One thing that separates Christianity from every other religion in the world is its claim to an absolute written authority from God. This absolute authority is called the Bible, or “The Word of God.” No other book ever written can compare to the Bible. The Bible is the name commonly used to designated thirty-nine books of the Old Testament, and the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. The word Bible actually comes from a Greek word meaning Book, and the Bible is The Book.
The Bible was written by some forty different human writers, from three different continents, in three different languages, over a period of about fifteen-hundred years. It is totally accurate in all matters of science, history, and prophecy, as well as every other issue of life. It is completely accurate, without error or contradiction.
The Bible has been called “God’s love letter” to His human creation, revealing spiritual truths that man could not know otherwise. Without the Bible, man would not know where he came from, why he is here, and where he is going. Everything we know, in the spiritual realm, we know because God has told us in the Bible. It is only through “The Word of God” that man can know of the righteousness of God, the sinfulness of man, the existence of Heaven and Hell, and the salvation that is in Jesus Christ. Through creation, man can see evidence of the existence of God. He can see evidence of God’s great power and infinite wisdom, but it is only through “The Word of God” that man can know of God’s great love, mercy, and grace.
Everything we need to know for this life, as well as for the life hereafter, is recorded in the Bible. It is to be our only rule of faith and practice. Consider the following quote concerning “The Word of God.”
“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 [unchanging].
“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 opened, and the gates of hell 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 open at the judgment, and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labor, and condemns all who trifle with its holy contents.” -Anonymous
The Purpose of this study is to help give you a better under standing of the basics of “The Word of God,” how it came down from God to man, and how it relates to your everyday life.
I. THE WORD OF GOD IS PERFECT.
A. It Has Been Perfectly Inspired.
1. The world inspired, or inspiration, literally means “God-breathed.”
a. This simply tells us that God superintended the very writing of His Word. He is the One who caused men to write the bible.
b. How much of the Bible (Scripture) is given by inspiration of God? (II Timothy 3:16)
c. God used holy men to write the Bible. Who were these men controlled by? (II Peter 1:21)
2. Since God is the One Who inspired the Bible, we can be assured of its complete accuracy.
a. What did Jesus say that God’s Word is? (John 17:17)
b. David referred to the Word of God by two different names. What were they? (Psalm 19:7)
c. What two things did David say the Word of God is? (Psalm 19:7)
B. It Has Been Perfectly Preserved.
1. God is the One Who promises to preserve His Word.
a. How long did God say He would preserve His word? (Psalm 12:6-7)
b. How long did David say God’s Word is settled in heaven? (Psalm 119:89)
c. What did David say he knew concerning God’s Word? (Psalm 119:152)
2. God did not inspire His Word and then lose it.
a. What did Isaiah say that the Word of God would do? (Isaiah 40:8)
b. What did Jesus say that the Word of God would not do? (Matthew 24:35)
c. What three things did Peter say the Word of God would do forever? (I Peter 1:23-25)
II. THE WORD OF GOD IS PROFITABLE.
A. God Gave His Word to Help Us, Not Hurt Us.
1. Paul said that the Word of God is profitable for four different things. What are they?
(II Timothy 3:16)
2. How does this work in our daily lives?
a. Doctrine tells us what is right; reproof tells us what is not right; correction tells us how to get it right; and instruction in righteousness tells us how to keep it right.
b. Next, Paul tells us the purpose for this. “That the man of God may be___________ (complete), throughly_________________ (fully equipped) unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:17)
B. The Word of God is Our Spiritual Food.
1. What kind of nourishment is the Bible compared to in the following verses?
a. Luke 4:4
b. I Peter 2:2
c. Hebrews 5:12-14
2. The Word of God ought to be our most precious possession.
a. Because David delighted so much in the Word of God, what did he do? (Psalm 1:2)
b. The Word of God is to be desired more and is to be considered sweeter than what two things? (Psalm 19:10)
c. What is promised to those who keep the Word of God? (Psalm 19:11)
III. THE WORD OF GOD IS POWERFUL.
A. This Power Is Revealed in that Which the Word of God Is Compared.
1. A light, or lamp. (Psalm 119:105)
a. “Thy word is a __________ unto my feet, and a __________ unto my path.”
b. Light dispels darkness, and illuminates the path upon which man is to travel.
2. A mirror. (James 1:23-24)
a. What is the primary purpose of a mirror?
b. Like a mirror, the Word of God reveals man, not as he thinks he is, but as he really is.
3. Incorruptible seed (I Peter 1:23)
a. “Being born again, not of __________ but of __________ , by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
b. Like seed, the Word of God, when properly planted, brings forth life and fruit.
4. A two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12)
a. “For the Word of God is ________ , and ________ , and ________ than any two-edged sword...”
b. Like a sword, the Word of God has the ability to penetrate and expose the inner heart of man.
5. Fire. ( Jeremiah 20:9)
a. “But his word was in mine __________ as a __________ shut up in my bones...”
b. Like fire, the Word of God can burn away impurities in a heart and life so that only the purest part remains.
6. Hammer. (Jeremiah 23:29)
a. “Is not my word like as a __________? Saith the LORD; and like a __________ that breaketh the __________ in pieces?”
b. Like a hammer, the Word of God has the power to break even the hardest heart.
7. Water. (Ephesians 5:25-26)
a. How did Paul say Christ would sanctify and cleanse His Church?
b. Like water, the Word of God cleanses and refreshes.
B. This Power Is Seen by What the Word of God Can Do for Us.
1. We are saved by the Word of God.
a. “Being __________ , not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the __________ which liveth and abideth for ever.” (I Peter 1:23)
b. What does James say the Word of God is able to do? (James 1:21)
2. We are strengthened by the Word of God.
a. “My soul melteth for heaviness: __________ thou me according unto thy __________.” (Psalm 119:28)
b. What did John say was the reason the young men he wrote to were strong, and able to overcome the wicked one? (I John 2:14)
3. We are cleansed by the Word of God.
a. How does a person cleanse his way? (Psalm 119:9)
b. Why should we hide the Word of God in our hearts? (Psalm 119:11)
4. We are comforted by the Word of God.
a. What did David say the Word of God caused him to do? (Psalm 119:49)
b. David said the Word of God had quickened him, and comforted him in what? (Psalm 119:50)
Conclusion: The Bible is more than just a book with a cover and some pages, it is “The Word of God,” and we need to love it, read it, study it, memorize it, meditate upon it, and obey it. Like Job, we should esteem His Word more than our necessary food.