Bible

TEXT: Psalm 119:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:16; Revelation 22:19

God has many ways of revealing Himself to mankind. The most commonly known is through His written Word, the Holy Bible. Men of God, over a period of time, recorded the Bible as they were directed and inspired by the Holy Ghost. The Bible tells how God revealed Himself to people of ancient times, and also how He will reveal Himself to us today. The Bible is different from all other religious literature because the Bible is the revelation of God, inspired by God, disclosing God’s plans and purposes for the ages of time and eternity, and centering in Jesus Christ the Savior of mankind.

QUESTIONS

1. In 2 Peter 1:19, Peter parallels the “word of prophecy” to a light that shines in a dark place. Elaborate on this parallel, bringing out ways the Word is similar to light.
2. 2 Peter 1:20-21 indicates that holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost and recorded what God revealed to them. How can we be sure the Bible is not just a collection of private interpretations? Substantiate your answer with Scripture.
3. In the Old Testament, most of the writers did not even know each other, while the New Testament writers were acquainted. Still the fact that their accounts are in harmony is remarkable. Name some of the men who were inspired by God to write portions of the Holy Bible.
4. Our text brings out that the Bible is given for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Give a Biblical example, or one from your own experience, illustrating how the Bible can be used in each of the ways mentioned.
5. Many people today are living unclean lives. Psalm 119:9 offers the solution to this problem: take heed to the Word. Define heed as used in this context.
6. The benefit of having God’s Word in the heart is that one will be kept from sin. Sin separates one from God, it engenders untold suffering, and in the end, unforgiven sin brings eternal punishment. Hiding God’s Word in the heart and doing what the Scriptures say, are the solutions for conquering sin. How does one hide the Word of God in his heart?
7. It is not necessary that we understand everything that is written in the Bible, but we must believe everything recorded in it. What will happen to one who takes away any part of the Word of God?
8. Food is necessary for our physical bodies. Our spiritual lives also need sustenance and this is found in the Word of God. Using Hebrews 5:13-14 as a basis, an analogy can be made between the birth of a baby and the new birth of a beginning Christian. Compare the subsequent physical and spiritual growth and development of each. Ask yourself these questions: How long have I been saved? Does my spiritual growth reflect proper spiritual nourishment? Food cannot provide our physical bodies with nourishment before it is ingested. Have I been taking the Word of God into my spiritual life in order to benefit by it?