the good of the Savior of the world is communicated to us through the Book.”

" God’s Word is as good as He is.  There is an old saying that a man is as good as his word.

Well, God is as good as His Word.  His character is behind what He has said." - J. Vernon McGee

When the poet and novelist, Sir Walter Scott, lay dying, he said to his son-in-law, Lockhart, "Son, please bring me the Book." Uncertain because Walter Scott had a large library, he replied, "Sir, which book?” The dying saint answered immediately, "My son, there is just one Book.  Bring me the Book."  At once Lockhart went to the library and returned with Sir Walter's BIBLE

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the BIBLE" –  George Washington

John Wesley said, "This Book (the BIBLE)  had to be written by one of three people:  good men, bad men or God.  It couldn't have been written by good men because they said it was inspired by the revelation of God.  Good men don't lie and deceive. It couldn't have been written by  bad men because bad men would not write something that would condemn themselves. It leaves only one conclusion.  It was given by divine inspiration of God "

We rightly make a big deal of the Bible. We encourage people to read the Bible and to study the Bible. Why should we study a book that is 1900 years old in its youngest parts and probably 2000 years older than that in its oldest part? Besides the fact that it is more up-to-date than tomorrow’s newspaper, more relevant than todays’ headlines, and more important than any other document on earth- why should we study the Bible?

The Word of God  gives 7 reasons we should STUDY THE BIBLE in 2 Timothy 2.

 

I. It is Profitable [2:14, 3:16]

II. It is Commanded [2:15a]

III. To Be Approved by God [2:15, Eph. 5:10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

IV. To Be a Worker instead of a Shirker [2:15, 1 Pet. 3:15]

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

V. To Not Be Ashamed [2:15, 1 Jn. 2:28]

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

VI. To Rightly Understand the Bible [2:15, Heb. 4:12]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

VII. To Avoid False Teachings & Related Sins [2:16-19, 3:4-7, 2 Jn. 9-11]   

  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.