The Bible – Listening to God
The Nature of the Bible
- Divine
- “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, throughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- Pure
- “Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” – Psalms 119:140
- Powerful
- “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.” – Hebrews 4:12
- Permanent
- “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” – Luke 21:33
The Need for the Bible
- For self
- “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” – 1 Peter 2:2
- For others
- “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” – 1 Peter 1:22
- For God
- “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” – John 14:15
The Nurture of the Bible
- Ask these questions to yourself during your study of the Bible:
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What is the theme?
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Who are the persons mentioned?
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What does it teach about God?
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What does it teach about man?
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What should I do in response?
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What do I not understand?
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(Apply the above on Colossians 3:1-11)