Scripture is the tool God has given us and it is our duty to study it, know it, and apply it. 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. ( 2 Timothy:3:16-17 [16] And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness; He who was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the spirit, Seen of angels, Preached among the nations, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. )
For this reason, 2008 is the YEAR OF THE BIBLE at Palmetto Missionary Baptist Church. Each Thursday evening, we meet to discuss our readings for the week. Click here to print the current week's worksheet. Join in any time! We meet at:7:00 pm at Jamestown Baptist Church (corner of 9th Avenue and Palmetto Street).
What are the benefits of studying God's Word?
* Studying the bible develops an appetite for God’s word and allows for spiritual growth. ( Matthew:4:4Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. , I Peter:2:2For Jehovah restoreth the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel; for the emptiers have emptied them out, and destroyed their vine-branches. , Job:23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food. )
We must nourish our physical body with food. Without food our body begins to grow weak and can not function to its fullest potential. In this condition we can not properly perform our duties at home or the work place. We become ineffective and worthless. As our physical body needs nourishment, so does our spiritual part. If we do not take in a regular intake of bible doctrine, we become worthless as servants to God. To be strong spiritually and be good stewards we need a steady diet of His word.
* Studying the bible gives us the opportunity to know God and to reveal His character. ( Ephesians:3:19What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; [and it was] ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. )
God is not an inanimate object but a living God. As believers we should know God on a much more personal level then the world. We learn through His word that He is a loving God offering comfort, peace, and mercy. He is our hope and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who is our savior. The attributes of God and His love is probably a endless list but by studying His word we will develop a greater appreciation and a thankful attitude toward God as we see Him unfold in the scriptures. If we do not know God, how can we love and appreciate what he has done for us?
* Studying the bible helps us know the truth. ( Acts:17:11And I am no more in the world, and these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we [are]. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. , I Corinthians:2:13Behold, I am against thee, saith Jehovah of hosts, and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour thy young lions; and I will cut off thy prey from the earth, and the voice of thy messengers shall no more be heard. )
As students of the bible, we must not trust the authority of man, but search the scriptures to see what God says. We must study the bible with diligence and prayer.
In summary studying the bible allows us to be better workman for God. It equips us with the armor of God ( Ephesians:6:10-18 [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. [11] See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. [12] As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. [13] For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. [14] But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. [15] For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. [16] And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. [17] Henceforth, let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen. [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. [11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. [12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. [13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. [14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; [15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; ) so that we can quench the fiery darts of the devil and be more than conquers in Christ. ( Romans:8:37[And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. )
Remember our citizenship is not on earth but in heaven and while on earth we are to represent Christ in everything we do. It is our job to represent Christ to the world and to preach His message. By studying His word we will be able to give reasons and to prove by the Word to the lost why Christ is our hope. The word of God will set you free, so discover His truth in the word and enjoy the freedom and peace it brings.
"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ( John:8:32Now there was there a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they entreated him that he would give them leave to enter into them. And he gave them leave. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. )
For more information visit www.walkthru.org
