
THE BIBLE
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What Is The Bible?
This question is fundamenta, in your quest for how to study the Bible. The Bible, which is interchangeably called the Word of God or the Holy Scripture, contains sacred writings.
What foundation is to a building is what the Word of God is to a believer. Every building indispensably depends on its foundation to stand. The Word of God is vital to a successful Christian life because it is the source of truth, the standard for a meaningful life, the revelation of Jesus Christ, the key to true liberty and the real food for man’s soul.
Perhaps, a good understanding of the significance of the Bible, as distinct from any other book, will help you to appreciate its indispensability in your life as a Christian.
The Bible is not an ordinary book
Just as with an effective use of a manual, you cannot go wrong with the use of a device; likewise, all that you require for a fruitful productive life is packaged in the Bible.
“It is a mystery book that gives us mastery over the affairs of life” (Hebrews 4:12)
When you have an understanding of God’s Word on any subject matter, you gain mastery in that area. For instance, if you understand the mystery of prosperity from studying the Word, your faith will come alive and you will become a master in that area.
The more you read and meditate daily on God’s Word, the more mastery you gain over the issues of life that confront you. The Bible is God’s Word in print. It says:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
The Bible is God-breathed as God revealed the truth about Himself to holy men and inspired them to record every sentence, word and line in perfect agreement with His will.
The Bible, even though written by about 40 men of several backgrounds over a period of about 1,500 years, has one unified great theme and central figure – Jesus Christ. An aspect of His ministry is, establishing God’s plan for salvation by providing deliverance from sin and spiritual death through repentance and faith. This would have been impossible if it was not inspired by one supreme Author – the Holy Spirit.
For instance, in the book of Genesis, Moses graphically wrote about the events of creation as if he was a physical witness. David, a man after God’s heart, spoke about what transpired even before the creation of the earth. The plan of redemption was unfolded to him by the inspiration of the Almighty. So, the Bible is not to be taken on the surface level. It is God’s Word in print for your profiting.
Furthermore, the Bible can be seen as God’s love letter to you. It tells of God’s great compassion for you, and His desire to have fellowship with you.
- It is the book of answers to all life’s questions (Matthew 4:1-11)
There is no issue of life that is not mentioned in the Bible. When you make some discoveries and apply the same principles to your life, you will obtain the same result. When Jesus was tempted, He overcame by the revelation of the Word.
I remember a sister’s testimony several years ago. Her husband used to wander away from home, for months, without any rational explanation. At a time, he left and never returned for about seven years. This lady came to our church and heard that the Bible has an answer to every question of life. So, she began to search the Scripture for her answer.
Starting from Genesis chapter one, she studied book after book, until she got to Jeremiah. There, she discovered the Word that pertained to her situation. She said a prayer of faith, based on the revelation of the truth she contacted from that Word; her husband returned home and this time, to stay.
- It Is The Carrier Of God’s Power. (Romans 1:16; Hebrews 4:12)
It has the ability to change your life, because there is power in the Word. When all medical helps failed, it was the power in the Word of God, as recorded in my book, The Healing Scriptures, that rescued me from the valley of the shadow of death as explained in my book, Rescued From Destruction.
- It is the spiritual meat for strength. (Hebrews 5:13-14; 1 Kings 19:7-15; John 4:32-34)
The Word of God is indeed the spiritual meat that gives you strength, when it is needed the most. It infuses health and vitality in place of weakness; it gives you courage when you are utterly discouraged. The Word of God gives you satisfaction in unimaginable dimensions.
When you lay hold on the promises of God in your area of concern, the Word releases strength to hold on to Him assured that He never fails.
- It Is The Water Of Life For Supernatural Refreshment. (Isaiah 55:1, 11; Revelation 21:6, 22:17; John 4:13-14)
There is a longing in the heart of every living soul that only the Word of God has the capacity to satisfy. The water of life you encounter as you study the Word brings you a refreshing the way cold water does to a thirsty soul.
- It Is The Spiritual Wine For Conquest. (Isaiah 55:3, 11; Genesis 49:9-12; Philippians 1:27-28)
The truth of God’s Word you discover keeps you steadfast and unshakable in the battles of life, confident that you are coming out triumphant.
“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” Philippians 1:27-28
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This text is an extract from the book “GUIDELINES TO EFFECTIVE PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY” written by Faith A. Oyedepo.
We invite you to read the following article “BIBLE : STUDY TOOLS“.
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